“Haruka-chan, was that really your song?

  It was so beautiful. So kind.”

  That’s what the nurse said this morning, as she checked my temperature.

  “Huh? That song?”

  “Oh—you haven’t heard?

  The hospital director started showing the video with the panda at the beginning of the hospital guide.

  It’s playing in all the waiting rooms now.

  Every fifteen minutes or so.”

  “What…?”

  I couldn’t believe it.

  My song—and Uncle Panda’s video—playing all around the hospital?

  “Later, go to the lobby with your mom.

  You can see it on the big screen.”

  So we did.

  The staff on break… the kids waiting for their checkups…

  they were all listening to my music.

  One little boy sat on a bench, swinging his legs, smiling as he watched the screen.

  They’re hearing my song.

  They’re watching the video we made.

  I didn’t know whether to smile or hide…

  But my chest felt hot. My eyes filled with tears.

  I bowed my head in my wheelchair… and cried.

  Because my song—my wish—had reached them.

  I’d always dreamed of this.

  Someday… maybe…

  “When we showed the video to the doctors,” Mom said,

  “They loved it.

  So someone suggested we show it to the kids stuck waiting around.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  That’s how it ended up playing everywhere.”

  That’s how it happened.

  Everyone helped make my dream come true.

  Dear HARUKA,

  The video release is over.

  The response was incredible.

  By the way—Uncle wants to send you a little gift.

  What would you like?

  Dear Mr. Bamboo Flute Panda,

  If it’s okay… I’d love a school uniform.

  Like the kind middle school girls wear.

  I always wanted to go to school wearing one, but I guess that’s hard now.

  I’ve been homebound so long…

  Maybe if I had the uniform, I’d feel a little stronger.

  Like I’m still dreaming forward.

  Dear HARUKA,

  Well, I only have boys’ clothes in the house, but my niece said she has her old high school uniform in the back of a closet somewhere.

  She’s grown up now and doesn’t need it anymore.

  She said it might not fit perfectly, but you’re welcome to have it.

  Where should I send it?

  “Mom… I want to ask you something.”

  She looked surprised.

  I hardly ever made requests.

  I tried not to be a bother.

  Writing music was the only selfish thing I ever allowed myself.

  “I… I want to meet him.

  Uncle Panda.

  I want to thank him properly.

  I want him to meet me—as Haruka, the composer.”

  Mom stayed quiet for a moment.

  Then she said,

  “I’ll talk to your dad.

  We’ll ask the doctors too.”

  Dear Mr. Bamboo Flute Panda,

  My name is Seiichiro Hoshino—father of Haruka, also known as HARUKA.

  I want to sincerely thank you for making her wish come true.

  Ever since her song became a video, Haruka’s smile has come back.

  Even in the middle of her treatment, she wrote that song here in the hospital.

  Thanks to you, she now carries a new hope in her heart.

  Our family… has found brightness in a very difficult time.

  This will be a memory we hold dear for the rest of our lives.

  We heard you offered to send a uniform.

  Thank you for your kindness.

  It meant a lot to her.

  Now, Haruka wishes to meet you.

  We know it’s a lot to ask, but if you are able, we would be very grateful.

  Please send the uniform to the pediatric ward at the Yokohama University Hospital, addressed to Hoshino.

  Thank you, again, from the bottom of our hearts.

  With warmest regards,

  Seiichiro Hoshino

  Three days later, just like he promised, the uniform arrived.

  I finally had the outfit I’d dreamed of.

  “Spring already…

  I guess I’d be a middle schooler now.”

  I looked through a pamphlet from a private school in Yokohama.

  “Their uniforms are so cute…”

  “Yes,” Mom said softly. “The entrance ceremony must’ve already passed.

  Look—first-years, running home together, full of energy.”

  Outside the hospital window, boys in school uniforms laughed under the cherry blossoms.

  “I wish I could’ve done that…

  Gone home with friends, talked about silly things,

  taken the long way back on purpose…”

  “…Yeah.”

  Mom’s voice cracked a little.

  “But still… I’m okay with this.”

  The uniform hung neatly on the hospital wall.

  “Uncle Panda gave it to me—as a reward for writing music.

  It used to belong to his niece, but she doesn’t need it anymore.”

  I looked up at the uniform, eyes shining.

  “Maybe one day… I’ll get to try it on.”

  “The pattern on the skirt is lovely.

  And the blouse and ribbon—they’re just adorable,” Mom said.

  But I kind of already knew…

  That day might never come.

  The doctor came in for his rounds.

  “I spoke with your father.

  If you want to meet your guest, you’ll need to build up a bit more strength.

  Try eating a little more.

  If you can sit up for an hour or so, then we’ll make it happen.”

  That was the deal.

  I decided:

  The next song… I’ll give it to him in person.

  So I started eating.

  I asked Dad for pudding and chestnut cake.

  Mom printed out my sheet music and brought me apple juice.

  “Do you think I’ve gained weight?” I joked.

  “You were too skinny before,” she smiled.

  “This is the perfect kind of cute.”

  I hesitated for a moment…

  But no. I wanted him to see me as I was.

  To know that Hoshino Haruka, the composer, was here.

  I had lost so much weight.

  I had no hair.

  I sat in a wheelchair.

  And yes, I was a girl—and it embarrassed me.

  But I wanted to meet him.

  I wanted to say thank you.

  He might say thank you to me…

  But really, I was the one who needed to say it.

  He gave smiles to Mom and Dad.

  He brought my music to life.

  So I decided: I would wear the uniform he sent.

  It was a little too big.

  But that was okay.

  I wanted Mom and Dad to see me in it.

  “Whatever you feel is right—we’ll be with you.” Dad said.

  “We’ll support you all the way.”

  I walked out in the uniform.

  Mom… was crying in the hallway.