I tried to sleep. I practised numerous breathing techniques, but after forty-five minutes I still couldn’t fall asleep. It’s always you that my mind pictures. I can hear the melody of your voice. Sometimes I see you smile, sometimes laugh, and sometimes I see you with him. When my eyes grow teary, I wipe them two or three times. I don’t want to cry. I don’t want to feel sad. I want to let you go—I really do, sometimes. But I can’t. Not because I still have hope, but because I still love you. Love doesn’t fade just because we wish it to. I’m tired. After working non-stop for fourteen days, my body needs rest, but my mind refuses to slow down.

Tokyo, Japan

October 27, 2025