Honey Pie

"Honey Pie" by Haruki Murakami is a tender story about Junpei, a writer who has loved Sayoko since college, even though she married his best friend. After their separation, Junpei becomes a father figure to her daughter, Sara. When Sara is traumatized by an earthquake, Junpei comforts her with stories about a bear and its friend, reflecting his quiet devotion and longing.

The story was first published in The New Yorker on August 12, 2001, and later included in the collection 'After the Quake'.