On New Year's Eve, Hisaki and Heisuke stayed with Mrs. Saeki until the visiting time was over.
The nursing home organized a small event to celebrate New Year's Eve with the elderly who remained there. They had toshikoshi soba together while watching comedy shows on TV. A few of them were even engaged in games.
At ten, the husband and wife bid good night to the old lady. They tucked Mrs. Saeki to sleep and wished her to have a pleasant dream tonight. Then, they returned to their small home.
"It's less than two hours before midnight," muttered Hisaki. Her eyes were staring at the sea of stars above the vast ocean.
"Do you want to stay until twelve?" Heisuke's tone was imbued with his smile.
"I want!" answered Hisaki immediately.
Heisuke chuckled hearing her enthusiasm. His gaze was focused on the road ahead of them.
Neither of them was inclined to join the masses who visited the shrine at midnight. The air was too cold for that.
