Eat It Now, or Save It?

Haru held the little candy up to the window light and looked through it. A sparkle — kirari. Just like a jewel. "Maybe I'll eat it today…" On his shoulder, the hamster Mame stared and stared at the candy and gulped. — But. Haru's hand paused. This was no ordinary candy.

This candy was the very last one his grandpa gave him. Before going far away, grandpa had gently set it in Haru's palm. "I'll give the prettiest color to you, Haru." A see-through, sweet-smelling, jewel of a candy. When Haru held it tight, it was warm — as if grandpa were right there beside him.

Haru's mouth went watery. What would it taste like? Sweet, melting softly, sparkling on his tongue? If he ate it now — that happiness would be here, right away. Mame's tummy rumbled too. Haru's hand moved a little, toward his mouth. — But.

But if he ate it — it would be gone. He'd never see this sparkle again. Never hold grandpa's candy again. Haru gazed at the candy. Inside its clearness, the light danced and wavered. "If I eat it… how would I feel afterward?" Haru's chest went tight.

On the desk was a little box for treasures. Tuck it in here, and he could see the sparkle every day. Keep grandpa close, always. — But he'd never, ever know the taste. Eat it now, and the joy would be real. But afterward, only the memory. Two feelings collided.

Mame brought its nose to the candy with a little sniff. As if to say, "It smells so nice." Haru's hand wrapped softly around the candy. Warm. Outside the window, a clear and lovely day. — Is today that 'special day'? Or will an even more special day come someday? Just a little more.

Haru drew in a breath. In his hand, the sparkling candy. Sweet — eat it, and he'd be happy right away. On the desk, the treasure box. Tuck it in, and he could treasure it for a long, long time. Eat it now and enjoy it? Or save it and make it a treasure? …What will Haru do?