Even If I Cannot See It (Inspired by Yo Hitoto's 'Hanamizuki')

A song I have been chasing for a long time: Yo Hitoto's 'Hanamizuki.' Using this masterpiece as a spark, I will weave a clumsy short story (partially in epistolary form). Below, I have a request. I touch upon life and separation, albeit indirectly. As this may potentially affect any worries or pain you are carrying, please view this at your own discretion.
I am linking an article that touches on the background of the song 'Hanamizuki.' I would appreciate it if you could read it before looking through my humble piece.

I wonder when you will read this letter. I do not know, but one thing is clear: at that time, I might not be by your side.
Sad, painful, unbearable. If I were to string words together, there would be no end to them. But I don't think any of them are necessary or appropriate for us. Parting comes to everyone eventually. That is the only thing that is equal for all people.
I am currently reading a poem left behind by a writer. I want you to read it, too.

If, after reading this poem, I could sit beside you and gaze at the flowers, how happy would I be? Am I still allowed to hope for that? No one knows yet. Because it is unknown, it is not yet decided. That is why I believe I must not give up.

Oh, there is one more thing. There is a song I want you to hear. Yes,that song.

Is a hundred years long or short? We humans do not know that either. And who it is that will last a hundred years, who can last a hundred years with you, is the same—

“Hey? Where are you...? Oh. So that’s where you were. I’ve been looking for you.”
“Sorry. I was just lost in thought.”

As I sat on the deck chair in the garden, gazing at the sky and reciting the letter I would not write on paper, I heard your voice calling me and felt you running toward me with a pitter-patter. When I turned around to answer, you gave me a wry smile, looking a bit exasperated.

“Honestly. Once your daydreaming habit starts, there’s no stopping it. Shall we go inside soon? It’s getting too chilly at dusk.”
“Yes, yes. What’s on the menu tonight?”
“Hehe. So your appetite hasn’t flown off beyond the sky. In response to your request, it’s beef stew.”

A trivial exchange, the kind that happens anywhere. People might laugh, but Iwant to protect that normalcy. As long as I exist.

(901 characters in the main text)

I have linked the articles I posted leading up to this piece.

As mentioned above, 'Hanamizuki' is a rare song for which Yo Hitoto herself has permitted derivative works (many people have taken on this challenge).

Reference article (regarding copyright and citation)

*This article is a revised version of this.*

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