Deep within a local hospital, a dreadful silence engulfs the area. The distinctive smell of antiseptic and chloroform invades my nostrils, while my ears are constantly rung by the sound of my own footsteps.

Yup, it’s me, Fuutsuno Hakuen, now 23 years old. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. Well, that’s because…

A sudden ring of the phone interrupts my thoughts. Turning on the device only to see an unknown number, I hesitantly pick up the call:

“Hello?”

“Yo, miss me?”

“Yoichi?” I exclaim in shock. “Since when did you return to Japan? And what’s with the new number?”

“Don’t you remember?” A chuckle can be heard from the other side. “My phone went kaput way back, so I thought it was as good of a chance as ever to replace my number anyway.”

“You do realize that you can still preserve your SIM card, right?”

“Eh, with those new models, you have to cut them smaller. Never a fan anyway.”

I can imagine him shrugging at the remark with a disinterested look.

“Well, at least that explains why none of us could get in touch with you as soon as you left school,” I let out a sigh of defeat, before changing the topic into a more joyous one. “By the way, how’s that theme park project of yours doing?”

“Very well, obviously,” Yoichi huffs proudly. “These past few years were just me getting the funds needed, but I’ve finally started the construction phase. It should be ready for opening in about three years.”

“That’s great! But then I guess you wouldn’t need more hands on the job, right?” I let out a teasing grin.

Replying to me is the same kind of snicker. “Why wouldn’t I want help from the country’s biggest construction company – Wah!!!”

“Wah?” I ask in confusion. That just now was clearly a baby’s cry.

“Sorry,” answers Yoichi. “It’s my kid.”

“Your kid?” My eyes widen in shock. “Since when did you get married?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“I didn’t. Found her on the construction site just a few days ago. I’ve been taking care of her since, and will continue until I find her parents.”

“Is there a name anywhere? That could help with your search.”

“There is, but it’s weird,” sighs Yoichi. “Mitsuhito Ryuuhan. It doesn’t even sound like a name; I mean, who would have ‘third person’ as a last name in the first place?”

Pausing a bit, he surprisingly continues:

“But hey, maybe it’s not so bad. Maybe I can take after you, right?”

“How did you know…”

“Told you, right?” Yoichi lets out a hearty laugh. “My eyes are sharper than most. Look out the window.”

To my astonishment, staring inside the building is already a black crow in a suspended motion, constantly flapping its wings to stay afloat.

“You’re scarily psychic sometimes, you know that?”

“I get that a lot,” Yoichi answers with (assuming) a prideful look. “But more importantly, that should get rid of your worries a bit, am I right?”

Even if it’s been years since I’ve met him, Yoichi never ceases to amaze me.

“... Yeah. Thanks, I needed that.”

“Well, I should hang up now. Good luck with the new baby.”

“Wait, one last thing. What do you plan to call the park when it’s done?”

“Why now?”

“Just one last bit to really shake off the anxiety.”

“Haven’t thought of a name for now.” I can hear a laugh coming from the other side. “But I’ll call you as soon as I get one.”

“Looking forward to it.” I chuckle in return.

“Okay, I should really hang up now,” continues Yoichi. “The moment should come right about… now. Congrats on the new kid, Hakuen.”

Before I can say anything else, Yoichi has already hung up just as he said. And at the same time, another sound of frantic footsteps approaches me. Just as I turn around, a nurse has already asked:

“Mr. Fuutsuno Hakuen, right?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Congratulations! It’s a baby girl!”

Following the nurse’s directions, I make my way to the room with my feet on the clouds.

I creak the door open. Seeing the gentle scene of Natsume carefully holding onto a new, breathing life, finally I understand the value and joy of being a father.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” With a smile on her face, Natsume softly exclaims.

“The second most beautiful thing I’ve seen,” I answer, to which the person in question lightly blushes.

“Oh, you.”

“Have you thought of a name for her?” I ask.

“I was waiting for you to decide,” smiles Natsume. “She’s our child, after all.”

“Our child…” I mutter. The weight of these words ironically causes me to float even further in the high heavens.

I stay silent for a while, reminiscing about everything I’ve been through before today. Starting from a shitty rich kid with nothing but money. Losing that money to live in poverty for a year. Meeting the love of my life - my wife Natsume. Meeting my best friend, Yoichi. Falling out and making up with them. Realizing that money isn’t important in my life anymore, and regaining the fortune I was supposed to have with my own two hands…

“No matter what happens in life, she should have the ‘courage’ to face the ‘future’... Miki; what do you think?”

“Miki… I like it. Fuutsuno Miki.”

As if approving our choice, our little girl suddenly let out a heartfelt laugh, lightly clapping her little hands as well. Seeing her adorable gesture, Natsume can’t help but burst into laughter as well, and soon I follow suit. As the sound of joy echoes through the hospital, I can’t help but feel a shining hope for whatever future we might hold.