Hazel cannot escape her destiny when it comes to her intellectual mind. She skipped three years in junior high school and got promoted right away to senior high. Just turning 15, she was able to finish high school and received all the major awards. She just gave a short speech at the ceremony for she knows how tedious it is to listen to several speeches in one day. She just emphasized how fun it was studying at the school and how much knowledge they have acquired. Well, she did mention the teachers who really taught her something and generalized those whom she did not adore that much. She's a bit sad because most of her old friends will be left behind since they are still at junior high but as they say, you need to move on with life or rather, school. Besides, it's still a long way from reaching her dream.

She already had a university in mind when her parents asked her. She mentioned the name and her father's eyes lit up. They were in the living area when they were having the conversation and Mr. Yin stood and went to where their telephone is. He picked up a brown envelope and handed it to Hazel. "Open it, hurry!" and Hazel felt the excitement in her father's tone, she did open it quickly but with utmost care. There, she saw several kinds of papers, colors of which she recognized being used by her dream school- she first checked out the glossy brochure that says, "Welcome to the University of Preston: Your journey to greatness starts here!" She had read the title numerous times and she's amazed by the combination of black and purple colors in the paper. She still cannot comprehend what her father is trying to tell. Is he telling her that she can choose the university if she really wants to? She looks at her father while holding the brochure and her father motioned her to check on the other contents of the envelope. And there it was. She felt a paper that felt wrinkly and she slowly pulled it out. It's a full scholarship and while she was staring at the paper, her father was talking about the fact that she will be given a monthly allowance, and if she needs anything she can just contact the school secretary so it could be arranged for her. Mr. Yin needed to repeat everything he said, though, for Hazel's mind started to wander off to her new university. She imagined herself learning a lot with the help of the school.

"Hazel dear," Mr. Yin was trying to shake off Hazel's wandering mind. "Do you understand? Do not worry about us. We will be fine here."

Oh! The catch of this wonderful offer. Of course, she needs to stay in Tokyo for her to study at that prestigious university. She forgot about the location while her mind was visualizing. She looks at her parents, her mom who is sitting on the couch, and her dad seated at the left armrest. They look at her lovingly, trying to look strong for her. She understood. She went ahead and hugged them. She whispered about how she will miss them badly. Then they softly wept.

It was almost a week when Hazel already went to Tokyo alone. Her father dropped her off at the train station and he decided to hold on to his tears and just be happy for his daughter will be discovering new things. On his way back home, He visited a shrine and prayed for her daughter's happiness and safety. He wished that she would meet someone that could keep her from harm for he's not on her only child's side while holding the omamori (amulet) that he bought at the entrance of the shrine. He left the shrine with a smile on his face knowing deep inside him that his wish came true.

Screeeeechhh!

Hazel was panting. She knows she's lying on the sidewalk. She closed her eyes to calm her nerves and to recollect what happened to her.

After memorizing the city map that she bought at the train station upon setting foot in Tokyo, she was able to pinpoint the necessary places she needs- the university, her temporary home, and the city library. She took a taxi and dictated the address to the driver. She got off the cab and the driver helped her out with her luggage. She thanked him and said that he's like his dad who's helpful to his passengers, the driver smiled and thanked the little girl.

The apartment manager was a kind, old man. He welcomed Hazel with a warm smile and told her that if she needs anything, just inform him. Apparently, other scholars are also living in his apartment so he's already used to having smart and silent kids as tenants. He chuckled for it's better for him, fewer problems and rent cheques are regularly being sent to him. Hazel nodded and thought that having a rental space for her parents in the future is a good idea. They just sit and money will come to them. A passive income. Perfect. They deserve it.

It's already noon when she finished unpacking her things and she took a rest. She went outside to buy food at the convenience store and thought that she could take a walk in the neighborhood so she could get familiar with the place.

She was munching on a hotdog while checking the map again making sure she did not miss anything and after she finished eating, she decided to take a peek at the university. She will be enrolling tomorrow but she's just too excited so she thought she will have a bath after her afternoon stroll. As per the map, the university is a kilometer and a half away from her apartment so it walking would just be a breeze for her. She excitedly went outside and started to walk. The soft breeze can be felt and she remembers something. Her imagination started to work. She's now back in her hometown, she's with her classmates and they decided to have a hike in the nearby mountain. They bought snacks and drinks so they can call it having a picnic. They prefer staying at the mountain cliff after their hike. It's their favorite spot. The cliff is overseeing their small town. They enjoy watching the sunset in the background and the town starts to light up. She then went back to reality. She got teary-eyed. She decided to sit down at a bench at a bus stop.

She suddenly missed her hometown, her friends, the mountain cliff, her parents. Upon imagining her parents, her tears started to fall. She was covering her face with her hands when she felt something warm and sticky.

Woof! Woof! Sluuurp!

Hazel removed her hands and saw a white dog in front of her. The dog's wagging its tail and barking happily while licking Hazel's hands. She was wondering at first but when the dog kept on licking her, she started to giggle. She noticed the collar and it reads, "Shiro."

"What a simple name you have. Shiro for white. It suits you well, you friendly dog." Hazel started to scratch Shiro and he seemed to enjoy it. He then sniffed something out of the thin air and he looked in the other direction and barked. Hazel looked at where Shiro is looking and she saw a red ball that could be his toy. Shiro suddenly runs straight to the road desperately wanting to get the ball when there was a car approaching fast. Hazel did not think fast, she went ahead to save Shiro by running after him and pushing him off the sidewalk.

Screeeeechhh!

Now Hazel remembered everything. She felt something warm dripping on her forehead before she passed out.