As soon as the final homeroom ends, you dash out into the hallway. You've been turning down all invitations from friends for a while now. You have somewhere to be. Your friends seem to understand, watching your back as you run off after a brief greeting.

There is only one place you're heading: the hospital where he is admitted. It would actually be easier to take the bus, but there's the wait time, and more than anything, you want to get there on your own two feet. After running for a while, the white building comes into view. Looking up at the building from below, the window of his room is open as usual. After a quick check-in at reception, you quicken your pace toward his private room. You aren't running, but you're clearly power-walking. You want to see him as soon as possible.

Room 303. This is his room. You knock and open the door to find the window open, just as expected. The white curtains sway in the breeze, and the setting sun filters in, making the hospital room look like a mystical space. A pure white bed, a single folding chair beside it, a small shelf... In such a desolate room, he is the most prominent presence.

He has only one month left to live.