Hey, hey. Are you free on your next day off?

Yeah.

Then why don't we go to the children's center together?

The children's center?

Yeah. Shioriko volunteers there a lot and they're looking for help.

Right, Shioriko?

Yes. We don't have enough people that day so I asked Emma to help.

I see. Of course I'll join you!

Yes! Lanzhu and Mia are coming as well. I can't wait for the weekend!

[Fade in/out.]

Emma's been snatched away by the kids in no time.

*Giggle* That's what happens every time she comes.

Really?

Yes. She has been coming here a lot lately, and the children are completely entranced by her singing.

Well, looking at that, I can see what you mean.

Emma's singing… It's so comforting. I think I'm going to fall asleep.

Feel free to. I'll take over the bookshelf organizing that I wanted you to do.

Huh? You wanted me to do that, Shioriko? You should've told me sooner. I'll have those bookshelves in tip-top shape!

Mia, let's go!

Whaaat?! But I want to listen to Emma sing some mooore!

She's gone… Shioriko, what should we do?

We usually tell stories during this time, but…

Ah, Emma is calling for you. Please go to her. I'm fine to tell stories on my own.

Got it. Well, here I go.

[Fade in/out.]

What's up, Emma?

Um, I wanted to ask you to accompany me on piano.

I told the kids that the piano has a very gentle tone, and they said they wanted to hear it.

Would you mind?

Not at all! But I don't think I'll put on a very good performance.

Your performances are always wonderful! Besides, I love singing along to your accompaniments.

All right. What should I play?

Guys, what do you want to sing?

*Giggle* Okay, calm down. We can sing a bunch!

[Fade in/out.]

Everyone, thank you very much for today. The children were very pleased.

No, no. Thank you for the great experience.

I'm glad I got to sing a lot. It was so much fun!

I had a lot of fun playing with the little ones too!

I was nervous. I was afraid Lanzhu was going to make the kids do something ridiculous.

It's fine. I have you around, so I'm used to kids.

Huh?! What's that supposed to mean?! When I was in the States I was in college, and I'm a third-year in high school here!

C-Calm down, Mia, please. You shouldn't shout here.

Ah… Sorry.

It's been a long time since I've heard Emma's children's songs. They still give me a great sense of comfort.

You're just like the lady on TV that sings for kids. You'd be perfect in a role like that.

Huh? You think so?

Yeah. The kids' smiles were proof of that.

*Giggle* Actually, I've been thinking lately that it would be nice to be something like that.

I've always loved singing, but after coming to Japan, I've grown to love singing even more.

I was thinking how nice it would be if I could continue singing from here on out.

That's great! That's the perfect dream for you, Emma!

Yeah. Emma is well-liked by children. As soon as we arrived at the children's center, she was surrounded by kids.

That really surprised me. And there were so many song requests for you!

*Chuckle* Thanks.

I want to continue singing as long as I can.

What about you? Are you going to continue with music?

Huh? Um… I wonder. I haven't thought about it, actually.

I love music and I take music classes, but if you ask me if I'm going to continue my music career forever, then…

I really love the songs you write, so I think you'd make an excellent songwriter.

What's that? You want to be a professional songwriter, Little Baby?

Then you can ask Mia all sorts of questions.

My advice might be a little harsh, but I'd be happy to give it to you.

What?! No, I can't do it! I never thought I'd go pro, and I'm not even sure I have the confidence to do so.

Oh? Well, I'll always be there to give advice if you ever want to talk about it.

Thank you, Mia. If I do, I'll take you up on that offer!

[Fade in/out.]

Going pro, huh…

What do I actually want to do in life?

Everyone's challenging themselves to find what they want to do, and I haven't even started to think about it.