Tokyo - 2015

 

 

"Next stop is Shinjuku Station.

 

Shinjuku Station.

 

This is the last train on the Chuo Line bound for Tokyo Station."

 

The announcement blared loudly over the roar of the tracks within in the cramped train compartment. It was common for many evening trains to be packed with people going home from work or students heading home from cram school, but it was a whole different level when it was the last train of the night, passengers packed tightly together like sardines.

 

At age twenty-eight, Momo has lived in Tokyo for ten years after moving back to the prefecture for university. She was used to the fast-paced, chaotic flow of urban life.

 

Or rather than saying she was used to it, somewhere along the lines of existing in this suffocating city, Momo had grown numb.

 

After exiting the station, Momo re-wrapped her scarf around her neck and stood in line for the bus heading towards her apartment. Although it was freezing and past eleven, the streets were still bustling with crowds of people enjoying the night, couples especially. It wasn't surprising considering it was Christmas.

 

The bus ride home wasn't as crowded as the train. As usual, Momo took a spot at the very back of the bus next to the window, resting her head against the glass and watched her surroundings slowly pass. She wasn't gazing at anything particular. She wanted to keep herself distracted.

 

When it was her stop, Momo was the only one who got off. It was always like this because of how often she worked late. Unlike near Shinjuku Station and the bus terminal, her neighborhood was completely empty. There were no other people around. It was something Momo liked about coming home so late.

 

Momo felt her phone vibrate in her coat pocket. She pulled out her smartphone to see she was receiving a phone call with "湊崎紗夏" flashing across the screen.

 

Minatozaki Sana.

 

Her girlfriend of three years.

 

The phone kept vibrating violently in her hand.

 

Sana's name continued to flicker.

 

But Momo didn't pick up.

 

She knew her heart was aching but she couldn't feel it. She couldn't bring herself to answer the call. She hollowly stared at her phone until the vibrating stopped. There was no notification of a voicemail being left.

 

It was the sight of snow falling that made Momo lift her head and stare up into the sky.

 

She exhaled a large puff of warm air that dissipated into the air.

 

She felt as empty as the blackened sky above her.

 

The chilling temperature numbed her face but it didn't compare to the numbness she felt within her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Momo met Sana three years ago at their company bōnenkai. It was the only time of the year where all the departments get together for a loud (and messy) night filled with food and alcohol.

 

Typically, Momo wasn't the type to attend such parties but one of her senpais was adamant on Momo going, practically dragging Momo to the restaurant the company reserved for all its employees. Unlike the majority of her coworkers, Momo had a decently high alcohol tolerance but even though the drinks were free, she still drank her beers at a moderate pace while eating in between.

 

At some point, the senpai Momo came with disappeared into another room to mingle with other employees.

 

That was when Sana sat beside Momo and introduced herself.

 

"You're Hirai Momo from marketing and sales, right?"

 

"Yes, that's right." Momo paused to assess the woman's features. She had a small face with gentle brown eyes and a distinct nose that accentuated her natural beauty. She vaguely recalled seeing this woman a few times walking down the hallways of their company building. "And you are?"

 

"Minatozaki Sana. I'm part of the HR department. It's a pleasure meeting you," Sana bowed and followed up with a smile. "You're quite infamous among company staff. Your marketing strategies have improved its net income growth two years in a row while also being an elusive beauty that has broken many hearts."

 

There was a lighthearted playfulness to Sana's voice despite having just met Momo, but Momo couldn't help but smile and be drawn into Sana's captivating gaze.

 

Momo maintained her cool and took a sip of her beer. "I've been lucky to work with clients who have strong connections and influences. As for the breaking of hearts… I'm not into men."

 

Sana looked intrigued by the new bit of information. "So you're into women." Momo mentally noted how that wasn't a question.

 

Not that Momo was ashamed. She wasn't vocal about her preference but she wasn't afraid to admit she liked women if someone asked. "I've rejected a few women as well," she admitted.

 

Sana's eyes lit up mischievously and leaned in closer. "Oh really? Are you willing to share who?"

 

It could have been the alcohol (it was definitely the alcohol) but Momo was acutely aware of how close Sana was. She could tell from the rosy cheeks and the faint smell of Sana's breath that she had a few drinks herself.

 

But Momo also caught the faint smell of sweet citrus coming from Sana that tingled her senses in a pleasant way. For the rest of the night, Momo indulged in the charming woman's company.

 

The days that followed, Momo saw Sana two days a week, three if she was lucky. Being in different departments made it cumbersome to catch even a glimpse of each other during work. It was easier and more convenient to meet up after work. They would take turns spending evenings drinking at one of Momo's favorite izakayas in Shibuya or spending afternoons walking around the shrines and temples in Asakusa where Sana resided, though they never stayed out too late because of work.

 

Momo enjoyed being around Sana. It was easy to strike up a conversation with her and they could talk for hours if they were able to. She learned Sana was also born from the Kansai region like herself, being born in Tennoji, Osaka. It had been awhile since Momo spoke with her native dialect. It was nice talking to Sana so comfortably.

 

Three months into their friendship, Sana invited herself over to Momo's apartment on a weekend they were both off.

 

"Amazing… So this what an apartment in central Shinjuku is like," Sana uttered with a comically deadpanned expression. She scurried to the bathroom and Momo heard her voice echo loudly. "And this bathtub! It's so nice and big! Not fair!" Sana's head peaked out. "I'm jealous of your apartment. I'm scared to know the cost…"

 

Momo laughed as Sana left the bathroom to join her by the low table in the middle of the room, taking the spot to Momo's right. "It's not as absurd as you're thinking."

 

"You should tidy your place though," Sana critiqued as she glanced at the piles of manga and stapled documents and spreadsheets that were simply on the floor. Her eyes land on a stack of five cigarette boxes that was next to a small television. Only one was opened while the other four remained in in their wrapping. "I didn't know you smoke."

 

Momo winced at the disapproval in Sana's tone. "Yeah. I smoke over my balcony."

 

"Every day?"

 

"A stick when I come home from work. Helps me unwind from stress," Momo tried explaining her defense. She could feel Sana gazing at her with concern but the other woman didn't press further.

 

They spent the evening talking about work and the latest gossip over cans of beer and unhealthy but delicious konbini snacks. After two cans each, neither were remotely close to being drunk but felt a light buzz and warm cheeks.

 

Momo had been with a few women before but none led to anything serious, so she wasn't oblivious to the flirtatious looks and smiles Sana had been throwing at her lately. Rather, Momo encouraged it by subtly flirting back because Sana was the first woman in a long time to make Momo feel at ease without asking Momo for anything in return.

 

That's why after an hour of tension between them, Momo wasn't surprised when Sana's lips crashed into hers. Momo welcomed it because Sana's lips were soft and she enjoyed the feeling of Sana's body pressed against hers while circling her arms around Momo's neck as the kiss deepened.

 

Pieces of clothing dropped to the floor one by one. It wasn't long before both of them were and continued exchanging heated kisses, each one hotter than the last. Sana laid herself on her back on Momo's bed, coaxing Momo to follow her with a beckoning finger. When Momo crawled on top of her, she found the sight of Sana's dark brown hair splayed across her pillow to be beautiful. A gentle smile graced Momo's lips and she moved her hand to rest atop of Sana's closest to her heart. While Momo reveled in the sound of Sana's gasp that sent a throb of desire within her, she couldn't help but realize just how fast Sana's heart was racing.

 

Momo's heart wasn't beating nearly as fast as Sana's.

 

Momo pressed her lips tightly together, but before she could think any further, she began her descent down between the other woman's legs so she could drown in the sound of Sana's moans instead of drowning her own thoughts.

 

 

 

 

Momo began seeing Sana after that night, and in the blink of an eye, two and a half years have passed. Their friendship-turned-relationship didn't change all that much except their outings were more extravagant and there was more intimacy than before.

 

Work became busier than before when they both received promotions in their respective departments. No one knew they were dating. It was for the best since news would spread like wildfire and as Sana mentioned before, Momo had a reputation. Momo preferred to avoid being bombarded by her coworkers and other employees if they found out she was going out with Sana. The added workload was enough. She didn't need more stress.

 

But the added stress found Momo regardless.

 

Momo should have seen it coming. The signs were starting to show.

 

Sana started sleeping over at Momo's apartment more frequently.

 

Sana tried suggesting taking their holiday vacation in Osaka. Momo knew that was because Sana wanted to introduce her to her parents.

 

Sana started to plan further and further into the future. Momo barely knew how to plan for the following week.

 

Momo understood why Sana was dropping all these subtle hints. They were both in their late twenties and will reach thirty in a couple of years. Within the two years of dating, Momo became adept at dancing around Sana's transitions.

 

However, Momo knew how outspoken Sana could be. It was only a matter of time until Sana asked.

 

"Do you love me?"

 

It happened in Momo's kitchen while Momo was in the middle of cooking them dinner. It came out of nowhere, emerging abruptly over the sound of Momo chopping green onions and the sound of water boiling in her stainless steel pot.

 

In the two years they have dated, Momo never once said she loved Sana. Not even liked. It didn't mean Momo didn't care about Sana. From the bottom of her heart, Momo deeply cared for the other woman.

 

But not once could she bring herself to admit the truth.

 

The night ended with an awkward, silent dinner before Sana excused herself to head home.

 

Momo never answered the question.

 

That was when Momo began avoiding Sana. She buried herself in her work, hiding within her cubicle with eyes glued to the computer screen, and worked overtime almost every shift she had to ensure she would not meet Sana outside the building. She rarely left her apartment and heavily relied on konbini food so she could remain indoors. She began smoking more. One cigarette a day became two. Sometimes even three.

 

Sana tried reaching out to her. Many times through calls and text messages, though, she never left any voicemails.

 

But although Momo opened the text messages and could see all the missed calls from Sana in her phone's log, she never responded or tried returning the calls. She couldn't muster the strength nor the courage to because she knew that meant she'd have to answer Sana's question.

 

Truthfully, it scared Momo how easy it was distance herself from Sana even though they have been dating for almost three years. It was easy to ignore the messages and the calls.

 

When she was in high school, Momo was really good at running.

 

Now, Momo became good at running away.

 

 

 

 

It was the day after Christmas.

 

Momo changed out of her work clothes and into a sweatpants and a matching sweater to stand on her balcony for her afternoon smoke. It was chilly outside but there was some semblance warmth as she filled the void inside her with smoke. A sense of temporary fulfillment.

 

A notification rang from inside her apartment. Momo exhaled the puff she took and dropped the cigarette to the ground, stepping down on it with her slipper and crushed it. Her apartment was dark with the exception of natural lighting coming from the open balcony. As Momo stepped indoors, she accidentally kicked over an empty can of Asahi beer on the floor and picked up her phone that was on top of the low table, the screen glowing almost ominously. Momo already knew the message was going to be from Sana but the tightness in her stomach told her something was different.

 

 

 

From: Sana-chan

 

Hi Momo-chan.

How are you doing?

I hope you've been well.

 

There's something that's been on my mind. For awhile now, I contemplated on whether or not I should even write this message until I realized how important it is to tell you.

 

Even though you've been pushing me away, I still love you.

 

But during our time apart, I realized that no matter how many conversations we have or if we exchange one thousand text messages, our hearts wouldn't even move one centimeter closer to each other. Every step I take to get closer to you, you take ten steps away.

 

It seems that no matter what I do, I can't reach you.

 

 

 

The message ended abruptly but Momo knew that this was the end to their relationship. It didn't need to be explicitly said. Momo knew it was coming. Momo knew she deserved it but it still stung anyway.

 

Momo looked around in her apartment. There were numerous empty cans of beer and small bags of trash that have piled up. The bed sheets were unkempt and there were still unwashed dishes in the sink. Momo stopped caring to clean up when Sana no longer came over.

 

Sana mentioned in her text message that she had been thinking during their time apart, and although it pained her to do so, Momo also did some thinking of her own.

 

It wasn't just the bags of trash and the dishes that were piling up.

 

By simply existing, immense sadness began piling up all around Momo.

 

For years, Momo had been searching for something that could fill the abysmal emptiness that resided in her heart. At one point, she had a dangerous obsessiveness searching for something, anything, that could make her feel, resulting in several one-night stands that led nowhere, only to temporarily fill the void. When Momo realized that sort of lifestyle would eventually spiral her into a level of depression she wouldn't get out of, she instead focused on her work, ignoring the heaviness and weariness that came with working for far too long.

 

When Momo began seeing Sana, she was desperately searching for that spark. Momo liked that Sana didn't ask for much in their relationship, but she knew it was only a matter of time before Sana began asking for more as their relationship went on. Momo didn't blame Sana for that. It was the next natural step. But Momo couldn't help but feel guilty that Sana was falling more and more in love with her when Momo's heart wasn't even close to beating together with Sana's. Momo was a coward, too afraid to tell Sana that not once has her heart raced around Sana throughout the duration of their relationship.

 

Momo thought it was better that she allowed time to do what it did best and weaken their bond.

 

Unable to take the empty darkness of her apartment any longer, Momo put on a pair of jeans and her coat to head out. She leaned against the very back wall and hung her head while listening to the dull, droning hum of the elevator as it made its descent. She exited the lobby to head out into the city, tugging her hood that was lined with faux fur over her head.

 

The streets of Shinjuku were crowded. Momo navigated through the sea of people, pushing when necessary, and headed inside her favorite Family Mart. A soft, rock song was playing on the overhead speakers while the scanner beeped with each product rung up at the register. Momo stood in front of the store's magazine rack in search of something to read at home.

 

Her eyes wandered to a science magazine with an image of a rocket on the front cover. Momo recognized it as the rocket she saw launched into the sky with Sakura ten years ago on Kagoshima. Skimming through the magazine, Momo learned that during its journey through space, the space probe connected to the rocket recently made it past Neptune and that it's on its way to the edges of the Solar System. Momo couldn't even begin to fathom just how far that rocket has gone. Even now as stood inside this small store, that rocket was still hurtling through space and was about to make unimaginable discoveries.

 

But Momo hasn't discovered anything these past ten years.

 

Her life has remained stagnant, stuck and unable to progress.

 

Momo lifted her gaze to stare at her reflection that was barely visible on the glass windows. Through her reflection  she noticed that it began to snow again.

 

That’s when Momo remembered she had a dream last night.

 

A dream that happened a long time ago.

 

Momo was walking next to a girl and trudged through a vast field of snow as more snow descended down on them. She couldn't see the girl's face but the girl's presence made Momo feel safe and sent a wave of warmth throughout her body. They couldn't have been more than thirteen years old but they braved the cruel weather that threatened to separate them in their own ways. Momo believed the unrelenting snow was going to bury her alive on her journey to see the girl.

 

However, against all odds, Momo reached her.

 

Because Momo wanted one more time, one more chance, to be with her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tochigi - 2015

 

 

On an empty platform in Iwafune Station, a woman with long chestnut brown hair that went beyond her shoulders picked up a small duffle bag and carried it with her as she stepped into the train. She had no trouble lifting her bag into the overhead storage, keeping only a book and her phone as her company for the ride to Tokyo. There was no one else in the train car with her. She took a seat by the window, a tiny smile curling on her lips as light from the sun reflected on her engagement ring.

 

Just when she was about to pick up her book, her phone began to ring.

 

When she recognized the caller's name, Mina smiled and answered.

 

"Good morning, Na-chan," Mina greeted.

 

"Good morning, Mina-chan," Nayeon answered back. "Where are you now?"

 

"I'm sitting inside the train. It's about to leave. I should arrive at Shinjuku Station in two and a half hours." Mina could hear shuffling and scrubbing in the background. "Are you still cleaning?" She heard Nayeon whine on the other end, which made Mina smile wider.

 

"Of course! I want the apartment to be perfect when you arrive!" Nayeon added more quietly. "We're finally moving in together, and in a few months, we'll be married."

 

"I know. It's all so surreal. I'm still having a hard time believing it," Mina chuckled quietly.

 

"I can't wait to see you." Mina could hear the sound of cabinet doors opening and closing. "Oh shoot. I forgot to go grocery shopping. I'm going to quickly head to the store so we can have ingredients to make lunch together. Call me when you're almost at the station. I love you."

 

"I love you too," Mina said back, imaging the smile Nayeon must have on her face as she said those three words. "Take care and I'll see you soon."

 

After Mina hung up, she set aside her phone and stared outside the window, watching her surroundings pass by. It snowed heavily last night so the endless stretch of farmland was covered by a blanket of snow.

 

It reminded Mina of a dream she had, a long forgotten memory of her past that had resurfaced within her subconscious.

 

In the dream, Mina was inside a small train station and sat by the oil stove in order to keep herself warm. Outside the frail station walls, she could hear the snowstorm raging. She was scared but she was waiting for someone: a girl her age. That girl was someone very important to Mina. But she feared that the snow would prevent the girl from meeting her at the station.

 

The moment she was losing hope was when the girl appeared in front of her.

 

In the dream, Mina wrapped her arms around the girl and began crying.

 

For many years, Mina forgot the girl's name and the memories she shared with the girl were muddled. When she was cleaning out her room in preparation for the move, she found an old shoebox filled with letters from her childhood stashed away in the very back of her closet. At the very bottom of the box was the first love letter she ever wrote.

 

On the envelope was the girl's name:

 

Hirai Momo.

 

That name sent an emotional wave of nostalgia within Mina. More memories began resurfacing and the memories that were once foggy gradually became clearer.

 

In between the pages of the book Mina took with her was the aforementioned letter that was taken out of its envelope. It was slightly worn down from time and the colors on the stationary paper were faded, but it was still legible.

 

Mina smiled reading the letter her younger self had written with her whole heart and imprinting her earnest feelings into every word.

 

 

 

Dear Hirai Momo,

 

I'm writing this letter inside Iwafune Station. When I saw that it was snowing on the way to the station, I had a feeling the trains would be delayed but it also gave me the idea to write this letter to you.

 

It's been months since we last saw each other. I'm actually quite nervous to see you again because I'm afraid we won't recognize each other. Although Iwafune Station is much smaller than any station in Tokyo so it'd be impossible for us to miss each other.

 

When my parents dragged me back to the car once the ceremony was over, I looked back at you feeling very sad. I tried coping with that sadness by telling myself it was like the other times I had to move. But this time it was going to be different. My new school won't have you.

 

I never told you this but when I transferred to Tokyo, I was so grateful that you talked to me. I was worried that I was going to be alone again because I wasn't like other girls, but out of everyone in our class, it was you that reached out to me. I wouldn't have enjoyed Tokyo as much as I did if it wasn't for you.

 

It was why I was devastated when my parents told me we were moving away. I wanted us to go to the same middle school together like we planned, perhaps even the same high school. Even though my classmates are really nice and I've made two friends here, I always picture how amazing each day would be if you were here with me.

 

Now, you're moving to Kagoshima. I thought we would have more time until summer vacation so I could be the one hopping on a train to go see you. Soon, you'll be far out of my reach and that's why I think this is my last chance to tell you something.

 

I love you, Hirai Momo. I love you more than a friend should love you. I know that's something that must be weird to a lot of people, but something in my heart tells me that you'd accept me for loving you in such a way when we're both girls. You've been kind to me since the day we met and I want to promise you that I will be strong so you won't have to worry about me.

 

And I know that you will be okay, Momo. You are one of the most hardworking and kindhearted person I know, and I know that will never change, even when you grow up.

 

No matter where you go, no matter how far away from me you go, I will always love you.

 

Please, never forget that.

 

 

-- Myoui Mina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tokyo - 2016

 

 

Spring arrived with warm sunlight and patches of clouds hovering above the city.

 

 

Momo finished her work for the day and emailed her supervisor the daily report and noted all the changes compared to yesterday.

 

It had been a month since she began her new job. She adjusted faster than she anticipated and enjoyed the perks of working from home, only having to come into the office twice a week for meetings. Her stress levels have gone down and she no longer had to work within a suffocating cubicle eight to twelve hours a day. The biggest change in Momo's life was that since the start of her new job, she started smoking less now that she was no longer stressed every single day.

 

While Momo sipping on her coffee at her work desk, a strong gust of wind blew into her room from the open window in front of her, bringing in several pink petals with it. Momo stared as the petals gently settled on top of her keyboard.

 

Momo smiled to herself as she picked up a petal.

 

"They're starting to bloom," she murmured.

 

~~~

 

Author's Note: 

I honestly can't believe the fic is complete. It's been a journey bring this idea to life but it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for all of you who have read this story and supported me with your kind, uplifting words. Especially knowing the pain it would bring since it's based off the movie aha.

5 Centimeters Per Second is my favorite film from Makoto Shinkai and one of my favorites of all time. For only being an hour long, it brings out a lot of raw and painfully relatable emotions. Clinging to the past and unable to move forward. Missing something you once had. When do you move on from someone? Do you ever move on? The movie's themes do not only pertain to love. Everyone has distanced themselves from someone because we grow up, separate, and focus on our own lives. It's inevitable that we lose someone to time but it doesn't mean how a person has touched our hearts goes away.

Writing this story was difficult because I wanted to capture the essence of the movie. I think I watched the movie at least 15 times during the process of writing this fic. I even purchased the manga adaptation and its light novel companion where it expands story further. The manga goes a lot more in depth into Takaki's and Risa's relationship and how they were before their eventual break up, which inspired the scenes between Momo and Sana. In the light novel, we get to see what was written in the letter Akari wanted to give to Takaki at the train station, which inspired Mina's letter in the final chapter. 

Thank you so much for reading this fic. It's a fic very dear to my heart and I hope in one way or another, it touched you as well. If you haven't yet, please watch the film this fic is based off off. I highly recommend it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts here on AO3 or you can reach out to me on Twitter @wooperskai

Take care, everyone.

 

 

 

Momo headed to Shinjuku Station to take a train near Sangūbashi. She remembered another memory from the scorching hot summers of her childhood and wanted to revisit the neighborhood she would often walk through in order to get to school.

 

As Momo took the front spot on the waiting platform, she spotted a familiar face on the platform across from her heading inbound.

 

It was Sana.

 

It had been months since Momo had seen her. She was relieved Sana looked well.

 

Momo held her breath when Sana lifted her gaze and met Momo's eyes, looking equally as shocked as Momo did a minute ago. Regret weighed down on Momo's heart for treating Sana the way she did and for not giving Sana the closure she deserved. She wouldn't have blamed Sana if her love for her changed into resentment.

 

However, that worry dissolved away as Sana earnestly smiled at her and mouthed to her.

 

Take care of yourself.

 

Momo bit down on her lip before mouthing back.

 

You too.

 

 

 

 

Once Momo left Sangūbashi Station, she began aimlessly wandering around the residential area. It was the perfect weather to be outside. The sun's warmth was a welcoming feeling after enduring this past winter. The more Momo walked around, the more she recognized the paths she once took and the small houses that once looked like skyscrapers. She was amazed how little had changed as if everything was frozen in time and that the only thing that changed was her.

 

Momo trudged up a narrow street with stone walls lining the edges. Numerous cherry blossom trees peeked over the walls, though not all of them have bloomed. She loved the spots of sunlight that seeped through the spaces between the branches and decorated the black asphalt beneath her feet.

 

She then came across the railroad that was a part of the Odakyu Line that ran through the neighborhood. Momo could faintly hear the sound of train coming and quickened her pace before the crossing gates lowered down on her. From her peripheral vision, there was another woman also walking across the railroad from the opposite side. She was also hurrying, just like Momo.

 

When Momo passed her, there was the scent of watermelon coming from her. In an instant, a powerful yet indescribable feeling came over Momo. She couldn't explain what it was but it made her heart race at a sudden rate. She wanted to stop and turn around, to call out to the other woman, but the train was coming. The crossing gate lowered when Momo safely crossed to the other side.

 

 

 

If I turn around, something tells me she will turn around too…

 

 

 

Momo slowly turned her head.

 

She saw the woman was beginning to do the same.

 

Then the train hurtled between them at a blinding speed, thundering against the train tracks.

 

There was something very familiar about this moment.

 

The way the train was blocking her from reaching the other woman.

 

The way another train from the other set of train tracks also blocked her view.

 

The trains felt like they were never going to end.

 

All Momo could do was stand there and watch.

 

Just like before.

 

The end of the second train finally sped by but the woman was no longer there.

 

Instead a flurry of cherry blossom petals took her place, and the wind blew them in Momo's direction. When the petals danced around her, they brought along the lingering smell of watermelon.

 

Momo took a deep breath and smiled, strangely feeling comforted, as if something was telling her that everything was going to be okay. She wondered who was the woman on the other side of the tracks was. Momo felt that the woman gave her something important.

 

To help her keep moving forward.

 

Momo smiled softly and finally turned her back to the railroad crossing and continued walking. She walked under a tunnel of fully bloomed cherry blossom trees with thousands of petals raining down onto the road. She looked up and noticed a particularly large cherry blossom petal floating down towards her. Momo extended out her hand and watched as the petal landed on her palm.

 

Momo remembered something a girl from her past told her a long time ago, right here on this path of cherry blossom trees.

 

She whispered quietly to herself.

 

"Five centimeters per second. That's the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall..."

 

 

 

And let the cherry blossom petal go.