Everything remained the same until Amai turned 14. His life during this time was truly peaceful, with seemingly no major upheavals. In his free time, he often played with Ami, sometimes studied magic with Miss Leaffa, or helped Mr. Oga. Living here for so many years taught him many things, and he especially excelled in learning magic, making rapid progress.
Today, while he was working, someone came to call him, saying that Mr. Oga and Miss Leaffa were waiting for him at her place. So, he paused his work and went to meet them. Upon arrival, he saw a slightly sorrowful expression on Mr. Oga's face.
Amai: What's the matter, sir?
Oga: I called you here because I have something to discuss. How do you feel about your time living here?
Amai: I feel really good. Everyone treats each other like family. Everything is shared, and I genuinely enjoy living here.
Oga: Aren't you curious about your past?
Amai thought for a moment before replying.
Amai: Of course, I truly want to know who I was before coming here. But sometimes, living here makes me forget those thoughts.
Oga and Leaffa exchanged glances, as if they understood each other.
Leaffa: Amai, you've been here for 14 years now. We believe it's time for you to return to where you truly belong. So, we've decided to send you back to the arms of your people.
Amai: Do you both really want this?
Oga: What do you mean by that? Don't you want to know who you really are? That's why we made this decision.
Amai: I didn't mean it like that. It's just that leaving everyone here makes me feel a bit uneasy and uncomfortable. Does Ami know about this?
Leaffa: We haven't told her yet. So, when you leave, please say goodbye to her directly. We'll prepare your belongings, and Mr. Oga will personally escort you near the city.
Oga: We'll set out early tomorrow morning, so get ready.
Amai: I understand.
As Amai left, a faint red glimmer appeared in Mr. Oga's eyes.
Leaffa: Are you crying? Isn't today something you've been expecting? I thought you had prepared yourself for this long ago!
Oga: Emotions are something that only grow stronger in the final moments of parting, when you know separation is near.
During that time, Amai went to find Ami. He found her sitting on a tree, watching the sunset. She had grown taller, her long, silky hair and fair skin glowing beautifully under the sunset light.
Ami: You've come?
Amai: Yes, I'm here.
Ami: You're here to say goodbye to me, aren't you?
Amai: How did you know?
Ami: When I saw someone calling you to Miss Leaffa earlier, I could already imagine something like this happening.
Amai: You're very perceptive.
Ami: Don't say that. Sometimes, being perceptive is what causes the most pain.
The two of them talked under the setting sun until it was dark. When they returned home, dinner was already prepared. The three of them sat together at the table, chatting happily. For them, this dinner was just like any other. Except the food was sweet, yet it carried a slight sting of bitterness that seeped into their hearts and flowed through their eyes.
The next morning, at around 3 a.m., Amai got up and went downstairs, seeing that Mr. Oga had already prepared their belongings. The two of them set off, seemingly intending to leave without letting her know. But what Amai didn't realize was that she wasn't asleep at all. Watching their backs as they left, she could no longer hold back her tears.