Echoes of Tomorrow.

SIXTEEN

The hospital room was quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring Tendou's fragile condition. Outside, a soft rain fell, its gentle patter a stark contrast to the heaviness inside. Tendou sat propped up against his pillows, a stack of stationery and envelopes on the table beside him. Ushijima sat nearby, silently offering his support.

"I need to write these," Tendou said, his voice soft but resolute. "I need to say goodbye."

Ushijima nodded, his expression a mix of sorrow and determination. "I'll be here with you. Whatever you need."

Tendou picked up a pen, his hand trembling slightly. He took a deep breath and began to write, pouring his heart into each letter. The first one was for his parents, a letter filled with gratitude and love. He wrote about his childhood, the lessons they had taught him, and the memories they had shared.

"Dear Mom and Dad," Tendou wrote, his handwriting shaky but deliberate. "Thank you for always believing in me. I'm grateful for every moment we had together..."

Ushijima watched as Tendou's eyes glistened with tears, his emotions raw and unfiltered. Tendou paused occasionally, gathering his thoughts before continuing. When he finished the letter, he carefully folded it and placed it in an envelope, sealing it with a sense of finality.

Next, Tendou wrote to his friends from high school, the teammates who had shared in his victories and defeats on the volleyball court. He reminisced about their matches, the camaraderie, and the unbreakable bonds they had formed.

"To my dear friends," he wrote, "thank you for the laughter, the support, and the unforgettable moments we shared. I'll always cherish our time together..."

Each letter was a labor of love, a way for Tendou to leave a piece of himself with the people who had meant the most to him. As he wrote, Ushijima remained by his side, offering words of encouragement and silent strength.

Finally, Tendou began the hardest letter of all—his letter to Ushijima. He hesitated, his eyes meeting Ushijima's with a mixture of love and sorrow.

"This one... this one is for you," Tendou said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ushijima nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Take your time."

Tendou's hand shook as he began to write, each word a testament to their bond. He wrote about their friendship, their shared dreams, and the love that had grown between them. He wrote about his hopes for Ushijima's future, his desire for him to find happiness and continue living his life to the fullest.

"Ushiwaka," Tendou wrote, "you've always been my rock, my constant. I can't imagine my life without you. But I want you to know that I'll always be with you, in every memory we made, in every dream you chase. Live for both of us..."

Tears streamed down Tendou's cheeks as he finished the letter, his heart aching with the weight of his words. He folded the letter carefully, placing it in an envelope and handing it to Ushijima.

Ushijima took the envelope, his hands trembling. He looked at Tendou, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "Thank you," he said, his voice breaking.

Tendou smiled, a bittersweet expression that spoke volumes. "Thank you, Ushiwaka. For everything."

The room fell into a poignant silence as Tendou leaned back against his pillows, exhausted but content. He had said his goodbyes, poured his heart into each letter, and now, all that remained was to cherish the time he had left.

As the rain continued to fall outside, Tendou and Ushijima sat together, the stack of letters a tangible reminder of the love and connections that had defined Tendou's life. Ushijima reached out, taking Tendou's hand in his, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, honoring the bond between them.

In the days that followed, Tendou's strength waned, but his spirit remained unbroken. He found solace in knowing that his words would live on, a lasting testament to the love and friendships he had cherished. And through it all, Ushijima stayed by his side, a constant presence, holding on to the precious moments they had left.

Tendou struggled with the thought of leaving Ushijima behind, but he also found peace in the knowledge that their love would endure, transcending the boundaries of life and death. As he drifted off to sleep that night, Tendou felt a profound sense of gratitude for the life he had lived and the people who had filled it with joy and meaning.

And in the quiet of the hospital room, Ushijima held Tendou's hand, whispering reassurances, promising to honor his memory and live a life that Tendou would be proud of.