Prologue

I only learned how to ride a bike when I was fairly old.

The location is the park, the equipment is a childs bike without safety wheels. On the blue frame with cartoon pictures, there are also the many baseball stickers my old man insisted on.

Promise, you wont let go!

My father nods, crouching as he holds on to the rack at the back:

Dont worry! Yuu-chan, I definitely wont let go, and even if I do Ill tell you beforehand.

We made a pinky swear.

And so my feet, trembling with excitement and nerves, pressed down on the heavy pedals. Every time the pedals make a full round, the early summer breeze kisses my face, and my short fringe pats my forehead. My fathers footsteps become hastier, I know hes running as he helps me keep the bike steady. When the footsteps stop, I get excited beyond my wits, and even the pedals feel half as light as they did before. Ive finally learned how to ride! Although measuring the distance, it was only around a few hundred metres.

At that moment, full with a childish sense of accomplishment, I turned back to look for my father, who was supposed to be standing in the distance.

Ive learned how to ride Eh?

Father was still holding onto the rack, his face red, breathlessly saying,

You see Papa kept his promise and didnt let go right?

Every time I think back to that day, I feel embarrassed.

Honestly, though, anyone else would have let go halfway, right?