Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #5)

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Regret comes in two flavors: actions taken and opportunities missed. The regret from doing something stems from either not being able to undo it, or the awful outcome, such as hurting someone with an insensitive comment, or feeling wretched after declaring one’s love. The regret of not doing something, in contrast, relates to things left unsaid, or love never declared.

In this world, there are countless situations where sound reasoning doesn’t necessarily lead to the right answer.

There is never a decision made that leaves a person entirely free from doubt. That doubt is like a second person residing in one’s heart. Cartoons often depict such a thing as an angel and devil, but both are speaking from the heart.

People’s hearts are forever changing. However firm one’s resolve might be, even the most trivial event can trigger doubt. And once a doubt has seen the light of day, it can be difficult to suppress, however hard one tries. It is as if a different version of oneself has suddenly emerged with opposite views from seconds earlier.

In life, there are only two paths: to act or not to act. Humans must choose one.

Human perception is subjective. Unpleasant moments feel long, while enjoyable ones feel short.

“Then even if what you saw was a dream, wouldn’t it still be a part of your life?”

It’s simply impossible to always be there to help. Protection is not everything. It would have been better if I let her gain the strength to overcome adversity by herself.

With life comes many regretful actions that we can’t undo. Most of these come down to things we do or say in the heat of the moment. Fallouts that occur in a family—among parent and child, or among siblings—can take a long time to resolve. No amount of regret over past words and actions can heal the emotional wounds inflicted on someone unless that person’s feelings change.

Expressing your feelings honestly isn’t wrong. It’s rare for someone to take offense at being told they are liked—on the contrary, it’s a blessing. So why is it so hard to take that step? Saying “I like you” should be simple, but around each person’s heart there appears to be a massive wall. Not a physical barrier but an emotional one. When we interact with each other, we hold back because we don’t know what’s on the other side of the wall.

“Listen, love’s a battlefield. Look at you. Too timid to pass a simple Valentine’s chocolate and captured by jealousy, a girl like you will never find happiness. If you love him, say it. If it doesn’t work out, next! Men are everywhere. Just expand your horizons. No good man ever showed up for a woman who just waits around. It’s a game of who confesses first. Men are also trying to figure out our feelings. Be forthright. And remember, it’s a numbers game—the more you try, the better your chances. The more you hesitate, the more you lose. Get it?”

Human hearts are complicated, and simple solutions often elude them. The more you believe in someone, the more unbearable the anger or sorrow becomes when you feel betrayed.