I moved to Tokyo for college. The solitary life that was supposed to be full of hope had somehow turned into colorless days where I didn't talk to anyone. Then one day, a single mother named Luisa moved into the room next door with her young daughter. Seeing her small back desperately trying to be a mother, I couldn't just leave her alone. It was supposed to be just a small favor. But her words, "thank you," and her smile seeped into my heart. Before I knew it, Ms. Luisa's presence had become the color of my world. The two of us, each carrying our own loneliness, gradually drew closer in heart and body. However, that peaceful time did not last long. What appeared was her past—her ex-husband, Tatsuro. Faced with his shouting and violence, I could only freeze. I am powerless. That's what I thought. But when I saw those tears, my heart screamed, 'I'll protect you.' Even if I'm a coward, pathetic... for the sake of her smile, I will stand up.
