AT THE TOURNAMENT
Palmila arrives at the final tournament with her bow and arrows. Meenaksh and Rei have already won the other events, so this is the last and most awaited competition. As everyone lines up and gets ready to shoot, all eyes slowly turn toward Palmila.
She is unknown to the new world, but Berry—the reigning champion—is now the main target of everyone. Still, Palmila's presence creates a huge impact. Many players resign even before the game begins, and the competition is reduced by half.
Berry stares straight into Palmila's eyes and says coldly,"You're going to lose."
Palmila feels nervous. This is her first official competition after a long time. She closes her eyes and releases her first arrow. As always—it's a perfect 10.
The second shot, however, is disappointing. Berry moves ahead by one point.
Palmila closes her eyes again. This time, she sees the image of Queen Johna, who says softly,"Trying is the only way to know the result."
Palmila opens her eyes, takes a deep breath, and chooses her favorite move—three arrows at once. Every arrow reflects her confidence. The audience holds their breath. One by one, the arrows strike the center.
It becomes the most eye-catching moment of the tournament.
Palmila wins.
She drops her bow and hugs her teammates, overwhelmed with emotion.
Queen Johna smiles and says,"Looks like you had fun."
Palmila replies,"Hm… I did. And I won. That's a special gift to myself—on my birthday."
Queen Johna laughs softly."Ohhh, happy birthday, miracle baby."
"Thank you, Sensei," Palmila says. "Now I have to go somewhere. I promised."
THE VISIT
Palmila stops in front of a familiar door and rings the bell.
A woman opens it—Lily and Kamila's mother.
She freezes in shock when she sees Palmila, then quickly steps aside."Come in, beta."
Palmila sits on the sofa and looks around the house. Memories flood back—her childhood, her laughter, and her soul-sister, Lily.
Lily's mother returns with a cup of coffee and a glass of cold drink."You always liked cold things, right?"
Palmila smiles weakly."You remembered…"
"How could I forget you?" Lily's mother says gently.
Palmila breaks down and hugs her."I miss Lily so much, aunty."
Her mother strokes Palmila's hair."Don't blame yourself. It wasn't your fault. Lily was not strong enough."
Palmila shakes her head, crying."Why didn't she tell me what she was going through? Why didn't she give her friend a chance to save her?"
Lily's mother calms her down. She brings a bouquet of flowers and says,"Come. Let's go to Lily."
They walk to the place where Lily rests.
"She wanted you to be happy," her mother says softly. "You were the last person she talked about."
Palmila's hands tremble as she places the flowers. Only then does she understand—Lily never wanted Palmila to know about her condition. She wanted Palmila to smile, even if she couldn't.
NARRATOR
Lily is already dead at this time.
Today is Palmila's birthday.
For three years, Palmila has lived in depression, blaming herself for Lily's death. On the day Palmila was at her peak in a tournament, the news arrived—Lily was gone.
No one knows how Lily died. Only a note was found, with Palmila's name written on it.
Palmila believed Lily killed herself because of her—because Palmila fought to become Queen, and Lily wanted that title too.
This thought destroyed Palmila.
Traumatized, she never returned to Totsuki. She ran far away from the people she loved, afraid to face them.
That is why she never wanted to come back.
Until today.
THE BIRTHDAY NIGHT
Meenaksh waits at the door, holding a small gift, hoping Palmila will return soon so they can celebrate her birthday together. The night grows late, and worry slowly settles on his face.
Finally, Palmila arrives.
She looks upset—quiet, distant.
Meenaksh understands immediately why she is like this. Without asking anything, he steps forward and hugs her tightly.
"Happy birthday," he says softly."To the purest soul that ever existed."
Palmila looks up at him, surprised."Thank you so much, Meenaksh," she says, holding his hand.
He gently leads her inside the house.
The moment Palmila steps in, she freezes.
Everyone is there.
Every member of the team—everyone except Berry.
Palmila's father and mother stand in front, smiling through tears.
Her father says loudly,"Thank you for coming into our lives."
Palmila's chest tightens. Overwhelmed by emotion, she suddenly turns and runs away toward her room.
Everyone grows tense.
Meenaksh follows her immediately.
UNDER THE OPEN SKY
Instead of stopping in her room, Palmila walks out to the ground, the quiet night air surrounding her. She sits there, staring at the sky.
A few moments later, Meenaksh appears—this time holding a cake.
Palmila looks at him, confused.
He places the cake down and lights the candles."Let's celebrate here," he says gently.
They sit together, cutting the cake under the stars.
They talk.
About Lily.About memories.About laughter, dreams, and the pain of losing her.
Tears fall—but for the first time, Palmila doesn't feel alone.
ELSEWHERE
Berry sits alone in her room, holding a photograph tightly in her hands.
Tears stream down her face.
She whispers,"Happy birthday, my friend."
"I love you… but I still can't forget you."
Her voice breaks.
"And I can't forgive myself for Lily's death."
She presses the photo to her chest and cries silently, trapped between love, guilt, and grief.