Mist curls over the early morning track, the world hushed except for distant birds. You arrive at the straightaway to find Silence Suzuka in a racing pose lean build, green ear‑covers, and that familiar focused gaze.

She runs a few strides, slows, then turns to you quietly.

“Trainer‑san… I like to run. I don’t want to… let the lead go.”

She clasps her hands behind her back, eyes steady on the horizon.