~Present time~

Cooing and giggling filled the air as the newborn explored her tiny world with her delicate hands. One hand reached out, instinctively searching for the warmth of her mother's touch, while the other found its way to her mouth, where she blissfully sucked on her tiny fingers. Hana cradled her precious infant in her arms, her heart swelling with love as she rocked gently in the rocking chair that her aunt had thoughtfully gifted her. The rhythmic motion echoed the tender moments they were sharing, and a loving smile graced Hana's face—motherhood is truly a blessing.

As Hana glanced out her bedroom window, the dawn painted the sky in stunning shades of orange and gold, each hue a brushstroke of hope. She marveled at the breathtaking view, feeling a renewed sense of peace wash over her. It had been just a week since she had returned home from the hospital, a week since she had brought Tsumiki into this world.

And a week of being back to the familiar embrace of her aunt's loving home. How she had missed this place! The house remained unchanged, just as she had left it three years prior when she had run away. Yet, in her absence, the walls had held on to memories, and now they welcomed her back with open arms.

In this moment, Hana felt a sense of home that she had never truly experienced before. Home was not merely a structure; it was a feeling—one she cherished more than anything else.

Hours after she gave birth, police and detectives began questioning Hana about her disappearance; where she had been, what had happened, and inquiries regarding Megumi Fushiguro. Their intent was to understand her situation and ensure her safety. While it's generally advisable to cooperate with the authorities, Hana expressed that she needed some time before answering their questions. The same went for the local news media, which the journalists made her feel overwhelmed. After all, she had just returned home and had given birth just a mere week ago!

However, the only one who she truly shared her story was Angel, as Hana believed she was the only one deserving of answers and explanations for the pain Hana inflicted on her only family.

As Hana nestled her nose against Tsumiki's soft cheek, Hana couldn't help but laugh softly when the baby cooed louder in response. "You are so beautiful, my little angel. Oh, how much I love you," she whispered gently, planting delicate kisses atop her baby's head, each one a promise of endless love and protection.

The bond between Hana and her newborn had blossomed beautifully over the past few days. Each moment spent nursing, cradling, and nurturing Tsumiki filled Hana with purpose. Although her aunt insisting that Tsumiki could stay in her aunt's room to give Hana time to rest and recover. However, Hana still wants her daughter close by. Her aunt even hinted at hiring a nanny, but Hana felt an undeniable urge to be the one caring for Tsumiki.

The experience was not just about motherhood; it was a vital part of her healing journey after the trials she had faced. This little life was her light, illuminating the path toward recovery.

Despite the reality that infant care would require early morning feedings, diaper changes, and soothing cries in the stillness of the night—tasks that often left new mothers exhausted—Hana does not even mind one bit. The mere thought of being there for her daughter filled her with joy. Through every diaper change, every late-night feeding, every burping session, she felt an overwhelming enchantment. For Hana, every challenge was a testament to her love, and as long as she could hold Tsumiki close, everything would be okay.

Suddenly, Tsumiki began to squirm, letting out a small whine that echoed through the cozy room. With a gentle touch, Hana lifted her head, concern etching her brow but warmth flooding her heart. "Oh, my little Tsumiki, what is it? Do you need a diaper change?" she asked softly, her voice filled with tenderness. She gently stand up with her daughter in her arm and carried her to the changing table by her wardrobe.

Hana carefully placed newborn Tsumiki on the changing table and began unbuttoning her fluffy pink onesie thanks to her aunt and began the diaper change.

Carefully placing a new diaper and buttoning her onesie and throw away the dirty diaper to the small trash bin. "Now that's much better." She smiles at her newborn daughter, began ticking her as Tsumiki giggles.

"I love you so much. You are my light Hana softened her face as the baby cooed, smiling back at her mother with those innocent eyes that seemed to twinkle in the soft morning light. "I do not know I would do if you didn't exist." Maybe I would have ended my life...

The baby continues to coo, the sound bubbling up like a melody that filled the room with warmth.

"I'm so happy you didn't have to be born in that awful house... I'm so glad I was able to escape before that evil man could have a chance to get rid of you. You would have been dead... or ended up being sold as his own...imports..." Hana's tone faltered, shadows creeping into her heart. She gently held her tiny hands, squeezing them as if to assure the baby that she was safe now. "And I will blame and hate myself forever for being so naive, for not listening to....him...when I should have," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with regret.

Tsumiki's tiny hands curling around Hana's fingers, responding to the warmth of her touch.

"Now, we are no longer trapped in that miserable place where that devil used to live," Hana said with a tender smile, though tears began to form at the edges of her eyes. She let out a soft sigh, each breath filled with the weight of her past. "You won't have to feel his cruelty, his wrath, his threats... and especially, you won't have to endure the torments and assaults that I had..."

Vivid memories surged through her mind, each one a jagged piece of pain and fear. She shook her head as if to dispel them, focusing on the tiny miracle in her arms.

Hana planted soft kisses on the small forehead, feeling the warmth of the baby's skin against her lips. "We can be together as a family, away from all that pain. I love you, my angelic sunshine," she declared, her heart swelling with hope.

The baby smiled, a little drool escaping her gummy mouth—a perfectly imperfect moment that made Hana giggle. She lovingly swiped the drool away with her sleeve. "And I know he will love you so much too. Full of care and protection," she said while running her fingers gently through the baby's soft brown hair.

The baby cooed heartily, a sound that melted Hana's heart, chasing away the shadows that lingered in her mind.

"Hana. Are you still up? You and Tsumiki should be sleeping. It is almost 6 in the morning, sweetie," a voice called from the doorway. Hana turned her head and saw Angel stepping in with a tired look, stifling a yawn in her robes.

"Oh, good morning, Angel! We both were just... uh, bonding. I changed her diaper," Hana replied, her cheeks flushing slightly as her excitement tumbled out.

"Hana, that is wonderful, and I love the bond you have with Tsumiki; it's beautiful. But you're still young and need plenty of rest, especially after everything you went through," Angel said gently, walking toward them with a nurturing smile.

Hana looked at Angel, feeling the weight of her words, and nodded, understanding that rest was essential for their new beginning. "I know... I just can't help but cherish these moments." She glanced at her baby, who was gazing back at her, seemingly understanding every word spoken.

"We had discussed that I would take care of Tsumiki so you could finally get plenty of rest. You haven't had any real rest for a week after you gave birth, especially since you came back home." Angel pointed out.

Hana gently picks up her daughter, cradling her lovingly in her arms. With a soft sigh, she nestled Tsumiki closer, savoring the peace that surrounded them. "I...I want to be near her. I know my body is still exhausted, and sometimes my mind feels like it's in a fog, but...she is healing my wounds. Just holding her makes everything feel a little lighter."

Angel smiles warmly and rubs the baby's head, "It's wonderful to hear that, but you really need to focus on your physical health too. If you don't, you might just pass out. According to Doctor Ieri, new mothers need to prioritize rest for at least 6 to 8 weeks while the body heals. It's essential for your recovery and the well-being of both you and Tsumiki."

"I know...I know." Hana soft says.

Angel watches as Hana holds Tsumiki close to her chest, the soft warmth of the baby filling her with a mix of confidence and anxiety. "I'm kinda afraid."

"What do you mean?" Angel asks gently, tilting her head in concern.

"I mean... if I go to sleep, I'm terrified that I won't see her when I wake up. I know it sounds silly, but I don't want to miss a single moment with her. I'm afraid she will vanish if she's not right by my side." Hana admits, her voice trembling slightly.

Angel's heart aches at Hana's worries. She knows how deeply Hana has been impacted by her journey, and the trauma from it has made her feel vulnerable, even amongst her joy. "I understand, sweetie. But I promise you, when you wake up, she will be here, all happy and safe, just as you left her. You have my word. Please, you should rest in my bedroom, and I will take over for a little while." Angel places her hand on Hana's shoulder, squeezing gently to reassure her.

"I...I don't know..." Hana murmurs, hesitating.

"How about this: I will wake you up at 2 PM sharp. Once you wake up, you will find Tsumiki safe and sound with me, wide awake and happy. I'll be your very own alarm clock," Angel proposes, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

With a deep sigh, Hana finally gives in and nods, "Not a minute more."

Angel's face lights up with a smile as she gently takes Tsumiki from Hana's arms, cradling her with affection. The love in her eyes reflects how proud she is of Hana. "It's only been a week, and you are already doing such an excellent job as a mother. You are incredibly strong, you know?"

As Hana starts to relax a bit, the weight of anxiety begins to lift. She smiles as her cheeks flush, "Thank you auntie."

"Now, let's go to bed. We will continue this when you wake up," Angel says gently, leading Hana out of her bedroom while cradling her grandniece in her arms.

"You're right," Hana replies, stifling a yawn.

As they walk down the dimly lit hallway, Angel hesitates for a moment before speaking again. "I also want to let you know that I received an email from Miwa last night. She says that she and the others want to come and see you and Tsumiki next week. If that's okay with you?"

Hana's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and anxiety washing over her despite her fatigue. "W-What? Really? Even after everything I said to them..." Her thoughts race back to the past. Before she had run away with Megumi, she would ignored her friends' warnings, and she had told them off in a moment of anger. Guilt quickly settled in her heart, leaving her feeling exposed.

Angel nods reassuringly. "All that matters to them is that you came home safe and sound. They were devastated when you left, but nothing could destroy the friendship you all share, despite what happened."

Hana feels a wave of relief wash over her, mixed with happiness at the thought of seeing her friends again. She's surprised they're willing to visit, especially considering they're all in university now, living in another city. The anticipation of a reunion fills her with warmth.

"Tell her I said of course, and that I miss them so much!" Hana says, her voice brightening as they reach Angel's bedroom door. Angel opens the door, revealing a cozy atmosphere filled with soft light and comforting scents.

"Goodnight... uh, good morning, Angel," Hana softy laughs, glancing at her daughter in Angel's arms. The little one is waving her tiny hands, her eyes sparkling with innocence.

"I'll see you when I wake up, my treasure," Hana whispers, placing gentle kisses on her daughter's forehead, feeling a surge of love.

"Sleep well, Hana, okay?" Angel says softly, also kissing Hana on the head. "You don't have to worry; everything will be just fine."

"I know I trust you." Hana stepped in, turning her head to face Angel, her expression a mix of worry and affection. "If another journalist comes by... please don't shout at them to leave like the other day." A playful laugh escaped lips, trying to ease the tension that lingered in the air.

Angel chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "You know me too well. They have no right seek answers from your experience when you just got back... You should focus on your recovery. Not just your physical health." Her gaze was steady, a reminder that Hana needed to tend to her own well-being, both inside and out.

Hana nodded, her fingers fidgeting as she bit her bottom lip, a habit that spoke of her anxiety. "And can you keep me updated on any news from Dr. Ieri? I want to know if the test results for Tsumiki and me have come back. But mostly for Tsumiki. I really want to know if she can develop normally and that nothing has impacted her." Her voice trembled slightly, concern etching lines on her forehead. "Even though it happened during the first four months... I-I..."

A shiver ran down Hana's spine as memories flooded in—those awful times when that man forced all those unprescribed medications, the rophynol mixtures, and toxic alkaloids down her throat. The thought of it sent a cold chill through her, and she struggled to push the memories aside. But the shadow of that experience loomed large, threatening to engulf her.

Angel grasped the essence of what she was saying. Although Hana hadn't shared every detail of her ordeal, she did mention the significant part where that repulsive man had drugged her against her will.

"Don't overthink this too much," Angel said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Hana's shoulder. "doctor Ieri said she doesn't see any concerns regarding Tsumiki's blood or body that indicate stunted growth or brain development problems. Please, have faith." Her voice was warm but firm, a comforting anchor for Hana's spiraling thoughts. "They specifically mentioned that she is very healthy and her weight is just right, making it highly unlikely for any serious issues to arise."

Hana felt a weight lifting from her chest as Angel shared the good news, a bloom of hope igniting within her. The worry she'd been carrying began to ease. "Yeah, you're right," she replied, her voice steadier now, bolstered by the reassurance. "I just... I can't help but worry. She's my world."

Angel smiled softly, squeezing Hana's shoulder for emphasis. "I know she's going to be really okay."

Hana feeling the tension ease as she heads to bed.

————

She didn't look at him. Her hands lay still in her lap, trembling slightly as she sat on the soft couch, where her lover knelt before her. The weight of the moment pressed heavily between them, a chasm of disbelief and hurt. "Everything we shared, every moment we fought for, and now you want to throw it all away... all because of your 'job'... a job you lied to me about. A job you promised you'd never do again."

"I know," he sighed, the depth of his regret almost crippling. "It was the worst decision I've ever made, but I can't go back now." He reached for her hands, cradling them in his as he knelt before her. "Staying here in this apartment isn't safe anymore. For you."

Hana lifted her gaze, confusion twisting her face. "What are you saying?"

"It's for the best," he whispered, sorrow creeping into his voice, thick and suffocating. "Tomorrow morning, I'm taking you to a women's shelter in Nagoya. Downtown."

A pit formed in her stomach as dread washed over her. "Huh. Why in Nagoya? We're in Tokyo...What about you? Why aren't you coming with me?" The words escaped her lips, laced with panic.

He closed his eyes, pain etched across his features. "I can't. I can't be anywhere near you. It's for your own safety."

"What? Where are you going?" Her voice trembled, breaths coming in quick, sharp gasps.

He shook his head, his heart heavy. "I can't tell you. All I can say is... you won't see me anymore. I can't risk you being in danger."

"What the hell do you mean you can't tell me?" Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, blurring her vision. "You drop this insane news on me and then... you can't even explain? You're saying you can't be with me anymore."

"Hana," he said softly, wishing he could take her pain away. "I'm so sorry."

"No... don't do this to me. Why?" Her voice broke, raw and shattering. "You promised... What about our future? The wedding? A family? Growing old together..." Each word felt like a dagger to his heart, twisting deeper.

"If there's a chance in this godforsaken world, there's no doubt in my mind that I want that kind of lifestyle with you. A marriage. A large home. A family." He lifted his hand to cradle her cheek, a gesture filled with tenderness, but overshadowed by the dark reality looming over them. "I've always imagined how beautiful you'd look in that wedding dress, in the big church you've always dreamed of." His gaze dropped, sorrow drenching his voice. "But now... I don't think that's a possibility anymore, not with the path I've chosen. I can't let you be a part of it."

"We can still fix this! You can still turn it around! Maybe if we ask Suk—"

"Hana. There's no turning back. And that piece of shit is the reason I got myself into this mess in the first place." His voice firm, every word tasted bitter. "I had already told you countless times he is no good and will never be."

The weight of finality hung thick in the air. She gasped, feeling the sting of abandonment creep into the edges of her heart. "I..I...c-can't believe you're leaving me...."

"I'm trying to protect you," he replied, but it sounded hollow even to his own ears.

"But it doesn't feel like protection. It feels like you're tearing my world apart!" The silence that ensued was deafening, the kind of silence that wrapped around them like a thick fog—heavy, and impossibly cold.

She began to weep, "I don't want us to be apart. Where I go now?"

He reached out, gently brushing the tears from her cheeks, his heart heavy with the weight of their situation. "Home. To your real home, where you actually belonged. You have everything there; A loving aunt, great friends, and a place where you can feel safe...everything. I don't." He brokenly sighed.

Tears are swelling up on Hana' eyes.

"I should have never let you come with me if I knew I could never give you this life."  He says. "I was too selfish."

"S-Stop...pl-please...no. Don't say that! You are my whole life, and I don't want that to be taken away! Please, come with me!" Her voice cracked as she broke down completely, shoulders shaking as she let out a loud, anguished sob that seemed to echo in the thick silence around them.

"I'm sorry. I can't... I can't. Hana. I'm so sorry... Tomorrow morning, before I drop you off, I'll give you enough money for a motel, taxi, and a bus ticket back to Kyoto. All I want is you to go home. Don't look back." He wrapped his arms around her in a desperate attempt to provide comfort, but his heart felt like it was crumbling within his chest.

"No, no, no!" She pushed against him, but her strength faded as she leaned into him instead. "Don't leave me, please... please...," she cried into his chest, clutching tightly to his baggy sweater, her tears soaking the fabric. "Megumi."

He pressed his lips softly against her blonde hair, each kiss heavy with unspoken emotion. His heart shattered further with every tremble of her body, knowing that their time together was slipping through his fingers like sand.

Hana slowly opened her large eyes, staring up at the ceiling where a fan whispered softly overhead. The sight felt foreign to her, and as she looked around, she raised her head as her her heart began to race.

No..no no! P-Please don't let it be—

It struck her that she is in her aunt's bedroom. She let out a huge sigh of relief and lean her head back. Her gaze fell to the alarm clock – just five minutes until noon. Her aunt wouldn't be here for a few minutes.

Stretching with a soft yawn, she felt a strange sense of restfulness, a brief moment of reprieve from the turmoil that had consumed her. She hasn't slept this well for a long time. But soon, a small itch on her nose drew her attention, and as she scratched, the wetness on her cheek registered.

Hana realized she had been crying in her sleep; the remnants of her dreams clung to her consciousness like shadows that refused to disperse.

Her heart swelled with the memory of their last moments together – the laughter, the whispered promises, the unbreakable bond that now felt so painfully severed.

Quickly, she wiped the tear stains from her face just as the bedroom door creaked open.

"Good afternoon, sweetheart!" Her aunt beamed brightly as she entered, holding Tsumiki in her arms. She moved around the queen-sized bed, opening the large curtains to let the harsh sunlight spill into the room. Hana squinted against the sudden brightness, instinctively turning away, her heart aching at the contrast between the warmth of the sun and the cold emptiness settling inside her.

Like the good old times.

"I'm hoping you had a wonderful sleep!" Angel says cheerfully, a light laugh escaping her lips as she strides over to Hana, who's sitting on the bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "After waking up so early and taking care of little Tsumiki, you deserve a break."

"Oh, absolutely! Those full hours of rest are just what I needed to keep going," Hana replies with a warm smile, glancing fondly at her aunt and her beautiful daughter.

"That's great to hear! You know what that means, Tsumiki? Mommy is all rested and re-energized!" Angel exclaims, her voice playful as she gently tickles the baby's chest, coaxing a delightful cooing from her. "I think Tsumiki is eager to see her mommy now," she teases, carefully handing the baby over to Hana.

With a heart brimming with love, Hana eagerly cradles her newborn in her arms, rocking her gently. "My precious little lily! How I've missed you, my sweet girl! Did you miss Mommy too? I know you did!" she croons, planting soft kisses on Tsumiki's forehead and holding her close against her heart.

Witnessing this tender moment between mother and daughter fills Angel with overwhelming joy and admiration, making her heart swell with warmth. She can't help but smile as she takes in their beautiful bond.

"Hana, I have some... exciting news for you," Angel says, her eyes gleaming as she reaches for her phone, scrolling through her emails with anticipation.

Curiosity piqued, Hana lifts her head, her interest fully caught. "What kind of news?"

"Just read this," Angel responds, her smile brightening as she hands her phone to Hana. The young mother takes the device with one hand while cradling her baby with the other, her heart racing with anticipation.

As Hana reads the screen, a sense of anxiety washes over her. She scans the test results thoroughly, each line filling her with emotion. Suddenly, her eyes light up with gratitude and pure joy.

"The test results say Tsumiki is going to develop perfectly! No brain issues, all healthy and growing regularly...and my body is just fine!" Hana exclaims, cradling her daughter even closer to her chest, her heart bursting with joy. She tilts her head back, gazing at the ceiling, tears of happiness brimming in her eyes. "Thank you God!"

"I told you, both of you are perfectly healthy and your bodies are great!" Angel leans in, wrapping her arms around both of them in a heartfelt embrace. "I always knew this would be the case!" She plants gentle kisses on their heads, savoring the moment.

Hana's eyes sparkle with happiness as she smiles back at her aunt. "Thank you, Angel!"

————

"Do you want 2 or 3 eggs? The salmon is still in the oven and won't be done for another 30 minutes," Angel calls out over the sizzling sounds of the stove. She moves with practiced ease, flipping pancakes while keeping an eye on the time. The aroma fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.

"Only 2! Make an omelet! Dr. Ieri insisted I should eat enough rich proteins after childbirth," Hana replies from the living room, her voice cheerful but slightly strained as she concentrates on the baby swing she's been assembling. She's perched on the couch, leaning forward to adjust the rotating wooden toy bar above the swing, clicking it into place with a satisfying sound.

"There!" Hana beams at the baby swing she built herself, her heart swelling with pride. While it had been challenging to assemble, her determination and patience paid off. The swing's soft, plush seat cradles a small baby like a gentle hug. It's a beautifully designed, modern swing with a sleek frame, calming pastel colors, and an array of whimsical animal motifs. The sensors allow it to automatically adjust to her baby's movements, and the gentle sounds of lullabies and nature are soothing in the background.

It was incredibly kind of Angel to purchase the swing for her, especially one equipped with sensing technology that features a timer and auto shut-off. This means Hana can set it up to swing her baby comfortably, though she often prefers the personal touch of swinging by hand. She still isn't quite sure if technology can be trusted alone with her little one.

Hana stretches and gazes at her baby, who is dressed adorably in a pink flower onesie. The tiny girl is laying next to her on the sofa, suckling her thumb while reflexive kicking her little legs. In her other hand, she's grasping a fluffy bunny that Angel had also gifted Tsumiki.

With a warm smile spreading across her face, Hana whispers, "My flower, I built your own swing." She leans forward, her face meeting her baby's tiny features, and her heart melts. "I hope you will like it!" With utmost care, she gently places her baby into the swing, buckling her up securely and positioning the stuffed bunny beside her for comfort.

"That's it!" Hana exclaims, admiring how adorable her baby looks nestled in the swing. But as she takes another look around, a thought strikes her.

"Oh no! I forgot to hang those cute small animals!" Her eyes widen as she swiftly grabs a decorated box from the side. Digging through the contents, she rummages excitedly, searching for the three cheerful plush animals she'd planned to dangle from the toy bar.

"Elephant!" Hana exclaimed, placing the stuffed toy on her lap with a grin. She reached back into the box, pulling out another treasure. "Awww, a froggie!" She added the plush frog to her growing collection on her lap. "Last but not least..." She paused as her fingers brushed the soft fabric of the final toy, her breath hitching in her throat.

The stuffed animal was a white, fluffy wolf. Its plush coat glistened in the light, and its button eyes seemed to sparkle with life. Hana gazed at the adorable wolf, cradling it gently in both hands as memories flooded her mind. It reminded her of...his childhood pet—his beloved dog. He would tell her how much the dog meant to him as well with pictures.

As tears threatened to spill from her eyes, she shut them tightly, seeking solace in the memories. They rushed back, vivid and bittersweet, until the moment was abruptly interrupted by her aunt's voice breaking through the haze of her thoughts.

"Lunch time!" Angel called from the kitchen, her cheerful tone pulling Hana back to the present.

Hana shook her head, dispelling the emotions and carefully setting the plush wolf down. She then turned to face her aunt, who was approaching with a steaming hot plate full of egg omelette with a scoop of brown rice in her hands.

"You already built the swing by yourself?" Angel's eyes widened in disbelief as she walked around the couch, delicately laying the hot plate on the coffee table. "I thought we were going to do that together?"

Hana scratched her head sheepishly, a small laugh escaping her lips. "I'm sorry, Angel! I just wanted to see if I could do it."

"Well that looks incredible!" Angel exclaimed, her smile stretching wide as she took in Hana's handiwork.

Hana felt a warm blush creep onto her cheeks at the praise. "T-Thanks!" she stammered, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment.

"I'm honestly surprised," Angel continued, her tone playful yet genuine. "Not that I didn't think you could build one, but you sometimes get a bit confused when it comes to piecing things together or struggle to complete projects solo."

Hana giggled, her heart lightening. "I guess my time in Tokyo taught me a thing or two," she replied, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she reminisced.

Angel's eyes softened as she took a seat next to Hana, gently stroking her short hair. "You must have learned a lot in the real world, didn't you? I can't imagine what you've truly been through—all the excitement mixed with horror."

Hana's smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression. "To be honest...it was a reckless decision to run away. I was so blinded. But those first two years... they weren't all bad. Sure, we faced money troubles and a rough living situation, but overall, there was a sense of bliss... because he was there."

"Hana..." Angel began gently.

"Angel, I know. But please just hear me out." Hana pleaded, her voice trembling. "Megumi never harmed me or did anything that could impact my life negatively. He always tried to give me the best possible." She closed her eyes, memories flooding. "But the more he tried, the more problems he inadvertently caused. He would hide it from me because he wants me to be happy before he realized. Despite everything... he even urged me to go home. To you. To everyone."

Hana's face twisted in pain, but Angel could see the truth reflected in her eyes. "He loved me."

Angel sighed, "He had tried his best to be the best provider for you. However, I cannot forgive him for taking you away even if it was on your will." She felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over her.

"Angel, I understand. I also understand you don't approve of him, but please just listen. He was my protector—he did everything he could. Yes, he made mistakes, and that was the reason he had left me after he dropped me off at Nagoya's women shelter, but..." Her voice dropped to a whisper as she turned her gaze away from Angel, shame wrapping around her words. "I couldn't let go. I didn't want to be apart from him. So I didn't listen. I tried to find him... I called him, looked for him everywhere—even went back to our old apartment. But he had vanished..."

"Oh sweetheart," Angel sighed, reaching out for Hana's hand.

"And... I had reached out for help," Hana continued, her heartbeat quickening. "From what I thought were his friends. Even though he told me never to contact them... I guess I was so naive. That one man I thought could help me. He portrayed himself as a nice guy, but... he was a devil in disguise."

Angel could feel Hana's distress, her hands starting to shake.

"He did so much, Angel. So much to others....victims...me....," Hana confessed, her voice breaking. "So much that I thought I wouldn't survive... worse, that my pregnancy was in danger."

Angel's eyes widened, her heart aching for her niece.

"Angel... please don't look at me as a degenerate human being. But..." Tears filled Hana's eyes as she met Angel's gaze. "I don't even know if Tsumiki is really Megumi's..."

"Hana. Honey. Please, that's enough. You don't have to tell me more," Angel urged, tears forming in her own eyes as she grasped the heavy burden of Hana's words. "It's okay."

"I... I was so foolish. I could have gone home sooner... I didn't listen to his warnings. I paid the price because of my naivety and selfishness. I guess I had to learn the hard way," Hana said, her voice barely audible as she fought against the wave of self-reproach.

"Don't blame yourself, okay? I know Megumi wouldn't want you to keep all of this bottled up inside," Angel says, squeezing Hana's shoulders gently to comfort her. "You've been through so much, and everything you did was out of love. Megumi wants you safe. What matters most right now is that you and Tsumiki are home, safe and sound."

Hana sniffs, tears glistening in her eyes. "I just feel so awful for putting you all through this," Hana replies, shakingly. "I mean, you had to put up signs all over the city, making countless phone calls, even offering rewards for anyone who could find me... I really hope I didn't jeopardize anything or waste your time." Her voice trembles as she speaks, raw emotions spilling out.

"Don't worry about it, okay? It's all in the past now," Angel reassures her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "What's truly important is that we can move on from this. Right now, you're back home, and..." She pulls back slightly, her gaze landing on Hana's newborn. "You brought this beautiful life into the world, and it's time to protect and nurture her. Tsumiki needs you, and you need her, too."

Hana gazes down at her baby in the swing, her heart swelling as she watches her little one smiling, her tiny hands grasping on her stuff bunny. The innocence in her newborn's eyes lights up Hana's spirit.

"Yeah," Hana says with a small smile, wiping away her tears. "I'm the one who can show her to love, care, and happiness. I will always be her protector, be there for her, and shower her with love. How mothers actually do." She tenderly strokes her baby's cheek, feeling a profound sense of duty and affection. "She's my priority. And I know Megumi wants me to keep going."

Angel's eyes soften as she watches Hana, pride swelling in her heart. "Absolutely." She claps her hands together, "Alright, let's eat before your food gets cold... oh, crap!" she suddenly exclaims, jumping up from the couch and rushing to the kitchen to check the oven.

Hana giggles softly at Angel's frantic movement, her spirit lifting as she looks at her daughter, who is trying to reach out with her tiny arms. Hana mimics baby noises, her heart lighter. "You are my everything," she says, allowing a sad smile to cross her face. "Even if you're not his, he will see you as his own. We love you regardless."

From the large window, the sun shines brightly, illuminating the room as Hana settles back in her couch after hanging three small stuffed animals on the toy bar than grab the plate and began eating as she uses her foot to swing her newborn. Smiling lovingly. The warmth of her child and the support of her aunt enveloping her. In that moment, she knows they will face whatever comes next together, hand in hand, heart to heart.