The Cycle of Gratitude: Final Episode

A Heart Gently Filled, the Door to the Future

After starting the habit of writing in a gratitude journal every night before bed, I began to notice subtle changes in my daily life. Following Money-san’s advice, I started by listing just one small thing I was grateful for each day.

Over time, gratitude began to feel as natural as breathing. It was a strange sensation. Some days, I found myself repeatedly thankful for the same things, like “I had a warm meal today” or “I saw her smile.” Other days, I noticed new blessings, like seasonal flowers during my walks or the distant chirping of birds that moved my heart. The most surprising realization was how my focus shifted from “new things I acquire” to “what’s already around me.” It was in those moments that I realized what truly mattered.

At the same time, I started taking morning walks on sunny days, waking up a little earlier than usual. This new habit transformed the start of my day into something calm and pleasant. It wasn’t the fleeting rush of accomplishment I used to seek, but a quiet sense of peace that spread from deep within. That serenity stayed with me all day, providing a grounding comfort.

About a month later, while spending time with her, she said something unexpected.

“You’ve been different lately. There’s this calm, kind vibe about you now. You’re not as rushed as you used to be. Did something happen?”

I thought about telling her the truth but decided to keep it to myself instead.

“Really? Maybe I’ve just been more mindful lately,” I replied.

She tilted her head slightly, looking puzzled for a moment, but then smiled and said, “It’s nice. You’re in a good place.”

Her words warmed me deeply.

I never imagined that spending time together could feel this peaceful and pleasant. The warmth I felt by her side made me want to cherish her even more. That quiet yearning filled my heart.

“Thank you for everything.”

I wasn’t even sure if those words were meant for her or Money-san. In that moment, she blushed slightly, turned away, and mumbled, “You’re so weird…”

“For some reason,” I thought, “I just want to be with her forever.” It felt like the first time I had truly heard my heart’s most genuine voice.

When I returned home, a credit card statement was waiting for me in the mailbox. Normally, opening it would make me tense, but that day, I sat calmly on the sofa and opened it without hesitation.

As I looked at the statement, I was surprised to see how low the total was—something my old self would’ve thought impossible.

“I did well this month,” I murmured softly.

The numbers on the page weren’t just figures; they felt like the tangible result of my consistent gratitude. I thought back to earlier in the day when I had checked my bank balance. Instead of feeling drained, I found there was a little more left over than usual.

“Who would’ve thought I’d reach a point where I could manage my money like this?”

What I felt in that moment was a quiet pride in my own growth.

“Even small, consistent changes can transform a person this much.”

The gratitude journal and my new habits had gradually brought visible changes to my life. These changes nurtured a quiet but undeniable confidence within me.

“With this, I feel like I can keep moving forward toward our future, even if it’s just one step at a time.”

Her smile came to mind. I wanted these peaceful days to last forever—but that wasn’t enough. I wanted to create a future where she could feel even more secure and happy. That resolve quietly expanded in my heart.

I opened the curtains and looked up at the night sky, where a full moon softly illuminated the world below. Its light seemed to whisper, “It’s okay; I’m watching over you.”

Glancing at the clock, I noticed the numbers 22:22 staring back at me.

“Again, 22:22,” I muttered.

It felt like a special sign, filling my heart with a warm sense of reassurance and lighting a gentle hope for the future.

To be continued in Chapter 6.