What I want to tell you now

To my best friend who has been by my side through everything

Right now, I am standing at a major turning point in my life, spending my days quietly preparing myself for a decision coming up in June.

Taking responsibility for my own life and taking a new step forward.

As I move forward with those preparations, there is someone special I simply must put into words right now.

Thirty years have passed since we met in high school, before I even realized it.

There were times when I left my hometown due to my husband's job transfers and we couldn't see each other, but I am truly happy that I was able to return and reunite with you like this.

Since we reunited, you have truly been in the midst of turbulent times.

At the same time, you were the one who was always by my side during the most painful period of my life.

I was in a tunnel with no visible exit.
I worried about the same things over and over, and looking back, I might have only talked about 'troublesome things'.

Yet, you never once made a face of annoyance; you accepted everything and kept encouraging me.

Because you were there, I didn't have to be alone.
Because you believed in me, I was able to keep from losing sight of myself.

Because you are the kind of person who has quietly lit a light in someone's heart like that, the sight of you now tackling a new business on a grand stage with such zeal and passion is dazzling to me.

Divorce, raising children straight as a single mother, and then the COVID-19 pandemic that hit right after you opened your salon.

Even though you must have overcome unimaginably difficult times over and over, you were always positive and truly as bright as the sun.

How much I have been saved by your smile, and how much power I have received from it.

The unwavering trust and affection you show me.

Because I feel that in my heart, I am cheering for your current challenge as if it were my own.

The other day, I saw you standing on stage for your new business. It is still burned into my memory.

A speech where you poured out your words with a trembling voice in front of a large crowd in an unfamiliar place.
I think it must have been a truly nerve-wracking moment.

But it was the moment you showed with your own body the 'resolve' to stand at the forefront and lead everyone.

I am sure it wasn't just me; the hearts of all the friends who were there must have been moved by your zeal and passion.

That you, someone I am so proud of, introduced me to that large crowd as 'my best friend'.

I felt so happy and truly proud to be the best friend of someone as wonderful as you.

Thank you for your always straightforward love.
I want to be someone you can be proud of, too, so that we can remain best friends forever.

And I want to be the first person to reach out a hand whenever you are in trouble.

Pushed by your courage, I was able to make the decision to take a step forward on my own path.

When 'June is complete,' how shall we celebrate together?

Just imagining us laughing and eating happily together makes me excited. I am sure I will be able to walk through this preparation period ahead with strength.

Thank you always for your heartfelt affection and your sun-like power.

When you stood on that stage, I saw it—a future where I shine alongside you✨