[Includes 3-panel manga] The morning my note sold, everything looked a little brighter.

Just 100 yen. But 100 yen nonetheless.

The day my first paid article sold on note, my day, cast and all, turned into a different story entirely.

First, a 100-yen article sold...
I used Mihiro-san's 3-panel manga auto-generation tool to express that feeling.

The events of the morning a 100-yen article sold...

Mihiro-san's 3-panel manga creation tool draws for you just by chatting with GPT. I recommend it when you want to write an article that feels a little different from usual!

Now, I will share the story of that morning, which will one day come to you, too.

A morning spent with a cast

Ever since I injured my foot, my daily commute has been a real athletic challenge. One foot in a cast, the other in a regular sneaker. My stride is less than half of what it used to be, and I obviously can't use the station stairs. I spend my days taking detours to find elevators. But this morning was a little different. When I opened my smartphone while rubbing my sleepy eyes as usual, there was one notification.

“Your paid article has been purchased”


...Oh my! Really? It sold!? My heart was pounding. I desperately held back the urge to shout out loud because I was so happy, and secretly grinned to myself. Even though my movements should have been slow due to the cast, making my bento went surprisingly well. Usually, I'd agonize over what to make, but this morning was different. Just by looking at the leftovers in the fridge, the menu for the day came to me. I was like a cooking show host, saying things like, “Broccoli for the green, add some red with cherry tomatoes...” I couldn't stop packing the side dishes!

Even during my commute, I felt like the main character for a bit

Well, time to head out. I had some extra time today, so I could leave slowly and still make it. I trudged along the road to the bus stop. I usually ride my bike, but I can't ride it with a cast. Just then, a neighbor drove by.

“It’s hard to walk, isn't it? I'll take you to the station!”


This kindness, it touches my heart... My tear ducts are in trouble. I took her up on the offer and got into the passenger seat, and when I let slip the story about the note from just a moment ago, she said, “Wow! That’s amazing!? That’s an anniversary!” and praised me so much. I was genuinely happy.

“Well, it’s only 100 yen, though.”

To think there is someone who would be this happy about a mere 100 yen. The inside of the car was suddenly filled with a celebratory mood.

At Starbucks and at work, the fact that it “got through” gives me strength

At the Starbucks in front of the station, I splurged on a herbal tea latte instead of my usual latte. “It’s also delicious with soy milk♪”

“Oh, is that so? I’ll try that next time!” The Starbucks staff member’s smile also looked... bright. Even when I arrived at the office, the atmosphere was a little warmer. A colleague called out to me, “Is your foot okay? Don't push yourself.” Supported by that kindness, for some reason, my work went smoothly today. The earnings from the note are still only 100 yen. But the fact that “something I wrote caught someone’s eye” moved my heart and the atmosphere around me more than I expected. I suppose it could also be that I’m just simple-minded.

It was “my words” that cast the spell

Even if it was just one person, they thought, “This person’s story and words are interesting.” That feeling gently lifted my heart, which had been feeling down because of the cast.

Just 100 yen. But it was worth more than that

If you look only at the amount, it’s 100 yen. Cheaper than a canned coffee. But the feeling of “I’m glad I did it” and “I’m glad I wrote it” that those 100 yen gave me was worth many times more. To think that the realization that “it reached someone” could change my day so brightly. Even with a cast, even with the inconvenience, I am smiling properly today. That is an amazing thing. It was a day that felt like a little miracle. — May you also have a small “I did it” in your day today. Even if your steps are slow, it’s okay to walk at your own pace.