Maria had listened to doctors explain this intricacy in painstaking detail, only to realize that almost nothing could be done about it.
All that technical jargon meant nothing if her hearing couldn't be restored. What mattered most to her was simple: reclaiming her sound, her identity.
Now, her taxi rolled to a stop in front of a small, unremarkable cafe. It looked quiet, almost hidden.
Could a place like this really have a cure for my hearing? Maria thought, dubious. She had low expectations for hospital treatments, but even lower for a cafe.
"Maria! It's been a while," Mitsuru greeted her warmly as he stepped out to meet her.
"Hi, Mitsuru. So it's true—your voice has recovered. I'm so glad."
"Thank you, but today is about you, not me. You've been through a lot, haven't you?"
"Don't even get me started."
