Two months had passed since then. Mika’s surgery went smoothly, and the postoperative biopsy results showed it was stage 0—early detection. Her hospital stay was short, and her doctor quickly gave her permission to return to work.

“Takana-san, honestly, it was only this small area here that had cancer cells. We checked everywhere else in your body, and you’re in shockingly good health. That said, since we never know where cancer might appear next, make sure you don’t get careless and keep up with your regular checkups. Still, looking at this image, I was surprised to see the cancer cells had shrunk significantly compared to when we first found them. That doesn’t happen often—really, it’s a good thing.”

The doctor tilted his head in puzzlement but gave her a clean bill of health.

Though only a month had passed since the surgery, Mika had been recovering steadily. Today, she could finally return to work.

“Manager, I’m back! Please take care of me again!”

“Mika-chan! I’m so glad! Honestly, the products you pick sell way better. I know it’s bad to ask right after you’ve returned, but could you go to Warehouse No. 4?”

“Of course. The doctor said I’m fine as long as I don’t overexert myself.”

“Alright, then—don’t forget the insecticide, just like always.”

She had only been away for two months, but the manager’s wink felt so nostalgic that tears nearly welled up in her eyes again.

“Got it. I’ll be going now.”

Pushing the cart, Mika used the key with the green ribbon and opened the door for the first time in what felt like forever.

Beyond the door was a rugged, rocky cavern that stretched into unfathomable depths.

“That’s weird… When the manager and I looked, it was definitely just a normal warehouse.”

Tilting her head in confusion, Mika tightened her grip on the rake and ventured deeper into Warehouse No. 4 once again.