Scene 150
(Ahmed stands in front of Honoka and Misaki on the school rooftop, while the cool evening breeze gently rustles their hair. A calm prevails over the place, interrupted only by the distant sounds of the city.)
Ahmed looks at Honoka with eyes full of worry and concern. Then he says in a calm and measured voice:
Ahmed: "Honoka... after everything that happened... and after your parents rejected you... do... do you really want to return to them?"
(Honoka's eyes widen in surprise.)
She did not expect this question. She looks at Ahmed, then at Misaki, as if searching for the words to express what is going on inside her.
Silence prevails for moments. Honoka sighs slowly, then lowers her head.
Honoka: "I don't know..."
(Her words tremble as they come out with difficulty.)
Honoka: "Despite everything they did... they are still my parents."
She grips the edge of her jacket with her hands, while trying to stop her tears from falling.
Honoka: "A part of me wishes they would hug me just once... and say that everything that happened was a mistake."
(She looks at the sky, her eyes starting to glisten with tears.)
Honoka: "But... when I remember their looks... and their words... I feel afraid."
(Misaki approaches her, and gently holds her hand.)
Misaki: "You don't have to make a decision right now."
(Honoka looks at her, then smiles a faint smile.)
Ahmed raises his head slightly, then speaks in a tone full of calmness and confidence.
Ahmed: "I don't want you to answer because someone is pressuring you."
He pauses for a moment, then continues:
Ahmed: "I want you to choose what makes you feel safe... and what preserves your dignity."
(Honoka is touched by his words, but she remains silent, unable to resolve her conflicting feelings.)
Ahmed looks at her for a moment, then opens his school bag quietly. He takes out the small sketchbook that always accompanies him... and holds his pen between his fingers. Honoka looks at him with surprise, while Misaki watches him in silence. A calm smile appears on Ahmed's face.
Ahmed: "Before you answer... there is something I want to show you."
(He sits on the bench and opens the sketchbook, to start a new page of emotions that will be expressed by the brush of his pen.)