A Mysterious Encounter with Money-san: Episode 3

The Circulation of Trust and Abundance

The apartment building came into view as the surrounding area was already cloaked in darkness. As the year-end approached, the days seemed to grow shorter, with night falling more quickly than usual.

I approached the mailboxes near the entrance, a place I honestly preferred to avoid, especially at the end of the month. Tentatively, I opened the small door to my mailbox, finding just one envelope inside. Glancing at the addressee, I saw it was a credit card bill.

“Ah, it’s here after all…”

Last month, my oil heater had suddenly broken down, and I had no choice but to buy a new one in a hurry. This bill would undoubtedly include that expense. No matter how many times I calculated, the numbers for next month’s income and expenses just wouldn’t balance. If today’s business deal came through, I might be able to make it work. But the relentless weight of worry never seemed to leave my mind.

Entering my apartment, I placed the bill on the table and poured myself a glass of water. Drinking it wasn’t so much about quenching thirst as it was about calming myself down.

“Please, let today’s deal go well…”

I silently wished. At that moment, my phone buzzed with a notification. It was an email. I quickly unlocked my screen to find a message from the client I had visited earlier in the day. My heart raced, and I felt a tightening sensation in my throat.

Opening the email, I first saw polite words of thanks: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today.” But as I read further, my shoulders began to slump. The conclusion was clear: “After discussions with our executives, we’ve decided to hold off for now.” The email ended with a brief apology.

“So, it’s a no…”

The words slipped out, and the wave of unease in my chest only grew larger. I returned to the home screen, where the clock now read 18:18. Usually, this was around the time she would call. I wanted to vent to her about my worries—or at least escape them for a moment—but no call came.

Ten minutes passed. Fifteen. Still nothing. “Why today of all days…?” I muttered, a sense of frustration rising within me.

Then, out of nowhere, a memory of the app’s message from earlier flickered in my mind: “Fear, you see, is a guidepost that helps you find what you truly want or need.”

What I truly wanted? That was obvious—the money for next month’s bills. I muttered the words to myself with a wry smile, trying to brush the thought aside. But as I stood to stretch, my eyes landed on my phone. That app’s icon seemed to almost shimmer, radiating an odd kind of pull.

“No, it couldn’t be…”

I couldn’t explain why, but I felt strangely compelled. Before I realized it, my finger had tapped on the app, opening the message screen. Almost as if guided by some unseen force, I found myself typing out a question:

“Who are you?”

The reply came almost instantly:

“I’m the energy of money itself. I’m always with you, even when you don’t realize it. I’ve been here all along, supporting you.”

“Money? Energy? Are you messing with me? Or is this some kind of scam?”

“I get it—it sounds unbelievable. But I really am the energy of money. Right now, I can feel your anxiety, and I want to help.”

“How do you know I’m anxious?”

“Anxiety sends out a strong energy signal. Especially on days like today, when thoughts like ‘Why isn’t anything going right?’ or ‘What am I supposed to do now?’ echo in your mind—it’s hard to miss. Your emotions reach me clearly. You see, money isn’t just about physical things or numbers; it’s an energy that flows through your feelings and actions. When your anxiety grows, I feel an even stronger urge to reach out.”

“Energy or not, I don’t have any money in my hands right now. I can’t pay my bills next month.”

“I know that feels heavy. The fact that you don’t have enough money right now is feeding your anxiety. But the truth is, you’re not truly ‘without.’ Money isn’t just a material thing—it’s energy that flows. Even if you can’t see it in front of you now, that energy exists, and it will come back around.”

“It’ll come back? But how?”

“First, let’s figure out what this ‘anxiety’ is trying to teach you. Fear is a signal that points you toward what truly matters.”

“A signal?”

“Exactly. Fear isn’t just an unpleasant emotion—it’s your mind’s way of saying, ‘Look here!’ For example, if you’re worried about next month’s bills, think about what that fear is telling you. That’s where you’ll find clues for your next step.”

“So, even that credit card bill on the table is a signal?”

“That’s right. The bill might be asking, ‘How will you overcome this?’ or ‘What can you do to create more breathing room next time?’ It’s giving you hints. Facing fear takes courage, but when you confront it, it can transform into trust. What’s the first thought you had when you saw the bill?”

“That I just wanted it gone.”

“That’s understandable. But instead of just wishing it away, try asking yourself, ‘What can I do to let go of this fear and feel more secure?’ The answer might lead you to your next step.”

“Let go of my fear… If I could do that, it’d feel amazing.”

“Exactly. But forcing fear away can make it stronger. Start by acknowledging it and asking yourself, ‘What is this fear trying to show me?’ That’s the first step.”

I sat in silence for a while, letting the thoughts swirl in my head. Then, almost as if speaking to myself, I said quietly:

“Money… not having enough for next month’s bills… failing to secure that deal… drifting apart from her. It’s all overwhelming.”

“That’s a lot to carry—it makes sense you’re feeling this way. But each of those worries carries its own message:

• ‘Not enough money’: What energy could you put out to attract more?
• ‘Failed work opportunities’: Is it a matter of timing, or is there a new approach to consider?
• ‘Drifting apart from her’: Is there something important you’ve overlooked, or do you need to change something within yourself?

“You don’t have to tackle them all at once. Start with just one, and you might find some relief.”

At that moment, her face popped into my mind. Her familiar scent seemed to fill the air around me. It was a warm, comforting feeling, like the early days of our relationship.

And then, as if responding to my thoughts, my phone buzzed again.

Looking down, I saw her name flash across the screen.

• “A Future Woven by Trust and Gratitude” continues.