Chapter 51: Morning Glory Goodbyes

The next day at work, Tsukiko couldn't focus. She sat at her desk, surrounded by data and reports, but all she could think about was Haruki. Natalie called her name several times before she snapped back to reality, realizing she hadn't answered.

"Are you okay?" Natalie asked, noticing her distracted state.

"Maybe I'm just tired," Tsukiko muttered, offering a faint smile.

Natalie raised an eyebrow, but said no more, suggesting she take the rest of the day off. A tightness in her chest reminded her of her fears, of the scars still fresh beneath her skin. 

Torn between wanting and resisting, she decided to take the leave Natalie suggested and visited her best friend from High School, Ayumi. Ayumi had been by her side through the worst of her breakup and knew all of Tsukiko's pain. Over a cup of tea, Ayumi offered simple yet profound advice:

"You can't keep running from love. But you also have to trust yourself enough to know when it's the right kind of love."

That evening, Tsukiko fell into a deep sleep, her mind still tangled in the mess of emotions she had been trying to sort through all day. 

In her dream, she found herself in a familiar place—a cozy little garden with a stone bench, surrounded by the fragrance of blooming flowers. The air was warm and soft, like a memory she hadn't realized she missed.

She turned to find her grandmother sitting on the bench, a gentle smile on her face, as if waiting for her.

"Grandma?" Tsukiko's voice trembled, as if she couldn't believe she was really seeing her again.

Her grandmother looked up, her eyes kind and wise. "Tsukiko, my dear. You've been carrying a lot on your shoulders, haven't you?"

Tsukiko sat down beside her, feeling a strange sense of comfort. "I don't know what to do anymore," she admitted, her voice small. "There's someone, but I'm afraid. I'm afraid to let myself love again. What if it hurts like last time?"

Her grandmother placed a gentle hand on hers. "You've been through so much, my dear. I know it's hard to trust again after the pain you've felt. But love, real love, is not a burden. It should never feel like a weight on your heart."

"But what if I open up, and it's just as painful? What if I can't bear it?" Tsukiko's eyes welled up with tears. "I've already lost so much... I don't want to lose again."

Her grandmother's smile softened, and she lifted Tsukiko's chin so their eyes met. "You've lost, yes. But that doesn't mean there's nothing left for you. You still have so much love inside you, Tsukiko. And there are people who will cherish that love. The right ones. You mustn't close yourself off, or you'll miss the chance to be truly happy again."

Tsukiko shook her head, the weight of her doubts clouding her thoughts. "But how can I trust? How do I know if it's real?"

Her grandmother's eyes twinkled with understanding. "Trust doesn't come from knowing everything will be perfect. It comes from knowing that, even in the uncertainty, you have the strength to face whatever comes your way. Love doesn't need to be perfect, Tsukiko. It just needs to be real."

Tsukiko felt her chest tighten, her heart aching as the words sank in. She took a shaky breath. "But... what if it's too late for me?"

"It's never too late," her grandmother said softly, squeezing her hand. "You still have time, and you still have love to give. Don't be afraid to open your heart again. You're stronger than you know."

Tsukiko looked at her grandmother, a feeling of warmth spreading through her. "I've been so scared."

Her grandmother smiled, brushing a tear from Tsukiko's cheek. "It's okay to be scared. But remember, you're not alone. You don't have to do this by yourself."

Tsukiko nodded slowly, the weight on her chest easing. 

As the dream began to fade, her grandmother's voice lingered in the air. "I'll always be with you, Tsukiko. Don't forget that."

Tsukiko woke up with tears in her eyes, her heart pounding in her chest. The dream had felt so real, and her grandmother's words echoed in her mind.