Nanami's journey took her to a bustling city that was larger than any place she had visited before. The streets were lined with grand buildings, and the air was filled with the hum of busy life. To her surprise, as she flew above the city, she saw many other witches like herself, flying on brooms, working on various tasks, and casting spells as they went about their day. Some witches seemed to be offering services, others were brewing potions in the open air, and a few were simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. It felt comforting to know she wasn't alone in this vast city.
After soaring through the sky for a while, Nanami decided to rest. She found a quiet park on the outskirts of the bustling marketplace, surrounded by tall trees that offered shade and a serene atmosphere. The soft sound of a nearby fountain soothed her as she sat down on a bench to enjoy her bread.
As she took a bite, savoring the soft, freshly baked loaf, she noticed an old man approaching her. His frail figure shuffled slowly, but his eyes were sharp, and his expression held a kind of warmth that drew her in.
"Excuse me, young lady," the old man said with a polite bow. "Are you available to help an old man in need?"
Nanami looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Of course, what can I do for you?"
The old man sat down next to her on the bench, his hands trembling slightly. "I live alone on the other side of the city. My granddaughter's birthday is tomorrow, and I wanted to give her a special gift. But I'm too old and frail to travel, and time is running out. Would you be able to take a gift to her for me? It's the only thing I can do for her this year."
Nanami considered the request for a moment. She had never met the granddaughter, but helping someone in need was always part of her journey. "I can deliver the gift for you," she said with a warm smile.
The old man's face lit up with gratitude. He handed her a small, carefully wrapped box. "Thank you so much. She lives in a cottage near the river to the west of the city. Please tell her it's from her grandfather. I can't express how much this means to me."
Nanami nodded, accepting the box carefully. "I'll deliver it right away."
She mounted her broomstick and soared into the sky once again, heading west toward the river. It didn't take long before she arrived at the small, cozy cottage, nestled by the water's edge. A young girl, perhaps around the age of ten, stood outside, playing with a wooden toy. When she saw Nanami land, her face brightened.
"Are you the witch my grandfather sent?" the girl asked, her eyes sparkling.
"I am," Nanami said, offering the gift. "This is for you, from your grandfather."
The girl's face lit up as she took the package from Nanami. "Thank you! I'm so happy!" She opened it carefully and pulled out a delicate silver necklace with a small pendant in the shape of a flower. "I'll cherish this forever!"
Before Nanami could leave, the girl paused and handed her a folded piece of paper. "Can you please give this to my grandfather? And tell him I'll keep this flower close to my heart. It's my favorite thing in the world. He's the best grandfather ever!"
Nanami smiled, her heart warmed by the sweet gesture. "I will make sure he gets it."
She left the cottage and flew back to the park, where the old man was waiting. When she landed, she handed him the letter from his granddaughter, along with a smile. "She was very happy with the gift. And she sent you this," she said, handing him the letter.
The old man's eyes welled up with tears as he read the note. "She's such a thoughtful child," he murmured, his voice cracking with emotion. He looked up at Nanami, and though his expression was full of gratitude, there was a sadness behind his eyes. "I don't have much, but I wanted to thank you for your kindness. I'm afraid I can't offer you money, but please take this. It's all I have left."
From a small pouch tucked inside his coat, he pulled out a pair of shoes. Nanami's breath caught in her throat as she looked at them. They were the same red ballet shoes she had seen at the boutique in the town.
"But—" Nanami began, shocked, "These... these are exactly the shoes I—"
The old man smiled gently. "I've been saving them for someone special. It's the least I can do for you, kind lady."
Tears pricked at Nanami's eyes as she accepted the shoes. "Thank you... This means so much to me."
With a final bow, Nanami bid the old man farewell. The shoes were now hers, and she felt a deep sense of gratitude. As she walked away from the park, the setting sun cast long shadows over the city. The shoes, once a distant dream, were now a beautiful gift from someone whose heart was full of love for his granddaughter.
Mounting her broomstick once again, Nanami took one last look at the city, knowing that it was time to continue her journey. The road ahead was long, and though she had learned so much, there were still many people to meet and places to visit. With a heart full of memories and a pair of red shoes to match her dress, she set off into the horizon, ready for whatever awaited her next.
And with that, her adventure continued.