Hanako's voice was calm, gentle.
"So if Haruki finds out…" she said,
"…then he finds out."
She turned to face Kyouko fully, eyes soft but steady.
"If your father decides to tell him, then it's up to him."
She reached out and lightly brushed Kyouko's arm.
"All he ever wanted—was to have a family trip. All of us. Together."
"No secrets. No drama. Just… laughter, food, memories."
"A real moment. A real family."
Kyouko looked at her mother and gave the faintest nod, her chest still full.
Then she turned to look at the cars again and smile.
"So don't blame your father… when he gets angry with you."
Kyouko looked at her, quietly.
"For not calling."
"For not visiting home."
"For disappearing for over twenty years."
There was no scolding in Hanako's tone—only truth.
Only love.
"Because your father, he's a family man."
"He's rough. Loud. Sometimes stubborn."
"But every piece of him was built for the people he loves."
She gave a small smile, glancing toward the house.
