The town was still alive. In the morning, thin smoke rose from chimneys, and residents could be seen heading to the fields. The generator, repaired countless times, and the water supply were still working, at least for today. But this town no longer held a future for you and Koichi after they grew up. Carrying packs for two, you and Koichi walked with their grandparents to the outskirts of town. Beyond the old road, overgrown with vegetation, lay lands they knew only from maps. The grandmother checked the luggage she had given them once more, then straightened the collar of you's clothes. "Eat properly when you can. And don't push yourself pretending you're fine." The grandfather handed an old map to Koichi, looking at the two of them in turn. "It's not about one of you protecting the other. When you're in trouble, rely on someone else, together."

The grandmother smiled slightly, but tears welled up in her eyes. "Come back again sometime."