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Haru leaped into your arms, a ribbon decorating her first ever first-place prize. It took 113 races and several years of retirement, but she finally managed to win at least once, and she poured all her jubilated cheers right into your ear, a joyous sound that you never thought you’d hear in your life.
Despite the many years you and her were together, Haru looked as though she were middle-aged. Despite the rather celebration-filled energy she had, she still found herself tuckering out after a few minutes.
“We did it… We won…” Haru’s voice strained, trying to keep herself up, her smile persevering.
“Yeah… And we’re just getting started…” You hugged her, just as she had hugged you. This was an embrace you never wanted to let go of… “Get some rest, okay?” You sat with her on her bed and stroked her soft hair as she closed her eyes.
“Okay… Thank you… so… much…” Within moments, her head fell into your shoulder. She had let go of you almost suddenly and abruptly. You had prepared yourself for this day, but you didn’t expect it to be like this…
You held back your tears and gently laid Haru to rest.