One day, after a long heavy rain, Charo saw Candy covered with mud and crying.
He dashed to her side.
"Candy! What happened?"
"Charo! Um... Hi. How are you?"
Candy tried to keep smiling but her eyes were filled with tears.
"Are you okay? Is something wrong with Chris?"
"No. Chris is fine. He's been doing very well after his surgery. And he's coming home tomorrow. I'm so happy about that."
"What's the matter? I can't help you if you keep crying like this."
"I told you we're leaving for Chicago after Chris's surgery, right? But before that, I wanted to get something for you. And..."
"Something... for me?"
"Yes. I heard about this triple-heart pendant. They say it'll make your wish come true. It's on display now, so I went to see it, but..."
"But?"
"I got caught in a puddle of mud, and this is what happened!"
Candy kept crying while she shook the mud off herself.
"You've always helped me during the most difficult times of my life. Now it's my turn. I wanted to help you get back to Japan, but..."
"Candy, I don't need another pendant. Your words are enough."
"Don't say that! It makes me want to cry again."
After a week or so, Charo was walking down the street.
Suddenly, a white limousine stopped in front of him. Out came Candy!
"Candy!"
Candy didn't say a word, she ran up to Charo and kissed him on the cheek.
"We're leaving for Chicago today. It was really sudden. And I almost thought I might not be able to say goodbye to you. I'm so happy that we met here."
"You're... leaving... today?"
"Yes, Charo."
Candy saw the red star, shining on Charo's collar.
Her heart ached.
Did Charo still believe in the story that Candy had made up about the red star pendant?
"Charo, I have to tell you something... about that red star pendant. It's... well... uh... I..."
"It's all right, Candy."
"What?"
"I've learned that what really counts is to believe in yourself. Believe in yourself, and your dreams will come true. This red star will remind me of that. And so, this will always be a magic red star for me."
"Charo..."
At that moment, Chris came and picked Candy up into his arms.
"Have you said goodbye to your friend, Candy?"
"Arf! Arf! Just one more minute."
As if he understood, Chris gently stroked Candy and let her down.
"Charo, I really learned a lot from you."
"えっ？"
"You are so special. I know you can get back to Japan. I believe in you. Thank you, Charo. And goodbye."
With that Candy ran to Chris, he was waiting beside the car.
The two got in and the car quietly moved off.
Charo ran after them for a while, but soon the car picked up speed and disappeared.
"Goodbye... Candy."
♪The Fluttering Heart
Why is your little heart fluttering?
What is this feeling that's lingering...
Since your friend's gone away?
Why is your little heart fluttering?
What is this feeling that's lingering?
