As autumn deepened, Ren began the difficult process of healing. He poured his feelings into his poetry, each verse a tribute to Aiko, a way to preserve their shared moments while allowing himself to move forward. Mei and Takumi noticed his efforts and rallied around him, planning outings and gathering their friends to keep Ren's spirits up.
One evening, they visited the local bookstore, a cozy spot where Ren often found solace. As they wandered the aisles, Mei nudged Ren toward a shelf filled with travel guides. "Why don't you start planning a trip?" she suggested. "See a new place, clear your head."
Ren picked up a book on coastal towns, flipping through its pages as a faint spark of excitement stirred within him. Traveling was something he and Aiko had once dreamed of, but he realized that it could now be something for him alone—a journey of self-discovery.
"Maybe," he said, a small smile forming. "It might be good to get away."
Takumi grinned. "See? New memories, new horizons. Life's too short to stay stuck."
As they left the bookstore, Ren felt a strange mix of anticipation and sorrow. He wasn't sure where he was headed, but for the first time, he felt ready to take a step toward his own path.