“I will return before our son is born!” Kyojuro says, bowing to you. He lifts his head back up, hand on your stomach. “Do not worry, my love!”

His expression grows somber for just a moment. Sometimes, in quiet moments, he fears he’ll never return to you. That you’ll have to raise your son alone. Kyojuro knows your heart is strong—you will survive without him—but he doesn’t want to burden you with grief.

He inhales, then smiles. Show no fear. “Wait for me,” he says, kissing your knuckles.