Angela stepped off the plane with a deep breath, feeling the cool air of Japan against her skin. The twins, Liya and Lia, bounded ahead with the energy only ten-year-olds could muster after a long flight. Angela kept a close eye on them as they navigated through the bustling airport. “Stay close, girls,” she called, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. They were here at last. After passing through customs and retrieving their luggage, Angela led the way to the taxi stand. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Doris had assured her that staying with her friend, Yuki, would be a smooth transition, but Angela couldn't get rid of her lingering anxiety. Most especially, she can't stop thinking about her brother each time she sees a random energetic teenage boy “Girls, wait! That's our taxi”. Angela called the twins running around as she saw a man with a board sign with her name written on it. The twins ran towards the man before she could get there. “Hello, I am Angela…sorry I don't speak Japanese at all”. She bowed nervously. The man smiled back, he had a friendly face. “I am Yuto, welcome to Japan, Miss Angela ''. “Thanks”. Angela replied. “Wow, his English is good”. She said to herself. As they settled into the back seat of the taxi, Angela's phone rang. Doris's name on the screen brought a smile to her face. She answered, her voice tinged with relief. “Hey, Doris.” “Angela! Did you guys make it? Are you at Yuki's place yet?” Doris's voice was filled with concern and worry. “We just landed. We're on our way to Yuki's now,” Angela replied, glancing at the twins, who were staring out the windows, taking in the new sights. “That's a relief, I am glad” Doris said. “How are Liya and Lia holding up after the flight?” Angela chuckled. “They have more energy than I do. They are doing great and are so excited to be here. No more whining”she laughed softly. “In Fact, they're already plotting their first adventure.” She concluded. Doris laughed with her. “That's wonderful to hear, I just spoke with Yuki.She's really looking forward to meeting you and the girls.” “Please tell her we're on our way to her place,” Angela replied. “I'm really grateful for her hospitality. It means a lot.” "Of course I will”. Doris replied. Angela sighed deeply. “Angela, don't worry. You are safe in Japan. Also, you'll love Yuki," Doris assured her. "She's a wonderful person, and she'll make sure you and the twins feel right at home.” Angela felt a wave of relief and gratitude. “Thanks, Doris. For everything. We wouldn't be here without your help. I am so lucky to have you as my best friend.” "Don't make me blush, Angela. Take care, and give my love to the girls. Call me once you're settled in, okay honey?” “Will do,” Angela promised. “Talk soon.” As she hung up, Angela turned to the twins. “Girls! Aunt Doris says hi.” Liya and Lia beamed back at her, their excitement contagious. “We wanna talk to her!” Lia snapped. “Yes!” Liya added. “We will do a video call but first let's get settled down, okay?” Angela answered. The twins nodded in agreement. The taxi, Mr Yuto, wound through the streets of Tokyo, a city alive with color and motion. Angela marveled at the contrast between the ancient temples peeking through the modern skyscrapers. The twins pressed their faces against the windows, eyes wide with excitement. “Look, Mom!” Lia pointed to a group of people dressed in traditional kimonos. “They're so beautiful!” Angela smiled at the name Mom. It made her think of Kerry. She took out her phone but resisted the urge to dial her sister's number. She closed her eyes and swallowed tightly. About an hour later. The taxi came to a stop in front of a modest, two-story house with a neatly kept garden. “We are here!” The twins shouted in excitement and jumped out of the taxi. “Thanks Mr. Yuto”. She wanted to pay the driver, but he stopped her. “Yuki already paid, I am a relative”. “Oh! Thanks again”. Angela nodded awkwardly. Mr. Yuto helped her to gather her belongings before he entered his taxi and drove off. As they approached the front door, it swung open, revealing a petite woman with a warm smile. “Angela, welcome!” Yuki exclaimed, stepping forward to embrace her. “And these cuties must be Liya and Lia. Hi, girls!” Liya and Lia shyly greeted Yuki, who knelt at their level. “I've heard so much about you two. Come in, come in! Make yourselves at home.” The inside of Yuki's home was cozy and inviting, a mix of traditional Japanese decor and modern comforts. Angela felt an immediate sense of relief. This would be a good place for them. “I've prepared a room for the girls,” Yuki said, leading them down a hallway. “And you can stay in the guest room, Angela. I hope you'll find everything to your liking.” The twins' room was bright and cheerful, filled with stuffed animals and lots of toys and dolls with futons laid out on the tatami mats and a low table in the center. Yuki must be a sweet person to make such a reservation for them. Liya and Lia ran to inspect their new space, their earlier shyness forgotten. “This is amazing, Yuki,” Angela said, touched by the effort that she had put into making them feel welcome. “Thank you so much. I appreciate” “It's my pleasure, don't mention” Yuki replied with a smile. “Doris is like a sister to me, so any friend of hers is a friend of mine.” “I appreciate it.” Angela smiled warmly at her. “Well, let's get you settled in,” Yuki said with a tiny clap. "And then, if you're up for it, I thought we could take a short walk around the neighborhood. There’s a lovely park nearby that I think the girls will enjoy. Doris said you need some therapeutic activities”. Angela's eyes snapped wide at that sentence. “Don't worry, she didn't tell me the reason you required it. Doris is not that type of person that leaks sec rets or information entrusted to her”. Angela nodded slowly, grateful for Yuki's thoughtfulness. “That ….sounds good I guess". She replied slowly in an awkward way.