I’m Emi Maruyama (31), a mom raising a first-grade boy. A while ago, I started a new part-time job and took over from Yukako Hotta, a single mother. Since we were the same age and our kids were in the same grade, we quickly bonded and became friends. Having just moved, I was thrilled to finally make a friend. Over time, our bond grew stronger, and even after she changed jobs, we still meet up at cafés to talk.
When I lent her the money, I did it with the mindset that I might never get it back—and that was okay. Yukako bowed her head many times and said “thank you.” I honestly didn’t want to get involved in lending money, but this way her child wouldn’t have to quit soccer, and I was truly glad. I felt fortunate that I could do something before my friend had to keep suffering. She repeatedly promised, “I’ll definitely pay you back,” and because of that, I feel our friendship grew even deeper through this. Being able to support her also left my own heart feeling full.