Ritsu descended the stairs slowly, trying not to think that it might be the last time he walked on them. He had lived there since his mother died when he was only six years old. His aunt had taken him in with love but also with difficulty. A widow struggling to make ends meet, she had raised him with affection and dedication. She had provided a home, a family, and an education. She had taught him to read and write, to pray and meditate. In her teachings, she had conveyed her love for knowledge and her faith in Buddha.

At the foot of the stairs, his aunt awaited him with a humility that couldn’t disguise her dignity. Dressed simply, she radiated an essence that couldn’t be overlooked. Her eyes, deep and expressive, reflected pride and sadness in equal measure, like two rivers merging into one.

“Ritsu,” she called out with a soft voice. “It is time.”

He approached her and hugged her tightly, as if that embrace could contain all the gratitude and affection he felt.

“Aunt,” he murmured, voice breaking, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

She caressed him tenderly.

“You don’t have to repay me, child,” she said softly. “You are my nephew, my blood, my family. All I want is for you to be happy and to chase your dreams.”

“But I don’t want to leave you alone with my cousin,” he admitted, fighting back tears. “It’s strange... now I don’t want to leave this place.”

His aunt dabbed his tears with her handkerchief.

“Don’t cry, Ritsu,” she urged. “Goodbyes always hurt.”

After a moment, she released him and looked into his eyes.

“You are a special boy,” her voice solemn. “You have passed the empire’s toughest exam.”

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She smiled at him warmly.

“I am immensely proud of you, Ritsu. You will do great things, learn a lot, and I know you will honor your mother’s memory.”

She handed him a cloth bag, and Ritsu opened it curiously.

Inside, he found a small, worn book. It was his aunt’s favorite, the one she had read to him over and over again during his childhood. The book housed the stories of heroes and wise men of the past, the legends of gods and demons.

A lump formed in his throat at the sight of the book.

He had loved those fables as a child.

“Aunt... I can’t accept this...”

“Yes, you can,” she affirmed warmly. “It is yours, you deserve it. It is a very special book. It will accompany you on your journey and remind you of where you come from. Now, go and fulfill your dreams.”

“Ritsu! Ritsu! Wait!”

Just as Ritsu was about to leave, a voice called out from the stairs.

It was Miyako, with her hair still damp from the shower and wearing her best kimono, though it showed signs of wear. She ran towards him and hugged him with a desperation that seemed to tear at her heart.

“Ritsu, please don’t go!” she exclaimed through sobs. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

Ritsu returned the hug and stroked her hair.

“I’ll miss you too, Miyako.”

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.

“Why do you have to go?” she asked amidst sobs. “Why won’t you stay with us?”

Ritsu smiled sadly at her and gently wiped away her tears.

“You know why I have to go, Miyako,” he replied softly. “It’s our chance to escape poverty.”

Miyako nodded with understanding and gazed at him admiringly.

“Yes, I know...”

Ritsu returned the smile and then gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Miyako hugged him again and whispered in his ear.

“I love you so much, Ritsu,” she said with a trembling voice. “Never forget me.”

He whispered back in her ear.

“I love you too, Miyako… I will never forget you. You and your mother are all I have left.”

Miyako stepped back from him, filled with determination, and looked him in the eyes.

“Make me a promise... Promise me you’ll come back someday!”

Ritsu took her hands and squeezed them firmly.

“I promise, Miyako,” he assured her. “I will come back someday, for you both... When I do, I hope you’ve learned to put the right amount of salt in dinner by yourself.”

They all laughed, even Miyako, who blushed and playfully hit him on the arm.

“You’re a fool, Ritsu!”

He smiled wistfully.

He knew he would miss all those moments.

“I know, I know,” he replied. “But I couldn’t leave without one last joke.”

Miyako forgave him with a smile.

“This time I’ll let it slide, but don’t get used to it!”