I always think that if life were a night, then Seiji would be the star. He could be far away, yet always within my sight.

Growing up, I never liked boys. They were loud, aggressive, and constantly showing off. Being near them made me feel as though I was shrinking to a fraction of my size. But Seiji was different. Talking to him was effortless. I could listen to him forever, the way he spoke so softly.

I treasure nights like this, when we would watch the stars together. Those were my precious times.

Seiji had left to study abroad, but we had made a promise—

As long as we could still see the same sky, we would always be together. Most people don't like winter, but it was my favorite time of the year because the winter sky was always the most beautiful. Here at the public park, once all the shops closed after ten, the stars became the only source of light. In the south, about halfway up from the horizon, shone the Orion constellation . Using that as the start, to the left and below, was Sirius—the brightest star, also known as the “twinkling star.”

That was our star. Because Seiji had told me it was his favorite in the sky. When I asked him to share it with me, he was more than happy to.

The weather was cold.

But knowing that this sky was the same one he would be looking at warmed my heart.

Seiji, I thought, I wish you have a clear view of the sky where you are.