With the passage of time, Yuki and I settled into a new routine. The presence of Saya, our caregiver, had brought much-needed stability to our lives, allowing me to focus on my work and our evolving father-daughter relationship. It had been months of patience and adjustment, and I had finally carved out some free time to spend with my adopted daughter.

One sunny day, I decided to take Yuki to a local mall for a special outing. It was a chance for us to create lasting memories and enjoy some quality time together. As we strolled through the bustling mall, Yuki's eyes sparkled with excitement, and her laughter filled the air. It was a precious moment, a reminder of the simple joys that life could offer.

As we explored the various shops, Yuki's curiosity led us to a bookstore. She eagerly perused the shelves, her small hands reaching for colorful picture books and novels. I watched her with pride, delighted by her enthusiasm for learning.

"Daddy, look at this!" Yuki exclaimed, holding up a book with vibrant illustrations. "Can we get this one?"

I smiled and nodded. "Of course, Yuki. You can choose a book to take home with you."

Her face lit up with joy as she clutched the book to her chest. "Thank you, Daddy!"

It was during this father-daughter moment, as we stood amidst the books, that a simple dialogue between us led to a profound realization. Yuki turned to me and asked, "Daddy, when do I start school?"

Her innocent question caught me off guard. The thought of Yuki attending elementary school had never crossed my mind. It was a perspective I had never considered, having never experienced formal education myself. In my pursuit of providing her with love, care, and stability, I had overlooked the importance of her educational needs.

A wave of concern washed over me as I realized that I had unintentionally neglected a fundamental aspect of her upbringing. Yuki deserved the opportunity to receive a proper education, to learn, grow, and explore the world beyond our small apartment. It was a responsibility that I couldn't ignore.

I knelt down, meeting her gaze, and replied, "Yuki, you will start school soon. Daddy will make sure you get the best education possible. We'll find a good school for you, and you'll have friends to learn and play with."

Yuki's face lit up with a radiant smile, her trust in me unwavering. "Really, Daddy? I can't wait to go to school and make new friends!"

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the significance of this moment. It was a promise I made to her that day, a commitment to provide her with every opportunity for a bright and promising future. As we continued our shopping trip, Yuki's excitement was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination to ensure that she received the education she deserved, a chance to write her own story and pursue her dreams.