He stood there one day, looking dapper in his polished three-piece suit. Even before he got down on one knee, Hana sensed what was coming. It was the best thing that had happened to him in a long time, and she knew he had nothing more to look forward to in his twilight years. He was old and frail, and she didn’t know how much longer he had to live.
As Haru approached her, there was an urgency in his gaze that made Hana uncomfortable. It was as if he wanted her to commit to him before she reconsidered. But Hana had no intention of changing her mind, for she knew full well what she would gain by marrying him.
Seeing that she wasn’t going anywhere, he got down on one knee and made her a proposal that she barely remembered. All she could think about was the scrutinizing eyes of the parents gathered on the playground. She could guess what the parents were thinking, and frankly, she was just as embarrassed as they were. Nevertheless, she smiled, hugged Haru, and agreed to become his wife.