This is a story from when I was little.

A story from before I moved away.

There was this kid I was close with, named “Guest”.

Playing with Guest, man, I never got bored of it.

If anything, I wanted to keep playing forever.

Then one day, Guest gave me a matching keychain.

Look, it's matching!

Now we'll be together forever!

Yeah, they gave me that bright smile.

A smile just like the sun.

Since then, I've been treasuring that keychain.

Of course, it had already been decided that I was moving.

But I couldn't tell them.

I knew it was wrong to move away without saying anything to someone so bright, but... I just didn't want to see that crying face.

I just wanted them to keep smiling.

The movers arrived.

They loaded up the cardboard boxes, loaded the furniture, started the engine, and headed off to my new place ahead of us.

We followed after them, heading to the new house with my family.

The scenery outside the car window was the same as always, unchanging.

I wonder what Guest is doing right now. I wanted to see this with them.

That thought just popped into my head.

It looked like it would still take a while to reach the new place.

It's taking forever...

Thinking that, and thinking of Guest, I gently cupped the matching keychain in my hands.

Drowsiness hit me, and within minutes, I fell asleep.

I wonder how much time passed.

By the time we reached the new place, the surroundings were lit up in neon colors.

My new house was... well, it was pretty big.

The movers were already there, and they'd delivered the boxes full of stuff.

It's a pain that the furniture isn't here yet, though.

My parents told me I had my own room, so I went up to the second floor and went inside.

I noticed there was a balcony, so I stepped outside.

I stared at the keychain I was still holding in my hand.

I want to see Guest.

Before I knew it, I was thinking about them again.

I wonder if I... like them?

Staring at the keychain with that thought in mind, I opened my mouth and let the words out.

In a voice only I could hear.

Thanks. I'll "treasure" it.

It's gonna be "lonely" for a while...

I "can't see." The smoke is stinging my eyes...

Before the night comes,

I have to say "goodbye"! Come on, put it into "words."

I'm not that "strong."

Watch me. I "won't forget."

So... please...

Send up a signal fire.