Ishigaki Island – Late Morning.
The skies were clear.
The scent of the sea carried on the wind.
The Takahashi family strolled down the sunlit beach, laughter rising above the sound of the waves.
Haruki couldn't remember the last time he felt this free.
They played games on the beach—Kenji and Daichi building sand structures, Keiko teasing Kazuma as she waddled carefully through the shallow surf with her small belly, and Riko chasing seagulls.
Hanako wore a wide-brimmed hat and a soft smile, her skin still smooth, her expression glowing despite her age.
She looked like someone in her forties, not sixty-two.
And it was clear now, to anyone with eyes, where Kyouko and Keiko had inherited their beauty.
But when Haruki turned—and saw her—
His breath caught.
Kyouko stepped onto the beach slowly, brushing her hair behind her ear as the sea breeze lifted the hem of her light summer robe.
And underneath—
A soft, elegant white swimsuit.
Modest… but perfect.
