| ^``Alright, shall we get started today.''\ | | ^``Alright, shall we get started today.''\ |
| ^Perhaps because it was closed off, the garage was stiflingly hot.\ | | ^Perhaps because it was closed off, the garage was stiflingly hot.\ |
| ^Immediately, I turn towards my beloved car under maintenance, purchased just a month earlier.\ | | ^Immediately, I turn towards my beloved car under maintenance, purchased just a month earlier.\ |
| n | ^One might call it a restoration, but really, it was work to simply get it to run properly.\ | n | ^It sounded good to call it a restoration, but really, it was work to simply get it to run properly.\ |
| ^First, instead of calling the chassis `retro', the word `scrap' would fit better; such was the age and condition of the car.\ | | ^First, instead of calling the chassis `retro', the word `scrap' would fit better; such was the age and condition of the car.\ |
| ^However, thanks to that, I've lately been spending the weekends inside this garage.\ | | ^However, thanks to that, I've lately been spending the weekends inside this garage.\ |
| ^Someone knocked.\ | | ^Someone knocked.\ |
| ^ or supper, or whatever...''#808080/ | | ^ or supper, or whatever...''#808080/ |
| ^~%70~* ~n~~i~Pan~i~ in Japanese means bread.~u~ | | ^~%70~* ~n~~i~Pan~i~ in Japanese means bread.~u~ |
| ^#ffffff\ | | ^#ffffff\ |
| n | ^``Look here, this homemade hoist. Isn't it great?''\ | n | ^``Look here, this homemade hoist - isn't it great?''\ |
| ^``But figures, without a winch, it's really hard! Ahaha!''\ | | ^``But figures, without a winch it's really hard! Ahaha!''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^Yuka sighed.\ | | ^Yuka sighed.\ |
| ^* Sigh. *\ | | ^* Sigh. *\ |
| ^``You know, Himeko?''\ | | ^``You know, Himeko?''\ |
| ^``It's fine to love cars and all...''\ | | ^``It's fine to love cars and all...''\ |
| n | ^``But for a young girl to get all black, and regularly being in the garage, what do you think about that?''\ | n | ^``But a young girl to get all black, and be in the garage regularly, what do you think about that?''\ |
| ^``Mm? You think that's strange?''\ | | ^``Mm? You think that's... strange?''\ |
| ^``I don't have to think. It's strange.''\ | | ^``I don't have to think. It's strange.''\ |
| ^``Aha, well that's fine isn't it?''\ | | ^``Aha, well that's fine isn't it?''\ |
| ^``You know, for me, instead of frilly clothes like yours, Yuka, I like what I have here.''\ | | ^``You know, for me, instead of frilly clothes like yours, Yuka, I like what I have here.''\ |
| ^``Yeah, yeah, you've been like this for ages, that's true.''\ | | ^``Yeah, yeah, you've been like this for ages, that's true.''\ |
| ^She replied in a weary voice.\ | | ^She replied in a weary voice.\ |
| ^Her name was Yuka.\ | | ^Her name was Yuka.\ |
| n | ^She also lived nearby, and since long ago, we often spent time together.\ | n | ^She also lived nearby and from long ago, we often spent time together.\ |
| ^However, our interests and personalities were polar opposites.\ | | ^However, our interests and personalities were polar opposites.\ |
| ^And yet, we got along for some reason. It might have been exactly because our interests and personalities were different that we got along.\ | | ^And yet, we got along for some reason. It might have been exactly because our interests and personalities were different that we got along.\ |
| ^If there were someone that could be called a ``best friend''...\ | | ^If there were someone that could be called a ``best friend''...\ |
| ^``For me... she would have been it...''\ | | ^``For me... she would have been it...''\ |
| ^``But still, Himeko, you're quite the eccentric, aren't you?''\ | | ^``But still, Himeko, you're quite the eccentric, aren't you?''\ |
| ^``Using your first paycheck on such a beat-up car.''\ | | ^``Using your first paycheck on such a beat-up car.''\ |
| n | ^``Hey, it's not a beat-up car, call it a Eunos.''\ | n | ^``Hey, it's not a beat-up car. Call it a Eunos.''\ |
| ^``And even though it's old, this model's quite popular you know?''\ | | ^``And even though it's old, this model's quite popular you know?''\ |
| ^``Ohh? Really now?''\ | | ^``Ohh? Really now?''\ |
| ^``Uu, and because of this, all the way until winter bonus time, it's loan hell! Sniffle sniffle.''\ | | ^``Uu, and because of this, all the way until winter bonus time, it's loan hell! Sniffle sniffle.''\ |
| ^``Now, now. How about you hurry up and fix it and take me for a drive.''\ | | ^``Now, now. How about you hurry up and fix it and take me for a drive.''\ |
| n | ^``Yeah, I think by next week, it'd run.''\ | n | ^``Yeah, I think by next week it'd run.''\ |
| ^``Great, it's decided then. Even next week...''\ | | ^``Great, it's decided then. Even next week...''\ |
| ^``Wait... Sundays don't work for you right?''\ | | ^``Wait... Sundays don't work for you right?''\ |
| ^``Mmm, there's no real problem.''\ | | ^``Mmm, there's no real problem.''\ |
| ^``Mm? You seem a bit down...''\ | | ^``Mm? You seem a bit down...''\ |
| ^``Did you... come back from the 7th floor?''\ | | ^``Did you... come back from the 7th floor?''\ |
| ^``... Mmm. It was the 3rd time for someone I was in charge of...''\ | | ^``... Mmm. It was the 3rd time for someone I was in charge of...''\ |
| n | ^``I see. Then, it must have been hard in many ways...''\ | n | ^``I see. Then it must have been hard in many ways...''\ |
| ^The 7th floor... that is, the hospital's hospice.\ | | ^The 7th floor... that is, the hospital's hospice.\ |
| ^Hospice. | | ^Hospice. |
| ^Generally known as the ``palliative care ward.''\ | | ^Generally known as the ``palliative care ward.''\ |
| n | ^Essentially, not a typical ward, but one for patients on their final treatment options, a ward with mental care as a primary focus.\ | n | ^Essentially, not a typical ward, but one for patients on their final treatment options; a ward with mental care as a primary focus.\ |
| ^For us, as Catholics, volunteering as helpers had been very natural.\ | | ^For us, as Catholics, volunteering as helpers had been very natural.\ |
| ^... Every day, after college, my sister would head straight to the hospital.\ | | ^... Every day, after college, my sister would head straight to the hospital.\ |
| ^In her, I could see myself up to a few years ago...\ | | ^In her, I could see myself up to a few years ago...\ |
| ^``Here, I made you some coffee.''\ | | ^``Here, I made you some coffee.''\ |
| ^``Thank you.''\ | | ^``Thank you.''\ |
| ^``Say... Onee-chan, you're not going to do it anymore?''\ | | ^``Say... Onee-chan, you're not going to do it anymore?''\ |
| n | ^``It? You mean, be a helper?''\ | n | ^``It? You mean be a helper?''\ |
| ^``Mm. Right now, hospitals everywhere are shorthanded, and it's been difficult for them.''\ | | ^``Mm. Right now, hospitals everywhere are shorthanded and it's been difficult for them.''\ |
| ^``I see...''\ | | ^``I see...''\ |
| ^``But, I'm done with it.''\ | | ^``But, I'm done with it.''\ |
| ^``Unlike you, I only went because I wanted university credits.''\ | | ^``Unlike you, I only went because I wanted university credits.''\ |
| ^``... Such joys, a young girl does not need!''\ | | ^``... Such joys, a young girl does not need!''\ |
| ^``Ohh, and I spent an hour making it up too...''\ | | ^``Ohh, and I spent an hour making it up too...''\ |
| ^The sun was still high and the Eunos ran under the refreshing cool of a sky before the rainy season.\ | | ^The sun was still high and the Eunos ran under the refreshing cool of a sky before the rainy season.\ |
| n | ^Soon, after leaving the long mountain road, the deep blue sea spread wide.\ | n | ^Soon, after leaving a long mountain road, the deep blue sea spread wide.\ |
| ^The sea route continued endlessly. From nearby came the crashing of waves and seagull calls.\ | | ^The sea route continued endlessly. From nearby came the crashing of waves and seagull calls.\ |
| ^Even the phoenix palms planted by the beach houses, each and every one was tall--- it felt like visiting southern lands.\ | | ^Even the phoenix palms planted by the beach houses, each and every one was tall--- it felt like visiting southern lands.\ |
| ^``So, why don't we take a little break?''\ | | ^``So, why don't we take a little break?''\ |
| ^``I don't believe this!''\ | | ^``I don't believe this!''\ |
| ^``And, I'm worried about whether we'll be able to get back, but the fact that I went along with this driving for a whole day, I don't believe myself!''\ | | ^``And, I'm worried about whether we'll be able to get back, but the fact that I went along with this driving for a whole day, I don't believe myself!''\ |
| ^``Ahaha, now, now, we'll manage... probably.''\ | | ^``Ahaha, now, now, we'll manage... probably.''\ |
| n | ^And then, we spread out some newspaper on the beach, and started to eat the lunch we bought at a convenience store along the way.\ | n | ^And then, we spread out some newspaper on the beach and started to eat the lunch we bought at a convenience store along the way.\ |
| ^To be honest, bringing our own lunches would've fit better, but both of our best dishes, hard-boiled eggs, couldn't be called extravagant.\ | | ^To be honest, bringing our own lunches would've fit better, but both of our best dishes, hard-boiled eggs, couldn't be called extravagant.\ |
| ^At the least, we should have brought a sheet.\ | | ^At the least, we should have brought a sheet.\ |
| ^``But you know, Himeko...''\ | | ^``But you know, Himeko...''\ |
| ^While we chatted, the two of us continued to eat our lunches.\ | | ^While we chatted, the two of us continued to eat our lunches.\ |
| ^Pines swayed in the salt breeze, and the large phoenix palms stood tall. Occasionally, seagulls came near.\ | | ^Pines swayed in the salt breeze, and the large phoenix palms stood tall. Occasionally, seagulls came near.\ |
| ^Though it was such an utterly perfect place...\ | | ^Though it was such an utterly perfect place...\ |
| n | ^How should I say... the image of the newspaper mats, Yuka's frilly clothing, my work overalls, it was all so silly that it was laughable.\ | n | ^How should I say... the image of the newspaper mats, Yuka's frilly clothing, my work overalls, it was all so out of place it was laughable.\ |
| ^``Say, let's come again next week?''\ | | ^``Say, let's come again next week?''\ |
| ^``No!''\ | | ^``No!''\ |
| ^``Wow, instantly rejected''\ | | ^``Wow, instantly rejected''\ |
| ^* Knock knock. Click. *\ | | ^* Knock knock. Click. *\ |
| ^``Phew, so heavy...''\ | | ^``Phew, so heavy...''\ |
| ^``Himeko, look, I bought them for you.''\ | | ^``Himeko, look, I bought them for you.''\ |
| n | ^``Well sorry, but the shop downstairs didn't sell those magazines.''\ | n | ^``Sorry, but the shop downstairs didn't sell those magazines.''\ |
| ^``I don't really mind, but next time, could you make them lighter books?''\ | | ^``I don't really mind, but next time, could you make them lighter books?''\ |
| ^``And stop with the books for obsessed maniacs, okay? Taking them to the register was embarrassing.''\ | | ^``And stop with the books for obsessed maniacs, okay? Taking them to the register was embarrassing.''\ |
| ^``I think `Motorcyclist' and `American Car Magazine' are perfectly normal magazines...''\ | | ^``I think `Motorcyclist' and `American Car Magazine' are perfectly normal magazines...''\ |
| ^``Well to me they aren't!''\ | | ^``Well to me they aren't!''\ |
| n | ^``Now, now the two of you.''\ | n | ^``Now, now, the two of you.''\ |
| ^``This is a shared room, so you shouldn't be so rowdy...''\ | | ^``This is a shared room, so you shouldn't be so rowdy...''\ |
| ^``Ah, that's right. Sorry.''\ | | ^``Ah, that's right. Sorry.''\ |
| ^Two people who came to visit me.\ | | ^Two people who came to visit me.\ |
| ^Nothing need be said about Chihiro, but even looking like this, Yuka had been the first to rush over.\ | | ^Nothing need be said about Chihiro, but even looking like this, Yuka had been the first to rush over.\ |
| n | ^Even before, when I'd be in bed with a cold, complaining all the while, she'd be at my side taking care of me.\ | n | ^Even before, when I'd be in bed with a cold --- complaining all the while, she'd be at my side taking care of me.\ |
| ^She wasn't the most true to herself... but really was very kind.^@^ | | ^She wasn't the most true to herself... but really was very kind.^@^ |
| ^That was my best friend.\ | | ^That was my best friend.\ |
| ^And that friend was hungrily eating.\ | | ^And that friend was hungrily eating.\ |
| ^``Hey, you're the one that's visiting, don't gobble it all up!''\ | | ^``Hey, you're the one that's visiting, don't gobble it all up!''\ |
| ^``Why not? There's plenty.''\ | | ^``Why not? There's plenty.''\ |
| ^``But...''\ | | ^``But...''\ |
| n | ^``But really, when I suddenly heard that you were admitted into the hospital, I was surprised.''\ | n | ^``But yeah, when I suddenly heard that you were admitted into the hospital, I was surprised.''\ |
| ^``Yes, I was surprised too, Onee-chan.''\ | | ^``Yes, I was surprised too, Onee-chan.''\ |
| ^``Yes, I was surprised too.''\ | | ^``Yes, I was surprised too.''\ |
| n | ^``And then, when I rushed over to see---''\ | n | ^``And yet, when I rushed over to see---''\ |
| ^``--- I was so lively! What a disappointment!''\ | | ^``--- I was so lively! What a disappointment!''\ |
| ^``Hey! You shouldn't be saying that!''\ | | ^``Hey! You shouldn't be saying that!''\ |
| ^``Ahaha, but everyone was making that kind of face!''\ | | ^``Ahaha, but everyone was making that kind of face!''\ |
| ^``Here you go, Onee-chan, today's comes with pudding.''\ | | ^``Here you go, Onee-chan, today's comes with pudding.''\ |
| ^``I see... but I don't want it now.''\ | | ^``I see... but I don't want it now.''\ |
| ^``Chihiro, you eat. Didn't you like pudding?''\ | | ^``Chihiro, you eat. Didn't you like pudding?''\ |
| n | ^``No, this is Onee-chan's dinner, you should eat it yourself.''\ | n | ^``No, this is Onee-chan's dinner. You should eat it yourself.''\ |
| ^``Then, if I eat this, would you buy me a meat bun from the shop?''\ | | ^``Then, if I eat this, would you buy me a meat bun from the shop?''\ |
| ^``Oh, don't start making strange bargains.''\ | | ^``Oh, don't start making strange bargains.''\ |
| ^A few knocks before the door opened.\ | | ^A few knocks before the door opened.\ |
| ^``If the time comes that I go to the 7th floor...''\ | | ^``If the time comes that I go to the 7th floor...''\ |
| ^``Don't... come visit me anymore, okay?''\ | | ^``Don't... come visit me anymore, okay?''\ |
| ^At those words, Yuka hung her head. | | ^At those words, Yuka hung her head. |
| n | ^Even for me, I don't want to see her sad face...\ | n | ^I didn't want to see her sad face either...\ |
| ^But... if it really came to be that I were to go the 7th floor...\ | | ^But... if it really came to be that I were to go the 7th floor...\ |
| n | ^She would only get more and more sad. | n | ^It would only make her more and more sad. |
| ^To see Yuka that way was the only thing I didn't think I could bear.\ | | ^To see Yuka that way was the only thing I didn't think I could bear.\ |
| ^``S-stupid! What are you saying!''\ | | ^``S-stupid! What are you saying!''\ |
| ^``In fact, I'll come every day. I've got perfect attendance after all!''\ | | ^``In fact, I'll come every day. I've got perfect attendance after all!''\ |
| ^``The band wrapped around my wrist changed... from blue to white.''\ | | ^``The band wrapped around my wrist changed... from blue to white.''\ |
| ^``In the end, the Eunos wasn't accepted, but...''\ | | ^``In the end, the Eunos wasn't accepted, but...''\ |
| ^``The next day... into my hands --- maps were delivered.''\ | | ^``The next day... into my hands --- maps were delivered.''\ |
| n | ^``... Why was it, that I wanted these...''\ | n | ^``... Why was it that I wanted these...''\ |
| ^``The exact reason, still, not even I knew.''\ | | ^``The exact reason, still, not even I knew.''\ |
| ^``It was just... from then on... I never saw her.''\ | | ^``It was just... from then on... I never saw her.''\ |
| ^``Her perfect attendance... stopped there...''\ | | ^``Her perfect attendance... stopped there...''\ |
| ^... Those dazzling days... Those summer days...\ | | ^... Those dazzling days... Those summer days...\ |
| ^Burning sunlight and the sound of cicadas. | | ^Burning sunlight and the sound of cicadas. |
| ^Today also looked like it would be a hot day.\ | | ^Today also looked like it would be a hot day.\ |
| n | ^The third summer that I've faced since the day I was first hospitalized.\ | n | ^The third summer I've faced since the day I was first hospitalized.\ |
| ^Of course, it's not like I was hospitalized the whole time. They were days interrupted with home and outpatient care.\ | | ^Of course, it's not like I was hospitalized the whole time. They were days interrupted with home and outpatient care.\ |
| ^``It's been half a year... since they last came...''\ | | ^``It's been half a year... since they last came...''\ |
| ^The time I spent wearing pajamas slowly grew...^@^ | | ^The time I spent wearing pajamas slowly grew...^@^ |
| ^``Want to keep their eyes closed...''\ | | ^``Want to keep their eyes closed...''\ |
| ^Around when I was being admitted in and out of the hospital.\ | | ^Around when I was being admitted in and out of the hospital.\ |
| ^When people had already stopped coming to visit me, and I had most likely been erased from everyone's memories...\ | | ^When people had already stopped coming to visit me, and I had most likely been erased from everyone's memories...\ |
| n | ^My family moved, from the free-standing home we had long lived in, to an apartment.\ | n | ^My family moved --- from the free-standing home we had long lived in, to an apartment.\ |
| ^And Mother started working part-time in a nearby take-out lunch shop.\ | | ^And Mother started working part-time in a nearby take-out lunch shop.\ |
| ^The meaning behind it all, even I could understand.\ | | ^The meaning behind it all, even I could understand.\ |
| ^... Hospital fees were no joke.\ | | ^... Hospital fees were no joke.\ |
| ^In the ward, every day, it was a conversation topic for the patients.\ | | ^In the ward, every day, it was a conversation topic for the patients.\ |
| ^I came to know how the patients themselves felt the responsibility to their families far more than the families could imagine.\ | | ^I came to know how the patients themselves felt the responsibility to their families far more than the families could imagine.\ |
| ^And then, the small, old, slightly dirty wooden building that was our new home.\ | | ^And then, the small, old, slightly dirty wooden building that was our new home.\ |
| n | ^On top of being smaller, Father's daily commute stretched to over two hours. However, the distance I had to take to the hospital became a three minute walk.\ | n | ^On top of being smaller, Father's daily commute stretched to over two hours. Meanwhile, the distance I had to take to the hospital became a three minute walk.\ |
| ^In front of that beat-up, cramped apartment, Father said,\ | | ^In front of that beat-up, cramped apartment, Father said,\ |
| ^``The air here is nice and feels good, doesn't it?''\ | | ^``The air here is nice and feels good, doesn't it?''\ |
| ^Saying that, he smiled, and Mother smiled in the same way.\ | | ^Saying that, he smiled, and Mother smiled in the same way.\ |
| ^* Meen Meeen Meen. *\ | | ^* Meen Meeen Meen. *\ |
| ^The burning sun and cries of cicadas.\ | | ^The burning sun and cries of cicadas.\ |
| ^When the white rainy-season clouds cleared and it had turned completely into summer. After being readmitted to the hospital for the n-th time, finally, I was discharged.\ | | ^When the white rainy-season clouds cleared and it had turned completely into summer. After being readmitted to the hospital for the n-th time, finally, I was discharged.\ |
| n | ^But, that wasn't the end of it.\ | n | ^But, that wasn't the end of things.\ |
| ^The word ``discharged'' also meant, until the next time I was admitted, the beginning of a long life of outpatient care.\ | | ^The word ``discharged'' also meant, until the next time I was admitted, the beginning of a long life of outpatient care.\ |
| ^Under the blazing sky today, I again walked the three minutes' distance in my pajamas.\ | | ^Under the blazing sky today, I again walked the three minutes' distance in my pajamas.\ |
| ^To my mother, who had offered to come along, I replied, ``It's alright.''\ | | ^To my mother, who had offered to come along, I replied, ``It's alright.''\ |
| ^In my own way, it was supposed to be out of consideration for her, but the desolate look on her face at my words had also hurt.\ | | ^In my own way, it was supposed to be out of consideration for her, but the desolate look on her face at my words had also hurt.\ |
| ^My feet happened to stop before some school.\ | | ^My feet happened to stop before some school.\ |
| ^Most likely, it was an elementary school.\ | | ^Most likely, it was an elementary school.\ |
| n | ^Since it was already summer vacation, there weren't many people around in sight.\ | n | ^Since it was already summer vacation, there weren't many people in sight.\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| n | ^In front of that empty schoolyard, for some reason, I wound up gazing at it. Without thinking, my feet had stopped.\ | n | ^In front of that empty schoolyard, for some reason, I wound up gazing. Without thinking, my feet had stopped.\ |
| ^Occasionally, I would see happy children running around, and my eyes would follow them...\ | | ^Occasionally, I would see happy children running around, and my eyes would follow them...\ |
| ^Under the blazing sky, the long-sleeved pajamas were hot. I felt strongly out of place gazing at the schoolyard.\ | | ^Under the blazing sky, the long-sleeved pajamas were hot. I felt strongly out of place gazing at the schoolyard.\ |
| ^... After standing there for a while, I once again began to walk.\ | | ^... After standing there for a while, I once again began to walk.\ |
| ^However, not towards the hospital, but home.\ | | ^However, not towards the hospital, but home.\ |
| n | ^And, once I returned to my room, I took out the sailor uniform that had been in my dresser.\ | n | ^And once I returned to my room, I took out the sailor uniform that had been in my dresser.\ |
| ^... Sleeves that I hadn't passed my arms through in 3 years, a just-like-new uniform. Previously, they had been worn for only a single week.\ | | ^... Sleeves that I hadn't passed my arms through in 3 years, a just-like-new uniform. Previously, they had been worn for only a single week.\ |
| ^And now, to me... they were the only clothes other than pajamas I own.\ | | ^And now, to me... they were the only clothes other than pajamas I own.\ |
| ^Once again, walking under the blazing sky. The noisy cicadas and running sweat was the same as just before.\ | | ^Once again, walking under the blazing sky. The noisy cicadas and running sweat was the same as just before.\ |
| ^When my body's condition was stable, it was once a week. Three times a week seemed to be a sign of a short hospitalization.\ | | ^When my body's condition was stable, it was once a week. Three times a week seemed to be a sign of a short hospitalization.\ |
| ^... With this, this week's examination was over.\ | | ^... With this, this week's examination was over.\ |
| ^As I thought that, I headed towards the exit on the first floor.\ | | ^As I thought that, I headed towards the exit on the first floor.\ |
| n | ^In the afternoon, the doctors weren't seeing patients, so the halls were mostly empty.\ | n | ^In the afternoon, the doctors weren't seeing patients so the halls were mostly empty.\ |
| ^Occasionally, a doctor would walk by with a group of intern-like people in tow.\ | | ^Occasionally, a doctor would walk by with a group of intern-like people in tow.\ |
| ^Nurses rushed to the first aid window.\ | | ^Nurses rushed to the first aid window.\ |
| ^A patient, probably under dietary restrictions, was in the shop buying snacks. Their wristband was visible, green, which I heard was for digestive disorders.\ | | ^A patient, probably under dietary restrictions, was in the shop buying snacks. Their wristband was visible, green, which I heard was for digestive disorders.\ |
| ^The 7th floor, the place they called the hospice.\ | | ^The 7th floor, the place they called the hospice.\ |
| ^I wasn't too familiar with it, and of course I've never been there. For one thing, I heard that people not involved with it were barred from entering.\ | | ^I wasn't too familiar with it, and of course I've never been there. For one thing, I heard that people not involved with it were barred from entering.\ |
| ^It probably meant that if this Onee-san here were headed to the 7th floor, she was a person from there...\ | | ^It probably meant that if this Onee-san here were headed to the 7th floor, she was a person from there...\ |
| n | ^Soon, the elevator reached its stop, and right in front of it was the nurses station.\ | n | ^Soon, the elevator reached its stop and right in front of the door was the nurses station.\ |
| ^And when the doors opened, all together, the gazes of the nurses turned toward us.\ | | ^And when the doors opened, all together, the gazes of the nurses turned toward us.\ |
| ^``Ah, this is someone I know.''\ | | ^``Ah, this is someone I know.''\ |
| ^With that one sentence, they once again went back to their work. No one looked towards us anymore.\ | | ^With that one sentence, they once again went back to their work. No one looked towards us anymore.\ |
| ^``Onee-san... you're someone from here?''\ | | ^``Onee-san... you're someone from here?''\ |
| ^``Yeah, even though I look like this, I'm a resident of the 7th floor.''\ | | ^``Yeah, even though I look like this, I'm a resident of the 7th floor.''\ |
| ^``I guess the short of it is, someone who's death has been confirmed.''\ | | ^``I guess the short of it is, someone who's death has been confirmed.''\ |
| n | ^That which I had only known on the level of rumors, was now clearly spelled out by a resident of the 7th floor.\ | n | ^That which I had only known on the level of rumors was now clearly spelled out by a resident of the 7th floor.\ |
| ^She used the word ``death'' in such bright and relaxed tones. At the least, it didn't seem like I could comprehend.\ | | ^She used the word ``death'' in such bright and relaxed tones. At the least, it didn't seem like I could comprehend.\ |
| ^... This person, what on earth could her thoughts be...\ | | ^... This person, what on earth could her thoughts be...\ |
| ^``Hey, hey, if it's alright with you, come again to play.''\ | | ^``Hey, hey, if it's alright with you, come again to play.''\ |
| ^``... Un...''\ | | ^``... Un...''\ |
| ^Sitting up in her bed, she offered the folding chair next to her.\ | | ^Sitting up in her bed, she offered the folding chair next to her.\ |
| ^The first room on the 7th floor that I entered felt a little different from the 3rd floor rooms I was used to.\ | | ^The first room on the 7th floor that I entered felt a little different from the 3rd floor rooms I was used to.\ |
| n | ^``Sorry about that. But you know, I was sure that you'd come.''\ | n | ^``Sorry for the trouble. But you know, I was sure that you'd come.''\ |
| ^``You've got plenty of time after all.''\ | | ^``You've got plenty of time after all.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``... Why did you jump to that conclusion?''\ | | ^``... Why did you jump to that conclusion?''\ |
| n | ^``Mm? Because. Our job as the sick, is to sleep, right?''\ | n | ^``Mm? Because. Our job as the sick is to sleep, right?''\ |
| ^``There's no other people in the world with as much free time as us.''\ | | ^``There's no other people in the world with as much free time as us.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Oh, you don't think so?''\ | | ^``Oh, you don't think so?''\ |
| ^Still, I knew nothing about her...\ | | ^Still, I knew nothing about her...\ |
| ^But starting this day, a long summer was beginning...\ | | ^But starting this day, a long summer was beginning...\ |
| ^Following the Onee-san...^@^ I mean, Himeko-san, we came to the 1st floor cafeteria.\ | | ^Following the Onee-san...^@^ I mean, Himeko-san, we came to the 1st floor cafeteria.\ |
| n | ^We went up to a convenient table, and sat next to each other.\ | n | ^We went up to a convenient table and sat next to each other.\ |
| ^Maybe it was because it was right at lunch, the cafeteria was surprisingly crowded not only with people from outside, but also people who seemed involved with the hospital.\ | | ^Maybe it was because it was right at lunch, the cafeteria was surprisingly crowded not only with people from outside, but also people who seemed involved with the hospital.\ |
| ^As for myself, because my home was close, I'd never used it before, but more people seemed to use it than I had thought.\ | | ^As for myself, because my home was close, I'd never used it before, but more people seemed to use it than I had thought.\ |
| ^``Okay, pick whatever you like.''\ | | ^``Okay, pick whatever you like.''\ |
| ^``Eheh, allow me to guess exactly what it is!''\ | | ^``Eheh, allow me to guess exactly what it is!''\ |
| ^For some reason, when she interrupted me, she confidently started making her prediction.\ | | ^For some reason, when she interrupted me, she confidently started making her prediction.\ |
| ^Certainly, this was a menu with many different set meals and drinks.\ | | ^Certainly, this was a menu with many different set meals and drinks.\ |
| n | ^But from the start, the key item, ice cream, only came in vanilla.\ | n | ^But from the start --- the key item, ice cream, only came in vanilla.\ |
| ^... There wasn't really anything to predict here...\ | | ^... There wasn't really anything to predict here...\ |
| ^``Um, let's see, judging by the air around you...''\ | | ^``Um, let's see, judging by the air around you...''\ |
| ^``... Vanilla, right?''\ | | ^``... Vanilla, right?''\ |
| ^Other people wondering what was going on looked over, but it seemed she didn't mind that at all.\ | | ^Other people wondering what was going on looked over, but it seemed she didn't mind that at all.\ |
| ^``Even though I look like this, I really love cars.''\ | | ^``Even though I look like this, I really love cars.''\ |
| ^``I carry a National Rank A motorsport license! E-hem!''\ | | ^``I carry a National Rank A motorsport license! E-hem!''\ |
| n | ^She even straightened up in satisfaction, and was excessively wound up.\ | n | ^She even straightened up proudly, and was excessively wound up.\ |
| ^But to me, even if I was told `National Rank A', I had no idea what that meant...\ | | ^But to me, even if I was told `National Rank A', I had no idea what that meant...\ |
| ^``... Is that... amazing?''\ | | ^``... Is that... amazing?''\ |
| n | ^``Ah, well, not that much...''\ | n | ^``Ah, well, not that much...'' |
| ^And in a flash her energy disappeared.\ | | ^And in a flash her energy disappeared.\ |
| ^And as for me, instead of that, I was more interested in something else.\ | | ^And as for me, instead of that, I was more interested in something else.\ |
| ^``Say...''\ | | ^``Say...''\ |
| ^To that, there are people who say it is a place to wait new treatments, as well as people who say that it is a place to ease the heart.\ | | ^To that, there are people who say it is a place to wait new treatments, as well as people who say that it is a place to ease the heart.\ |
| ^I'm sure that both of those were probably right.\ | | ^I'm sure that both of those were probably right.\ |
| ^But for myself, it seemed like Himeko-san's words just now were more understandable.\ | | ^But for myself, it seemed like Himeko-san's words just now were more understandable.\ |
| n | ^``Well, that's how it is, so come anytime, okay? I've got time.''\ | n | ^``Well, that's how it is. So come anytime, okay? I've got time.''\ |
| ^With that, her usual cheery face returned.\ | | ^With that, her usual cheery face returned.\ |
| ^Normally she was like this, but I felt that once in a while, the facial expressions and words she used were very severe.\ | | ^Normally she was like this, but I felt that once in a while, the facial expressions and words she used were very severe.\ |
| ^Which one was the real Himeko-san, I didn't know. Most likely, both of them were...\ | | ^Which one was the real Himeko-san, I didn't know. Most likely, both of them were...\ |
| ^``U~~un, not yet...''\ | | ^``U~~un, not yet...''\ |
| ^``Then, let's eat together. Today I got lots of croquettes again.''\ | | ^``Then, let's eat together. Today I got lots of croquettes again.''\ |
| ^Sitting at the table across from each other, the two of us started an early dinner.\ | | ^Sitting at the table across from each other, the two of us started an early dinner.\ |
| n | ^Because Father's commuting time had grown, he often came home late, and so the times the two of us ate like this, separate from him, increased.\ | n | ^Because Father's commute had lengthened, he often came home late and so the times the two of us ate like this, separate from him, increased.\ |
| ^``So? Is it good?''\ | | ^``So? Is it good?''\ |
| ^``Un.''\ | | ^``Un.''\ |
| ^``Ah, if you want, eat the fries too. You like them don't you?''\ | | ^``Ah, if you want, eat the fries too. You like them don't you?''\ |
| ^With that Mother offered the plate of fries.\ | | ^With that Mother offered the plate of fries.\ |
| n | ^Before, I had continued to eat them quietly; since then, it seemed Mother thought I liked them.\ | n | ^Before, I had continued to eat them silently; since then, it seemed Mother thought I liked them.\ |
| ^``You know, your mother since yesterday had been frying the fries.''\ | | ^``You know, your mother since yesterday had been frying the fries.''\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^``So, these aren't really just leftovers.''\ | | ^``So, these aren't really just leftovers.''\ |
| ^A high ceiling, a white room, a small folding chair on which I sat.\ | | ^A high ceiling, a white room, a small folding chair on which I sat.\ |
| ^However, even though I came here, it was just ``I came here.'' Simply that.\ | | ^However, even though I came here, it was just ``I came here.'' Simply that.\ |
| ^It's not like we talked about anything special, and at the least, I never brought up any interesting conversation topics.\ | | ^It's not like we talked about anything special, and at the least, I never brought up any interesting conversation topics.\ |
| n | ^It was just on the level of sitting next to the unilaterally chatting Himeko-san, giving seemingly uninterested responses.\ | n | ^It was just on the level of sitting next to the unilaterally chatting Himeko-san, making uninteresting responses.\ |
| ^``Say, one question...''\ | | ^``Say, one question...''\ |
| ^Decisively, I tried asking a direct question.\ | | ^Decisively, I tried asking a direct question.\ |
| ^``Is being with me... fun?''\ | | ^``Is being with me... fun?''\ |
| ^``Mm? There isn't one.''\ | | ^``Mm? There isn't one.''\ |
| ^``Isn't one? Why?''\ | | ^``Isn't one? Why?''\ |
| ^``Because, I don't need one.''\ | | ^``Because, I don't need one.''\ |
| n | ^Lightly, that was the only answer she gave.\ | n | ^Plainly, that was the only answer she gave.\ |
| ^I didn't really understand, but maybe the 7th floor helpers could be refused if the patient said so.\ | | ^I didn't really understand, but maybe the 7th floor helpers could be refused if the patient said so.\ |
| n | ^Certainly, Himeko-san, when compared to the other people of the 7th floor, could walk normally, and because she was young, was lively, but...\ | n | ^Certainly, Himeko-san, when compared to the other people of the 7th floor, could walk normally and. because she was young, was lively, but...\ |
| ^... Come to think, since I've come here, I had not once seen any family members come to visit.\ | | ^... Come to think, since I've come here, I had not once seen any family members come to visit.\ |
| ^``But, that's because now you come.''\ | | ^``But, that's because now you come.''\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^As I was thinking that, my eyes landed on the schoolyard. Again, there were children running around happily.\ | | ^As I was thinking that, my eyes landed on the schoolyard. Again, there were children running around happily.\ |
| ^Even the metal bar I did the somersault on before had plenty of patrons today.\ | | ^Even the metal bar I did the somersault on before had plenty of patrons today.\ |
| ^... Summer vacation, dusk, the voices of ~i~higurashi,~i~ sweaty playing children.\ | | ^... Summer vacation, dusk, the voices of ~i~higurashi,~i~ sweaty playing children.\ |
| n | ^Each and everything were the everyday parts that built up the scene of a common summer day.\ | n | ^Each and every thing were the everyday parts that built up the scene of a common summer day.\ |
| ^There was nothing out of place.\ | | ^There was nothing out of place.\ |
| ^No one who made a strained face like mine from a single somersault...\ | | ^No one who made a strained face like mine from a single somersault...\ |
| ^``... Onee-san, what's wrong?''\ | | ^``... Onee-san, what's wrong?''\ |
| ^``... A friend?''\ | | ^``... A friend?''\ |
| ^Mother repeated my words back to me. She also had a surprised, unbelieving sort of expression.\ | | ^Mother repeated my words back to me. She also had a surprised, unbelieving sort of expression.\ |
| ^However, Mother having that kind of reaction was probably unavoidable.\ | | ^However, Mother having that kind of reaction was probably unavoidable.\ |
| n | ^For the word ``friend'' to come out of my mouth was itself rare. While at the very least, in these past few years, it probably had been impossible.\ | n | ^For the word ``friend'' to come out of my mouth was itself rare. While at the very least, in these past few years it probably had been impossible.\ |
| ^``I-I see, that's wonderful Setsumi, making a friend.''\ | | ^``I-I see, that's wonderful Setsumi, making a friend.''\ |
| ^And this time, she happily continued speaking.\ | | ^And this time, she happily continued speaking.\ |
| ^To that happy Mother, I spoke about the events that happened up until now.\ | | ^To that happy Mother, I spoke about the events that happened up until now.\ |
| ^``Even this distance, it must be a pain to come back, right?''\ | | ^``Even this distance, it must be a pain to come back, right?''\ |
| ^Mother continued being happy.\ | | ^Mother continued being happy.\ |
| ^Lately, my health had been good, and probably hearing I had made a friend made her extra happy.\ | | ^Lately, my health had been good, and probably hearing I had made a friend made her extra happy.\ |
| n | ^I wouldn't say it out loud, but I think not since the 6th grade trip. She always had put effort into making lunch for me.\ | n | ^I wouldn't say it out loud, but I think it hasn't been since the 6th grade trip. She had always put effort into making lunch for me.\ |
| ^``Leave it to me, I'll make a feast.''\ | | ^``Leave it to me, I'll make a feast.''\ |
| ^In front of such a happy Mother... I could say nothing,\ | | ^In front of such a happy Mother... I could say nothing,\ |
| ^As always, all I could do was quietly eat the fries...\ | | ^As always, all I could do was quietly eat the fries...\ |
| ^That really didn't feel like much of an explanation, but winter use probably meant that it was for flowers that bloom in the winter.\ | | ^That really didn't feel like much of an explanation, but winter use probably meant that it was for flowers that bloom in the winter.\ |
| ^And I understood that for that reason, now was the time to plant them.\ | | ^And I understood that for that reason, now was the time to plant them.\ |
| ^But, even then, I didn't see how that connected with planting in the hospital's flower beds without permission.\ | | ^But, even then, I didn't see how that connected with planting in the hospital's flower beds without permission.\ |
| n | ^... Or, were the people of the 7th floor permitted this much freedom?\ | n | ^... Or were the people of the 7th floor permitted this much freedom?\ |
| ^``Okay, why don't we start? Dig until 10 centimeters and then plant it, alright?''\ | | ^``Okay, why don't we start? Dig until 10 centimeters and then plant it, alright?''\ |
| ^Once she said that, she handed the bag of bulbs and a small gardening trowel over.\ | | ^Once she said that, she handed the bag of bulbs and a small gardening trowel over.\ |
| ^Recently, my health had been fine, so this wasn't a problem...\ | | ^Recently, my health had been fine, so this wasn't a problem...\ |
| ^``Well, either way, when these bloom, I won't be around.''\ | | ^``Well, either way, when these bloom, I won't be around.''\ |
| ^And as always... cheerfully talking about things that make you stop short.\ | | ^And as always... cheerfully talking about things that make you stop short.\ |
| ^What I knew was that she was a resident of the 7th floor, and that the rest of her time was within sight.\ | | ^What I knew was that she was a resident of the 7th floor, and that the rest of her time was within sight.\ |
| n | ^And paying that no heed, she does these things, and was a person who could be called carefree.\ | n | ^And paying that no heed, she does these things and was a person who could be called carefree.\ |
| ^``Okay, since it's more or less done, it's about time we go up to the room.''\ | | ^``Okay, since it's more or less done, it's about time we go up to the room.''\ |
| ^Together, we carefully washed our hands and headed to the 7th floor.\ | | ^Together, we carefully washed our hands and headed to the 7th floor.\ |
| ^Right in front of us as we got off the elevator was a large cart carrying lunch. It was already that time.\ | | ^Right in front of us as we got off the elevator was a large cart carrying lunch. It was already that time.\ |
| ^... Name: Himeko. Libra. Blood type, AB. ID bracelet color was white.\ | | ^... Name: Himeko. Libra. Blood type, AB. ID bracelet color was white.\ |
| ^I still probably didn't know anything about Onee-san...\ | | ^I still probably didn't know anything about Onee-san...\ |
| ^The next day. | | ^The next day. |
| n | ^Today, we ate our lunch in a different place.\ | n | ^Today we ate our lunch in a different place.\ |
| ^In a deserted lounge, while watching the impersonal daytime news on the television, we ate.\ | | ^In a deserted lounge, while watching the daytime news impersonally playing on the television, we ate.\ |
| ^``Mmm, these croquettes sure are good.''\ | | ^``Mmm, these croquettes sure are good.''\ |
| ^Today, again, Himeko-san seemed to want the dishes in my lunch. I also knew that hospital food was bad.\ | | ^Today, again, Himeko-san seemed to want the dishes in my lunch. I also knew that hospital food was bad.\ |
| ^So on top of the table, my lunch and Himeko-san's hospital meal were spread out and the two of us ate together.\ | | ^So on top of the table, my lunch and Himeko-san's hospital meal were spread out and the two of us ate together.\ |
| ^For me, the bright, cheery Himeko-san and the image of a helper just wouldn't connect.\ | | ^For me, the bright, cheery Himeko-san and the image of a helper just wouldn't connect.\ |
| ^At the least, my image of the helpers on the 7th floor was that they were always calm and collected.\ | | ^At the least, my image of the helpers on the 7th floor was that they were always calm and collected.\ |
| ^... But...^@^ if I thought about it, a part of it did fit.\ | | ^... But...^@^ if I thought about it, a part of it did fit.\ |
| n | ^Patients on this 7th floor, unlike patients of other wards, in a way were given freedom.\ | n | ^Patients on this 7th floor, unlike patients of other wards, were in a way given freedom.\ |
| ^However, even among them, I had thought Himeko-san was special. For some reason, it felt as if she were allowed to get away with even more.\ | | ^However, even among them, I had thought Himeko-san was special. For some reason, it felt as if she were allowed to get away with even more.\ |
| n | ^The questions I had before, about planting in the garden without permission, and how she said she didn't need an assigned helper...\ | n | ^The questions I had before: about planting in the garden without permission, and how she said she didn't need an assigned helper...\ |
| ^How she would randomly give friendly nods to doctors and nurses.\ | | ^How she would randomly give friendly nods to doctors and nurses.\ |
| ^Surely, because she had been a helper before in this hospital, she had probably been allowed more.\ | | ^Surely, because she had been a helper before in this hospital, she had probably been allowed more.\ |
| ^``Say, can I ask one question?''\ | | ^``Say, can I ask one question?''\ |
| ^At the least, from what I knew about Himeko-san, I thought she would be indifferent to something like volunteering or being a helper.\ | | ^At the least, from what I knew about Himeko-san, I thought she would be indifferent to something like volunteering or being a helper.\ |
| ^``Well, my family is Catholic...''\ | | ^``Well, my family is Catholic...''\ |
| ^``... Catholic?''\ | | ^``... Catholic?''\ |
| n | ^``Yeah, my parents were also like this, but I'd often participate in such public welfare activities.''\ | n | ^``Yeah, my parents also did it too, but I'd often participate in such public welfare activities.''\ |
| ^That was an even more unexpected answer.\ | | ^That was an even more unexpected answer.\ |
| n | ^Of course, myself, I knew absolutely nothing about Christians or religious matters.\ | n | ^Of course, I myself knew absolutely nothing about Christians or religious matters.\ |
| ^But even then, from the helper just before, I felt that the image of Himeko-san was even more distant.\ | | ^But even then, compared to the helper just before, I felt that religion was even farther from my image of Himeko-san.\ |
| ^``And well, this place, it's a Christian hospital right?''\ | | ^``And well, this place, it's a Christian hospital right?''\ |
| ^``... Un. That I know.''\ | | ^``... Un. That I know.''\ |
| ^``So... even more so, you see.''\ | | ^``So... even more so, you see.''\ |
| ^Certainly, I hadn't really considered it up until now...\ | | ^Certainly, I hadn't really considered it up until now...\ |
| ^But now that she mentioned it, I did occasionally see people who looked like priests and sisters.\ | | ^But now that she mentioned it, I did occasionally see people who looked like priests and sisters.\ |
| ^But still, for us normal sick people, there were few things that we notice about the kind of hospital it was.\ | | ^But still, for us normal sick people, there were few things that we notice about the kind of hospital it was.\ |
| n | ^Instead of things like that, whether there was specialization in surgery, or whether there was a famous internist present; from those, a hospital would be chosen.\ | n | ^Instead of those details, whether there was specialization in surgery, or whether there was a famous internist present; from those, a hospital would be chosen.\ |
| ^However, for the people who work there, there was probably a huge difference...\ | | ^However, for the people who work there, there was probably a huge difference...\ |
| ^``But, well, from the start, I was a fake Catholic.''\ | | ^``But, well, from the start, I was a fake Catholic.''\ |
| ^``Really?''\ | | ^``Really?''\ |
| ^``Yeah. By chance, my house was next to a church, that's all.''\ | | ^``Yeah. By chance, my house was next to a church, that's all.''\ |
| ^Himeko-san answered in her usual cheery way. Whether those words were the truth, or a lie, I didn't know.\ | | ^Himeko-san answered in her usual cheery way. Whether those words were the truth, or a lie, I didn't know.\ |
| n | ^However, just that time, her gaze shifted to the window. In that profile that I rarely saw, I thought there was some denial of those words.\ | n | ^However, just that time, her gaze shifted to the window. In that profile that I couldn't see clearly, I thought there was some denial of those words.\ |
| ^``But, I certainly didn't think I'd come around and be admitted into the 7th floor myself.''\ | | ^``But, I certainly didn't think I'd come around and be admitted into the 7th floor myself.''\ |
| ^``Ahaha, maybe, I really am being punished.''\ | | ^``Ahaha, maybe, I really am being punished.''\ |
| ^When the long summer day slowly ended,\ | | ^When the long summer day slowly ended,\ |
| ^I, who would silently eat fries, had also been called unkind.\ | | ^I, who would silently eat fries, had also been called unkind.\ |
| ^And Himeko-san, for some reason came close to me. | | ^And Himeko-san, for some reason came close to me. |
| ^Until now, outside of family, others have done the reverse and avoided me.\ | | ^Until now, outside of family, others have done the reverse and avoided me.\ |
| n | ^I'm sure that for her also...\ | n | ^I'm sure that true for her also...\ |
| ^It was because there was no one else, so probably it was because she was bored...\ | | ^It was because there was no one else, so probably it was because she was bored...\ |
| ^Burning sunlight and the pouring of cicada cries.\ | | ^Burning sunlight and the pouring of cicada cries.\ |
| n | ^When pitch black shadows were right underfoot, after having overslept, I was now headed to the usual place.\ | n | ^Pitch black shadows were right underfoot. After having overslept, I was now headed to the usual place.\ |
| ^The elevator's bell rung.\ | | ^The elevator's bell rung.\ |
| ^* Ding. *\ | | ^* Ding. *\ |
| ^``Morning, you're here late today.''\ | | ^``Morning, you're here late today.''\ |
| ^And even though she said it was boring, she continued staring with a lonely gaze.\ | | ^And even though she said it was boring, she continued staring with a lonely gaze.\ |
| ^... Then, you don't have to look...\ | | ^... Then, you don't have to look...\ |
| ^Even as I thought that, I gazed along with her.^@^ There was nothing else to do, nothing else I could do.\ | | ^Even as I thought that, I gazed along with her.^@^ There was nothing else to do, nothing else I could do.\ |
| n | ^Spread atop the bed, the maps of someplace.\ | n | ^Spread atop the bed, the maps of some place.\ |
| ^On them were a number of large highways and roads, places with unfamiliar names.\ | | ^On them were a number of large highways and roads, places with unfamiliar names.\ |
| n | ^... It felt like a slight to Himeko-san, who continued gazing, but for me, I couldn't find enjoyment in doing such.\ | n | ^... It felt like a slight to Himeko-san, who continued gazing; but for me, I couldn't find enjoyment in doing this.\ |
| ^``It must be boring.''\ | | ^``It must be boring.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Eheheh. It's fine, even I think it's boring.''\ | | ^``Eheheh. It's fine, even I think it's boring.''\ |
| ^The pink manicures had faded, and in their place, was the slightly red skin of roughened hands.\ | | ^The pink manicures had faded, and in their place, was the slightly red skin of roughened hands.\ |
| ^Why they've become that way, the reason was easy enough to imagine. For whose sake they've become that way, that didn't even take imagining.\ | | ^Why they've become that way, the reason was easy enough to imagine. For whose sake they've become that way, that didn't even take imagining.\ |
| ^And exactly because of that, it was painful for me. It tortured me.\ | | ^And exactly because of that, it was painful for me. It tortured me.\ |
| n | ^``What's wrong? They've just been fried today.''\ | n | ^``What's wrong? They've just been fried fresh today too you know.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^... That isn't kindness...\ | | ^... That isn't kindness...\ |
| ^I recalled Himeko-san's words.\ | | ^I recalled Himeko-san's words.\ |
| ^I felt that I understood. | | ^I felt that I understood. |
| n | ^Betraying good intentions, or accepting lies, both were wrong.\ | n | ^Betraying good intentions, or being silent with lies, both were wrong.\ |
| ^``... Say, Mother...''\ | | ^``... Say, Mother...''\ |
| ^``What's the matter, Setsumi? They're delicious, you know?''\ | | ^``What's the matter, Setsumi? They're delicious, you know?''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``And, since I've been assigned to the fries, your mom's skill seems to have gone up some too.''\ | | ^``And, since I've been assigned to the fries, your mom's skill seems to have gone up some too.''\ |
| ^With hands that were different from those days...\ | | ^With hands that were different from those days...\ |
| n | ^But, with the smile that was unchanged from those days, Mother happily offered the fries.\ | n | ^But, with a smile that was unchanged from those days, Mother happily offered the fries.\ |
| ^In front of such a mother...\ | | ^In front of such a mother...\ |
| ^I... could do nothing other than quietly eat the fries.\ | | ^I... could do nothing other than quietly eat the fries.\ |
| ^If I were to say the truth here...^@^if I were to truly apologize...\ | | ^If I were to say the truth here...^@^if I were to truly apologize...\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Hey, if they really were pineapple trees, it'd be huge!''\ | | ^``Hey, if they really were pineapple trees, it'd be huge!''\ |
| ^... Was she being serious?\ | | ^... Was she being serious?\ |
| n | ^From a common sense standpoint, it had to be a joke, but with Himeko-san simply being as she always was, it was impossible to tell.\ | n | ^From a common sense standpoint, it had to be a joke; but with Himeko-san simply being as she always was, it was impossible to tell.\ |
| ^``What, what's with that face? Are you making fun of me?''\ | | ^``What, what's with that face? Are you making fun of me?''\ |
| ^``It's not that, but... I don't think it's possible.''\ | | ^``It's not that, but... I don't think it's possible.''\ |
| ^``Bah, for being Professor Croquette you sure are narrow minded. Everything should be tested empirically, right?''\ | | ^``Bah, for being Professor Croquette you sure are narrow minded. Everything should be tested empirically, right?''\ |
| ^``And... what now?''\ | | ^``And... what now?''\ |
| ^``Mm? Well, obviously we'll try again next time.''\ | | ^``Mm? Well, obviously we'll try again next time.''\ |
| ^Quickly, the decision came. Even though she had been so determined to go up until now...\ | | ^Quickly, the decision came. Even though she had been so determined to go up until now...\ |
| n | ^Or perhaps if she really wanted to go, if it was after the morning rush ended, then it would be even easier riding the train without being seen.\ | n | ^If she really wanted to go, if it was after the morning rush ended, then it would be even easier riding the train without being seen.\ |
| ^... Or maybe, she hadn't been serious to begin with...\ | | ^... Maybe, she hadn't been serious to begin with...\ |
| ^The sun was still high, and around now, the shops in the marketplace were opening up.\ | | ^The sun was still high, and around now, the shops in the marketplace were opening up.\ |
| ^``Well, since we've come all the way to the station, let's make a detour.''\ | | ^``Well, since we've come all the way to the station, let's make a detour.''\ |
| ^As she spoke, Himeko-san wandered among the shops along the street.\ | | ^As she spoke, Himeko-san wandered among the shops along the street.\ |
| ^While gazing at it, I suddenly thought about the time I had gone to school.\ | | ^While gazing at it, I suddenly thought about the time I had gone to school.\ |
| ^Right now my health was good, so one could forget, but in reality I was someone who was admitted in and out of hospitals.\ | | ^Right now my health was good, so one could forget, but in reality I was someone who was admitted in and out of hospitals.\ |
| ^Already, over two years have passed since I've been away from the place called ``school.''\ | | ^Already, over two years have passed since I've been away from the place called ``school.''\ |
| n | ^In that time, I hadn't once thought about wanting clothes other than pajamas. There wasn't even any pressure from such a need.\ | n | ^In that time, I hadn't once thought about wanting clothes other than pajamas. There hadn't been any pressure from such a need either. \ |
| ^``But today... just a bit, my heart swayed...''\ | | ^``But today... just a bit, my heart swayed...''\ |
| ^Perhaps, it would have been better had I admitted I wanted the clothes...\ | | ^Perhaps, it would have been better had I admitted I wanted the clothes...\ |
| n | ^But, Himeko-san herself was stubbornly in pajamas, and being the only one to get new clothing made me feel bad.\ | n | ^But, Himeko-san herself was stubbornly in pajamas and being the only one to get new clothing made me feel bad.\ |
| ^Besides that, no matter where Himeko-san was in her pajamas, she was dignified.\ | | ^Besides that, no matter where Himeko-san was in her pajamas, she was dignified.\ |
| ^Compared to that, I always felt somehow sorry...^@^ like I'm somehow doing something embarrassing. I can't help it...\ | | ^Compared to that, I always felt somehow sorry...^@^ like I'm somehow doing something embarrassing. I can't help it...\ |
| ^Or maybe...\ | | ^Or maybe...\ |
| ^Mother, who had stopped getting manicures and reddened her hands, or Father, who continued the long commutes in the same suit...\ | | ^Mother, who had stopped getting manicures and reddened her hands, or Father, who continued the long commutes in the same suit...\ |
| n | ^If they saw me happily wearing cute clothing, perhaps to both of them it would be a joyous thing...\ | n | ^If they saw me happily wearing cute clothing, perhaps to both of them it would be a happy thing...\ |
| ^... But that... for me, I think would have been difficult.\ | | ^... But that... for me, I think would have been difficult.\ |
| ^``More than saying I hate fries... it felt that difficult...''\ | | ^``More than saying I hate fries... it felt that difficult...''\ |
| ^The cicadas continued their crying.\ | | ^The cicadas continued their crying.\ |
| ^Nothing had particularly changed, and as always, I was headed to Himeko-san's place.\ | | ^Nothing had particularly changed, and as always, I was headed to Himeko-san's place.\ |
| ^``Ah... Setsumi-san...''\ | | ^``Ah... Setsumi-san...''\ |
| ^Hearing a voice I recognized, I turned around and the girl I had met before was there.\ | | ^Hearing a voice I recognized, I turned around and the girl I had met before was there.\ |
| n | ^``... Certainly, you were Himeko-san's...''\ | n | ^``... Ah, you were Himeko-san's...''\ |
| ^``Yes, I'm her younger sister Chihiro.''\ | | ^``Yes, I'm her younger sister Chihiro.''\ |
| ^As always, she spoke in a calm, well-mannered, gentle way.\ | | ^As always, she spoke in a calm, well-mannered, gentle way.\ |
| ^Unlike Himeko-san, if she... Chihiro-san, were said to be a helper or a Catholic, one wouldn't be surprised.\ | | ^Unlike Himeko-san, if she... Chihiro-san, were said to be a helper or a Catholic, one wouldn't be surprised.\ |
| ^When I looked, Himeko-san was in the middle of watering the flowers.\ | | ^When I looked, Himeko-san was in the middle of watering the flowers.\ |
| ^``Morning, Setsumi. It's hot today too, isn't it?''\ | | ^``Morning, Setsumi. It's hot today too, isn't it?''\ |
| ^As she spoke, she held a hose single-handedly and was spraying the flowers with vigor.\ | | ^As she spoke, she held a hose single-handedly and was spraying the flowers with vigor.\ |
| n | ^However, her outfit was the usual pajamas and slippers, and then, maybe to defend against sunstroke, on her head she wore a straw hat.\ | n | ^However, her outfit was the usual pajamas and slippers, and then maybe to defend against sunstroke, on her head she wore a straw hat.\ |
| ^That image... was oddly comical and yet, mysteriously seemed just like Himeko-san.\ | | ^That image... was oddly comical and yet, mysteriously seemed just like Himeko-san.\ |
| ^To that Himeko-san, I pointed to the place we planted bulbs the other day,\ | | ^To that Himeko-san, I pointed to the place we planted bulbs the other day,\ |
| ^``... Have shoots come out already?''\ | | ^``... Have shoots come out already?''\ |
| ^On leaving, her hands made a cross. Maybe that nurse was also a Catholic?\ | | ^On leaving, her hands made a cross. Maybe that nurse was also a Catholic?\ |
| ^And I didn't really understand it but...\ | | ^And I didn't really understand it but...\ |
| ^It seems that this flower bed, Himeko-san could plant and pick as she pleased.\ | | ^It seems that this flower bed, Himeko-san could plant and pick as she pleased.\ |
| n | ^I believed, not because she was a resident of the 7th floor, but because in this hospital, she was well known.\ | n | ^I believed, not because she was a resident of the 7th floor, but because in this hospital, she seemd to be officially recognized.\ |
| ^``The nurse just now is another acquaintance?''\ | | ^``The nurse just now is another acquaintance?''\ |
| ^``Yes, there's lots of other acquaintances too.''\ | | ^``Yes, there's lots of other acquaintances too.''\ |
| ^Being a former helper I had heard about, but did this come about just from that alone?\ | | ^Being a former helper I had heard about, but did this come about just from that alone?\ |
| ^What I accepted was a shining silver key.\ | | ^What I accepted was a shining silver key.\ |
| ^``... Is this, for a car?''\ | | ^``... Is this, for a car?''\ |
| ^``Yes, if you tell her it's parked in the rear parking lot, I think she'd understand.''\ | | ^``Yes, if you tell her it's parked in the rear parking lot, I think she'd understand.''\ |
| n | ^``Well, do that for me please?''\ | n | ^``So, could you do that for me please?''\ |
| ^With those final words, once again Chihiro-san rushed off somewhere.\ | | ^With those final words, once again Chihiro-san rushed off somewhere.\ |
| ^It couldn't be... I didn't think she was planning on going by car, but...\ | | ^It couldn't be... I didn't think she was planning on going by car, but...\ |
| ^Or maybe, there was someone else to drive?\ | | ^Or maybe, there was someone else to drive?\ |
| ^Around when the waves, the sky, and everything that could be seen was stained orange...\ | | ^Around when the waves, the sky, and everything that could be seen was stained orange...\ |
| ^``Well, it's getting to a good enough time I guess...''\ | | ^``Well, it's getting to a good enough time I guess...''\ |
| ^As she spoke, Himeko-san once again went to get the hacksaw.\ | | ^As she spoke, Himeko-san once again went to get the hacksaw.\ |
| n | ^For an already sparsely traveled place, she probably had been waiting for this even more opportune time.\ | n | ^For an already sparsely travelled place, she probably had been waiting for this even more opportune time.\ |
| ^And in the middle of that, a single car came down the road in front of us.\ | | ^And in the middle of that, a single car came down the road in front of us.\ |
| ^For some reason, it was headed straight for where we were.\ | | ^For some reason, it was headed straight for where we were.\ |
| ^``Looks like... a car's come.''\ | | ^``Looks like... a car's come.''\ |
| n | ^``That's odd, for someone to stop in such a place...''\ | n | ^``That's odd. Someone stopping in a place like this...''\ |
| ^What stopped before our eyes, was an unknown sub-compact car.\ | | ^What stopped before our eyes was an unknown sub-compact car.\ |
| ^Beyond the lace curtains, what could be seen in the car were lots of stuffed toys and numerous accessories.\ | | ^Beyond the lace curtains, what could be seen in the car were lots of stuffed toys and numerous accessories.\ |
| ^That was, without a doubt, the car of someone with girlish interests.\ | | ^That was, without a doubt, the car of someone with girlish interests.\ |
| ^``Strange car...''\ | | ^``Strange car...''\ |
| n | ^``Indeed, frilly interiors in this day and age just don't exist anymore.''\ | n | ^``Indeed, in this day and age, kei-cars with frilly interiors just don't exist anymore.''\ |
| ^In front of the car that stopped before us, we both gave our impressions.\ | | ^In front of the car that stopped before us, we both gave our impressions.\ |
| ^And then, the owner of the strange car...^@^ slowly opened the door.\ | | ^And then, the owner of the strange car...^@^ slowly opened the door.\ |
| ^* Click. *\ | | ^* Click. *\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Yes... an unbelievable coincidence.''\ | | ^``Yes... an unbelievable coincidence.''\ |
| ^It seemed to be someone Himeko-san knew...\ | | ^It seemed to be someone Himeko-san knew...\ |
| n | ^Who was this? A short, cute looking person who suited the frilly clothing she wore.\ | n | ^Who was this? A short, cute looking person who looked good in the frilly clothing she wore.\ |
| ^Himeko-san herself said that she knew many people at the hospital, but the person before my eyes didn't seem like that sort of person.\ | | ^Himeko-san herself said that she knew many people at the hospital, but the person before my eyes didn't seem like that sort of person.\ |
| ^``By the way, what's with that tacky car.''\ | | ^``By the way, what's with that tacky car.''\ |
| n | ^``Quiet you. It's better than your junker, and hey, even though it looks like this, it's a new car.''\ | n | ^``Quiet you. It's better than your junker. And hey, even though it looks like this, it's a new car.''\ |
| ^``And geez, don't make a paper driver drive long distances.''\ | | ^``And geez, don't make a paper driver drive long distances.''\ |
| ^``And you should think about your age, okay? Your age.''\ | | ^``And you should think about your age, okay? Your age.''\ |
| ^... What was this? This feeling.\ | | ^... What was this? This feeling.\ |
| ^``W-what are you saying all of a sudden.''\ | | ^``W-what are you saying all of a sudden.''\ |
| ^``This and that... this and that...''\ | | ^``This and that... this and that...''\ |
| ^``It must have been you who maintained the Eunos for me, right?''\ | | ^``It must have been you who maintained the Eunos for me, right?''\ |
| n | ^``I-I know nothing about that, it's just a coincidence.''\ | n | ^``I-I know nothing about that. Probably just a coincidence.''\ |
| ^``Eheheh. Well then, I'll also leave it at that for you.''\ | | ^``Eheheh. Well then, I'll also leave it at that for you.''\ |
| ^The very happily conversing Himeko-san. Out of all the times that I've seen Himeko-san up to now, this expression was a first.\ | | ^The very happily conversing Himeko-san. Out of all the times that I've seen Himeko-san up to now, this expression was a first.\ |
| n | ^And the person she spoke to, by her words she was always angry, but it didn't feel like that at all.\ | n | ^And the person she spoke to --- by her words she was always angry, but it didn't feel like that at all.\ |
| ^``... Well... I'll be going.''\ | | ^``... Well... I'll be going.''\ |
| ^The door opened and slammed shut again.\ | | ^The door opened and slammed shut again.\ |
| ^* Click, slam. *\ | | ^* Click, slam. *\ |
| ^For me, I couldn't imagine the reason, but it might have been that she wanted an excuse, whatever it was, to go outside.\ | | ^For me, I couldn't imagine the reason, but it might have been that she wanted an excuse, whatever it was, to go outside.\ |
| ^And separate from my inner thoughts, Himeko-san was enjoying herself at the water's edge.\ | | ^And separate from my inner thoughts, Himeko-san was enjoying herself at the water's edge.\ |
| ^... It was just, even though I didn't understand plenty, there was one thing that I understood.\ | | ^... It was just, even though I didn't understand plenty, there was one thing that I understood.\ |
| n | ^That figure of Himeko-san right now before my very eyes... without a doubt, in a few months, this person will disappear.\ | n | ^That figure of Himeko-san right now before my very eyes... without a doubt, a few months later this person will disappear.\ |
| ^That sunny smile, the gentle patting on my back, the warmth in that hand, will disappear...\ | | ^That sunny smile, the gentle patting on my back, the warmth in that hand will disappear...\ |
| ^... Only that was unmistakable.\ | | ^... Only that was unmistakable.\ |
| ^``Hey! What are you doing depressing the mood over there?''\ | | ^``Hey! What are you doing depressing the mood over there?''\ |
| ^Himeko-san started splashing water.\ | | ^Himeko-san started splashing water.\ |
| ^``But, me and alcohol...''\ | | ^``But, me and alcohol...''\ |
| ^``Don't worry, don't worry, we just discovered the truth behind pineapples after all.''\ | | ^``Don't worry, don't worry, we just discovered the truth behind pineapples after all.''\ |
| ^``And besides, this, is an eight year old wine.''\ | | ^``And besides, this, is an eight year old wine.''\ |
| n | ^With her overflowing aura, she half-forcibly poured me a glass.\ | n | ^With overflowing gusto, she half-forcibly poured me a glass.\ |
| ^The clear red wine seemed overlaid with the beautiful color of the moonlight's blue.\ | | ^The clear red wine seemed overlaid with the beautiful color of the moonlight's blue.\ |
| ^The two of us waded into the sea to our ankles, and took up our glasses.\ | | ^The two of us waded into the sea to our ankles, and took up our glasses.\ |
| ^``By the way, Setsumi... you're, how old now?''\ | | ^``By the way, Setsumi... you're, how old now?''\ |
| ^... I didn't know.^@^ That was my reaction to the unexpected question.\ | | ^... I didn't know.^@^ That was my reaction to the unexpected question.\ |
| ^``Indeed... if God exists, then I might be bitter.''\ | | ^``Indeed... if God exists, then I might be bitter.''\ |
| ^``Even though you're a former Catholic, you don't believe in the existence of God?''\ | | ^``Even though you're a former Catholic, you don't believe in the existence of God?''\ |
| n | ^``No, I believe, even as a `former' Catholic.''\ | n | ^``No, I believe. Even as a `former' Catholic.''\ |
| ^``Probably, God exists...''\ | | ^``Probably, God exists...''\ |
| ^``But you see, it looks like He's very busy, that God.''\ | | ^``But you see, it looks like He's very busy, that God.''\ |
| ^``Or maybe... He just doesn't care perhaps...''\ | | ^``Or maybe... He just doesn't care perhaps...''\ |
| n | ^She continued to speak blandly, as if talking to herself.\ | n | ^She continued to speak softly, as if talking to herself.\ |
| ^That face, illuminated by the moonlight, felt somehow lonely and philosophical.\ | | ^That face, illuminated by the moonlight, felt somehow lonely and philosophical.\ |
| ^``Hey Setsumi...''\ | | ^``Hey Setsumi...''\ |
| ^``Do you know ~i~A Dog of Flanders~i~?''\ | | ^``Do you know ~i~A Dog of Flanders~i~?''\ |
| ^``Nello, Patrasche, and Alois...''\ | | ^``Nello, Patrasche, and Alois...''\ |
| ^``Who do you want to be? Or, who don't you want to be?''\ | | ^``Who do you want to be? Or, who don't you want to be?''\ |
| ^The ones who ultimately died, Nello and Patrasche.^@^ Then the two's best friend, Alois.\ | | ^The ones who ultimately died, Nello and Patrasche.^@^ Then the two's best friend, Alois.\ |
| n | ^I, didn't want to die.\ | n | ^I... didn't want to die.\ |
| ^But even saying that, I didn't want to be the one left behind, Alois.\ | | ^But even saying that, I didn't want to be the one left behind, Alois.\ |
| ^``... I don't want to be any of them.''\ | | ^``... I don't want to be any of them.''\ |
| ^``Well, that's an impossible arrangement.''\ | | ^``Well, that's an impossible arrangement.''\ |
| ^June. | | ^June. |
| ^A white overcast sky spread out today.\ | | ^A white overcast sky spread out today.\ |
| ^``This time's assignment is different from usual...''\ | | ^``This time's assignment is different from usual...''\ |
| n | ^In front of the hospital, my head was full of anticipation about the person I haven't seen yet.\ | n | ^In front of the hospital, my head was full of anticipation about a person I haven't seen yet.\ |
| ^In the middle of the long hallway, I saw the doctor and spoke to him.\ | | ^In the middle of the long hallway, I saw the doctor and spoke to him.\ |
| ^``So... are you really fine with it?''\ | | ^``So... are you really fine with it?''\ |
| n | ^``Yes, please let me.''\ | n | ^``Yes, please allow me to.''\ |
| ^``Mmm, even if you say that...''\ | | ^``Mmm, even if you say that...''\ |
| ^At my wishes, the doctor showed reluctance.\ | | ^At my wishes, the doctor showed reluctance.\ |
| ^For me still being a university student, isn't the burden too heavy? That was probably the unspoken meaning behind it.\ | | ^For me still being a university student, isn't the burden too heavy? That was probably the unspoken meaning behind it.\ |
| ^These were... probably all of the reasons.\ | | ^These were... probably all of the reasons.\ |
| ^``But, this time's assignment is different from usual...''\ | | ^``But, this time's assignment is different from usual...''\ |
| ^The patient was ``a child.'' | | ^The patient was ``a child.'' |
| n | ^And also, not just a child, but one without guardians, and bedridden.\ | n | ^And also, not just a child --- one without guardians and bedridden.\ |
| ^Essentially, a child with no relatives, no parents.\ | | ^Essentially, a child with no relatives, no parents.\ |
| ^Of course, that didn't mean the child had no parents at birth.\ | | ^Of course, that didn't mean the child had no parents at birth.\ |
| ^While cruel, leaving a bedridden child...\ | | ^While cruel, leaving a bedridden child...\ |
| ^Resident of the 7th floor, child, without relatives --- bringing those together, most likely, it had probably been a name taken from ~i~A Dog of Flanders.~i~\ | | ^Resident of the 7th floor, child, without relatives --- bringing those together, most likely, it had probably been a name taken from ~i~A Dog of Flanders.~i~\ |
| ^It was a pretty disrespectful naming, but even now, I didn't know the truth behind it.\ | | ^It was a pretty disrespectful naming, but even now, I didn't know the truth behind it.\ |
| ^When I came, it felt already long established.\ | | ^When I came, it felt already long established.\ |
| n | ^``It's just that... probably, there was no malice behind that name.''\ | n | ^``It's just that... there was probably no malice behind that name.''\ |
| ^The reason was, whenever it was known that a Nello was coming, the number of doctors, nurses, and helpers who sought the assignment was great.\ | | ^The reason was whenever it was known that a Nello was coming, the number of doctors, nurses, and helpers who sought the assignment was great.\ |
| ^That sort of situation was probably because this was a hospital following Christ's teachings, which aimed at a self-sacrificing attitude.\ | | ^That sort of situation was probably because this was a hospital following Christ's teachings, which aimed at a self-sacrificing attitude.\ |
| ^And then among those, the helpers assigned to Nello were called, with both respect and jest, ``Alois.''\ | | ^And then among those, the helpers assigned to Nello were called, with both respect and jest, ``Alois.''\ |
| n | ^... But in reality, ``Patrasche'' would have been closer...''\ | n | ^... In reality, ``Patrasche'' would have been closer...''\ |
| ^``However, we are unable to die with them.''\ | | ^``However, we are unable to die with them.''\ |
| n | ^That was why, they were called the closest, best friend, Alois.\ | n | ^That was why they were called the closest, best friend, Alois.\ |
| ^``And I, was one of those who desired the role of Alois...''\ | | ^``And I, was one of those who desired the role of Alois...''\ |
| ^After knocking, I opened the door.\ | | ^After knocking, I opened the door.\ |
| ^* Knock knock, Click. *\ | | ^* Knock knock, Click. *\ |
| ^From the start, there wasn't much for helpers to do. Medical matters were the work of the doctors and nurses.\ | | ^From the start, there wasn't much for helpers to do. Medical matters were the work of the doctors and nurses.\ |
| ^At the most, it was on the level of taking temperatures, and giving support in their daily lives.\ | | ^At the most, it was on the level of taking temperatures, and giving support in their daily lives.\ |
| ^... However, another way to say it would be that there was no ``upper limit'' to supporting their daily lives.\ | | ^... However, another way to say it would be that there was no ``upper limit'' to supporting their daily lives.\ |
| n | ^And it was exactly for that reason that it wasn't the doctors or nurses, but the assigned helper, that was given the name Alois.\ | n | ^And it was exactly for that reason that it wasn't the doctors or nurses, but the assigned helper who was given the name Alois.\ |
| ^``Well then, shall we go to the cafeteria?''\ | | ^``Well then, shall we go to the cafeteria?''\ |
| ^``Eh? But, I just finished eating...''\ | | ^``Eh? But, I just finished eating...''\ |
| ^``Ice cream, ice cream. It's this hot after all.''\ | | ^``Ice cream, ice cream. It's this hot after all.''\ |
| ^``Well, I'll go buy them quick.''\ | | ^``Well, I'll go buy them quick.''\ |
| ^Leaving the girl seated, I headed to the counter.\ | | ^Leaving the girl seated, I headed to the counter.\ |
| ^Looking around, children of a similar age as the girl were eating together with their mother or father.\ | | ^Looking around, children of a similar age as the girl were eating together with their mother or father.\ |
| n | ^Of course, a child of that age eating alone in a hospital cafeteria was more strange.\ | n | ^Of course, a child of that age eating alone in a hospital cafeteria would be more strange.\ |
| ^... But, the girl's parents were already gone.\ | | ^... But, the girl's parents were already gone.\ |
| ^Of course the girl didn't know. Wasn't allowed to know.\ | | ^Of course the girl didn't know. Wasn't allowed to know.\ |
| ^``Here, sorry for the wait.''\ | | ^``Here, sorry for the wait.''\ |
| ^``Wah, lots of ice cream.''\ | | ^``Wah, lots of ice cream.''\ |
| ^``Yeah, the size was smaller than I expected, so I thought just one would be rather lonely.''\ | | ^``Yeah, the size was smaller than I expected, so I thought just one would be rather lonely.''\ |
| n | ^``And so, the norm is one person gets two, okay?''\ | n | ^``And so, the rule is one person gets two, okay?''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Oh? Is it that you don't like ice cream?''\ | | ^``Oh? Is it that you don't like ice cream?''\ |
| ^``U-u~~n, it's not that...''\ | | ^``U-u~~n, it's not that...''\ |
| ^Financially, psychologically...\ | | ^Financially, psychologically...\ |
| ^I thought it was a very heartless and cruel act, but, I couldn't rise to unilaterally blame the parents.\ | | ^I thought it was a very heartless and cruel act, but, I couldn't rise to unilaterally blame the parents.\ |
| ^Leaving behind a child on a sickbed and disappearing, no parent would do so willingly.\ | | ^Leaving behind a child on a sickbed and disappearing, no parent would do so willingly.\ |
| n | ^On top of the clichéd words of being worn out from giving care, their agonies and burdens must have been great.\ | n | ^Beyond the clichéd words of being worn out from giving care, their agonies and burdens must have been great.\ |
| ^... I just...^@^ felt this world was sad.\ | | ^... I just...^@^ felt this world was sad.\ |
| ^And once again, I learned that it was another part of reality.\ | | ^And once again, I learned that it was another part of reality.\ |
| ^``Mm? What's wrong, Onee-san?''\ | | ^``Mm? What's wrong, Onee-san?''\ |
| ^``Mmm, well, I'm used to sleeping on the spare beds...''\ | | ^``Mmm, well, I'm used to sleeping on the spare beds...''\ |
| ^``Really, when there's no guardians around, it's difficult in many ways isn't it...''\ | | ^``Really, when there's no guardians around, it's difficult in many ways isn't it...''\ |
| ^At the words, I gave a vague nod.\ | | ^At the words, I gave a vague nod.\ |
| n | ^And by the way, what she was hinting at, how there were no guardians around...\ | n | ^And by the way, what she was hinting at with how there were no guardians around...\ |
| ^What she hinted at was that it wasn't that they had vanished without a trace, but that they no longer were in this world.\ | | ^What she hinted at was that it wasn't that they had vanished without a trace, but that they no longer were in this world.\ |
| n | ^The cause of death was something the nurses didn't tell me, but I only heard that it wasn't an accident, or sickness.\ | n | ^The cause of death was something the head nurse didn't tell me, I was only told that it wasn't an accident, or sickness.\ |
| ^The remaining possible causes of death were but one.\ | | ^The remaining possible causes of death were but one.\ |
| ^And that was why, no more was asked, by either of us.\ | | ^And that was why, no more was asked, by either of us.\ |
| ^Even in this modern age, for us Catholics, it was a great sin, and a forbidden act.\ | | ^Even in this modern age, for us Catholics, it was a great sin, and a forbidden act.\ |
| ^As always, the girl raised her upper body in bed and looked over.\ | | ^As always, the girl raised her upper body in bed and looked over.\ |
| ^And I sat down in the folding chair next to the bed.\ | | ^And I sat down in the folding chair next to the bed.\ |
| ^Then, just like that, we spent most of the whole day together.\ | | ^Then, just like that, we spent most of the whole day together.\ |
| n | ^From the window, the bright sunlight shone on her profile, and once in a while, we would talk about little things.\ | n | ^From the window, the bright sunlight shone on her profile. Once in a while, we would talk about little things.\ |
| ^... That was our usual appearance.\ | | ^... That was our usual appearance.\ |
| ^``Today, the flowers are pretty too, aren't they?''\ | | ^``Today, the flowers are pretty too, aren't they?''\ |
| ^Decorating the windowsill were a number of small flower vases. In them shone bright whites and yellows.\ | | ^Decorating the windowsill were a number of small flower vases. In them shone bright whites and yellows.\ |
| ^But, no matter who it was, it didn't seem I would be able to contradict it.\ | | ^But, no matter who it was, it didn't seem I would be able to contradict it.\ |
| ^To speak of this lie...^@^ | | ^To speak of this lie...^@^ |
| ^To say that we simply shouldn't lie. That it is an evil.\ | | ^To say that we simply shouldn't lie. That it is an evil.\ |
| n | ^I wasn't childish enough to believe that would be the end of such matters. I didn't know who had said it, but their feelings were probably the same as mine.\ | n | ^I wasn't childish enough to believe that would be the end of this matter. I didn't know who had said it, but their feelings were probably the same as mine.\ |
| ^If someone, from a long distance, were to find an excuse to condemn this act...\ | | ^If someone, from a long distance, were to find an excuse to condemn this act...\ |
| ^I would want them to teach us, who are directly in contact with things, some other way.\ | | ^I would want them to teach us, who are directly in contact with things, some other way.\ |
| ^If this act were to be called evil... then all of us, I suppose, would be evil people.^@^ ... Going along with the lie would probably mean I was an accomplice.\ | | ^If this act were to be called evil... then all of us, I suppose, would be evil people.^@^ ... Going along with the lie would probably mean I was an accomplice.\ |
| ^Today, a clear summer sky also spread wide.\ | | ^Today, a clear summer sky also spread wide.\ |
| ^Under that sky, today the two of us went out into the courtyard.\ | | ^Under that sky, today the two of us went out into the courtyard.\ |
| ^``Phew, today's a bit hot, isn't it...''\ | | ^``Phew, today's a bit hot, isn't it...''\ |
| n | ^``Well, is it about time we go back?''\ | n | ^``So, how about we go back?''\ |
| ^``U~~un, I want to stay out a bit more.''\ | | ^``U~~un, I want to stay out a bit more.''\ |
| ^As she spoke, she turned a happy face towards me. She had really become attached to me.\ | | ^As she spoke, she turned a happy face towards me. She had really become attached to me.\ |
| n | ^It probably didn't need saying, but there were no people around of similar age. The majority on this 7th floor were the elderly.\ | n | ^It probably didn't need saying, but there were no people around of similar age. The majority on this 7th floor were elderly.\ |
| ^That was why, even more so, I made to always be near her.\ | | ^That was why, even more so, I made to always be near her.\ |
| ^``Huh? Why does this place not have flowers?''\ | | ^``Huh? Why does this place not have flowers?''\ |
| ^Before her eyes spread a flower bed.\ | | ^Before her eyes spread a flower bed.\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``P-pfffftt...''\ | | ^``P-pfffftt...''\ |
| ^``... What's so funny.''\ | | ^``... What's so funny.''\ |
| n | ^``T-that reaction just now, was the best! Normally you're so cool, so even more so!''\ | n | ^``T-that reaction just now, was the best! You're normally so cool, so even more so!''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Now, now, we're both girls, so you don't have to be so embarrassed about it.''\ | | ^``Now, now, we're both girls, so you don't have to be so embarrassed about it.''\ |
| n | ^I thought about retorting that Himeko-san wasn't a ``girl'', but stopped.\ | n | ^I thought about objecting that Himeko-san wasn't a ``girl'', but stopped.\ |
| ^``Well, let's go.''\ | | ^``Well, let's go.''\ |
| ^``Eh, but, wait...''\ | | ^``Eh, but, wait...''\ |
| ^``Yeah, yeah, don't worry, don't worry.''\ | | ^``Yeah, yeah, don't worry, don't worry.''\ |
| ^Somewhere, Himeko-san seemed to be having fun.\ | | ^Somewhere, Himeko-san seemed to be having fun.\ |
| n | ^Like she were having fun at my hesitation... | n | ^Like she were poking fun at me and my hesitation... |
| ^As if she were pushing me from behind, taking me along.\ | | ^As if she were pushing me from behind, she took me along.\ |
| ^Water splashed.\ | | ^Water splashed.\ |
| ^* Splash! *\ | | ^* Splash! *\ |
| ^``See? Washing the sweat off feels good doesn't it?''\ | | ^``See? Washing the sweat off feels good doesn't it?''\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| ^In the end, I was almost half-forced into the bath.\ | | ^In the end, I was almost half-forced into the bath.\ |
| n | ^It was just that, I had thought that it wouldn't be wide enough for us to go in together, but there was enough room for two to manage.\ | n | ^However, I had thought that it wouldn't be wide enough for us to go in together, but there was enough room for two to manage.\ |
| ^Most likely, it had been built with the assumption that a helper or attendant would also go in.\ | | ^Most likely, it had been built with the assumption that a helper or attendant would also go in.\ |
| ^But, instead of the size of the bath, I noticed something else, and couldn't help but fall silent.\ | | ^But, instead of the size of the bath, I noticed something else, and couldn't help but fall silent.\ |
| n | ^``... Is it, unusual?''\ | n | ^``... Is it... unusual?''\ |
| ^Saying that, Himeko-san pointed at the large scar on her own chest.\ | | ^Saying that, Himeko-san pointed at the large scar on her own chest.\ |
| ^So large, that my own small scar couldn't even compare.\ | | ^So large, that my own small scar couldn't even compare.\ |
| ^``Well, I guess I'm also a girl after all.''\ | | ^``Well, I guess I'm also a girl after all.''\ |
| ^``Oh, hey, I'll wash your back, so sit there.''\ | | ^``Oh, hey, I'll wash your back, so sit there.''\ |
| ^``... Un, alright.''\ | | ^``... Un, alright.''\ |
| ^And so, together in the shower, she gently washed my back with a towel.\ | | ^And so, together in the shower, she gently washed my back with a towel.\ |
| n | ^At that, I recalled how it was like Chihiro-san had earlier wiped my sweat away.\ | n | ^I couldn't help but recall how it was like Chihiro-san had earlier wiped my sweat away.\ |
| ^For me, I didn't know whether Himeko-san was a devoted Catholic or not.\ | | ^For me, I didn't know whether Himeko-san was a devoted Catholic or not.\ |
| n | ^But, both of them, without question, I believed were very kind people.\ | n | ^But both of them, without question, I believed were very kind people.\ |
| ^``Say, Himeko-san...''\ | | ^``Say, Himeko-san...''\ |
| ^``Why... are you avoiding Chihiro-san?''\ | | ^``Why... are you avoiding Chihiro-san?''\ |
| ^``Mm? Just like I said before.''\ | | ^``Mm? Just like I said before.''\ |
| ^``Because... she's a kind and good person?''\ | | ^``Because... she's a kind and good person?''\ |
| ^``Well, that's half of it...''\ | | ^``Well, that's half of it...''\ |
| ^``Then, the other half is?''\ | | ^``Then, the other half is?''\ |
| n | ^``That's, a secret... there's also a rule after all.''\ | n | ^``That's... a secret. There's also a rule after all.''\ |
| ^Rule. | | ^Rule. |
| ^That had also been the word from before.\ | | ^That had also been the word from before.\ |
| ^``And if so, what am I?''\ | | ^``And if so, what am I?''\ |
| ^``Hey, you're leaving the broccoli again.''\ | | ^``Hey, you're leaving the broccoli again.''\ |
| ^``But... I don't really like them.''\ | | ^``But... I don't really like them.''\ |
| ^``Oh, there's just no helping you.''\ | | ^``Oh, there's just no helping you.''\ |
| n | ^Even though before, she would eat them; now she had come to leave them because she didn't like them.\ | n | ^Even though previously she would eat them; now she had come to leave them because she didn't like them.\ |
| ^But this wasn't like her sickness had turned for the worse and her appetite dulled.\ | | ^But this wasn't like her sickness had turned for the worse and her appetite dulled.\ |
| n | ^It was simply that she was warming up to me probably. Thinking that made me happy also.\ | n | ^It was simply that she was warming up to me probably. Thinking that also made me happy.\ |
| ^``Well here, thermometer.''\ | | ^``Well here, thermometer.''\ |
| n | ^``You can take it in your mouth, but don't bite on it.''\ | n | ^``You can take it in your mouth, but careful not to bite on it.''\ |
| ^``Okay.''\ | | ^``Okay.''\ |
| ^With a smile, the girl held the thermometer in her mouth.\ | | ^With a smile, the girl held the thermometer in her mouth.\ |
| ^What shone on that face, the summer sun, came through windows that could open only 15cm.\ | | ^What shone on that face, the summer sun, came through windows that could open only 15cm.\ |
| ^Who could it be? | | ^Who could it be? |
| ^The people who could come to this place called the 7th floor was, in its own way, supposed to be restricted.\ | | ^The people who could come to this place called the 7th floor was, in its own way, supposed to be restricted.\ |
| ^First there were patients, and the families that come to visit. Then there were the doctors, nurses, and us helpers.\ | | ^First there were patients, and the families that come to visit. Then there were the doctors, nurses, and us helpers.\ |
| n | ^Other than that, rarely, just the priests or sisters would come. That was supposed to be it.\ | n | ^Other than that, rarely, only the priests or sisters would come. That was supposed to be it.\ |
| ^``Was it someone's visitor?''\ | | ^``Was it someone's visitor?''\ |
| ^``U~~un, she was wearing pajamas, I think she's someone from here.''\ | | ^``U~~un, she was wearing pajamas, I think she's someone from here.''\ |
| ^That was a bit strange.\ | | ^That was a bit strange.\ |
| ^As we spoke about that, we ate. In the flower bed before our eyes, pansies and gerberas bloomed proudly.\ | | ^As we spoke about that, we ate. In the flower bed before our eyes, pansies and gerberas bloomed proudly.\ |
| ^The winter-use area from the other day, even that would most likely have something planted in it again.\ | | ^The winter-use area from the other day, even that would most likely have something planted in it again.\ |
| ^``Um, I might want you to do that thing again...''\ | | ^``Um, I might want you to do that thing again...''\ |
| n | ^``Sure, so hold the ice for a bit.''\ | n | ^``Sure, hold the ice for a bit.''\ |
| ^``Okay.''\ | | ^``Okay.''\ |
| ^Both hands of the girl held one ice each. One was mine, and the other was hers.\ | | ^Both hands of the girl held one ice each. One was mine, and the other was hers.\ |
| n | ^And then I took from my pocket the rosary, and as always, brought my hands together quietly.\ | n | ^I took from my pocket the rosary, and as always, brought my hands together quietly.\ |
| ^``As we forgive those who trespass against us...''\ | | ^``As we forgive those who trespass against us...''\ |
| ^``Forgive us our trespasses...''\ | | ^``Forgive us our trespasses...''\ |
| ^The Lord's Prayer, also called Our Lord.\ | | ^The Lord's Prayer, also called Our Lord.\ |
| ^Probably, anything would have have been fine.\ | | ^Probably, anything would have have been fine.\ |
| n | ^Simply, my feelings were that if she were happy that I thought of her, then that was enough...\ | n | ^It was simply that I thought of her and if she was happy with that, then it was enough...\ |
| ^``Okay, all done.''\ | | ^``Okay, all done.''\ |
| ^``Un, thank you.''\ | | ^``Un, thank you.''\ |
| ^``No, no, it's not any great magic after all.''\ | | ^``No, no, it's not any great magic after all.''\ |
| n | ^In the end, I was simply one of the faithful, and it was nothing more than imitation. It probably didn't need saying, but none of those words were my own either.\ | n | ^In the end, I was simply one of the faithful, and it was nothing more than a imitation. It probably didn't need saying, but none of those words were my own either.\ |
| ^``Today, whose words were they?''\ | | ^``Today, whose words were they?''\ |
| ^``Of course, Lord Jesus himself.''\ | | ^``Of course, Lord Jesus himself.''\ |
| ^``Then, there are other people's too?''\ | | ^``Then, there are other people's too?''\ |
| ^Normally, it was the time that the first discharge would have come.\ | | ^Normally, it was the time that the first discharge would have come.\ |
| ^``Here, today's lunch.''\ | | ^``Here, today's lunch.''\ |
| ^``Un, I'll be going.''\ | | ^``Un, I'll be going.''\ |
| n | ^Just like always, with lunch in hand I headed to the hospital.\ | n | ^Just like always, with lunch in hand, I headed to the hospital.\ |
| ^Even though it was already halfway through August, the hot days still seemed to be continuing.\ | | ^Even though it was already halfway through August, the hot days still seemed to be continuing.\ |
| ^The elevator bell rang.\ | | ^The elevator bell rang.\ |
| ^* Ding. *\ | | ^* Ding. *\ |
| ^The 7th floor. | | ^The 7th floor. |
| ^To the nurses whose faces I had become familiar with, I lowered my head slightly in greeting.\ | | ^To the nurses whose faces I had become familiar with, I lowered my head slightly in greeting.\ |
| ^What I then saw in the hall was a number of patients.\ | | ^What I then saw in the hall was a number of patients.\ |
| n | ^Since it was right when the morning temperature examination ended, they had probably come with their helpers for a walk .\ | n | ^Since it was right when the morning temperature examination ended, they had probably come with their helper for a walk .\ |
| ^Suddenly, while looking at those people with white wrist bands, a thought came to me.\ | | ^Suddenly, while looking at those people with white wrist bands, a thought came to me.\ |
| n | ^Of the residents of the 7th floor, couldn't they be divided into two groups?\ | n | ^The residents of the 7th floor, couldn't they be divided into two groups?\ |
| ^The patients who seemed almost to have taken a philosophical view and were calm, and those who seemed to always be busy doing something...\ | | ^The patients who seemed almost to have taken a philosophical view and were calm, and those who seemed to always be busy doing something...\ |
| ^``Ah, it's fine, I'll be firmly supporting you.''\ | | ^``Ah, it's fine, I'll be firmly supporting you.''\ |
| ^Hearing a voice I recognized, I turned around and there was Chihiro-san. She was with an elderly lady in a wheelchair.\ | | ^Hearing a voice I recognized, I turned around and there was Chihiro-san. She was with an elderly lady in a wheelchair.\ |
| ^Most likely, that person was Chihiro-san's assigned person.\ | | ^Most likely, that person was Chihiro-san's assigned person.\ |
| ^``Say, a walk again later, could we do that?''\ | | ^``Say, a walk again later, could we do that?''\ |
| n | ^``Let's see, when the sun fades a bit more, let's go into the courtyard.''\ | n | ^``Let's see, when the sun weakens a bit more, let's go out to the courtyard.''\ |
| ^With a calm way of speaking, she turned her usual gentle face to the elderly lady.\ | | ^With a calm way of speaking, she turned her usual gentle face to the elderly lady.\ |
| ^``Say Chihiro-san, would you do that thing you always do?''\ | | ^``Say Chihiro-san, would you do that thing you always do?''\ |
| ^``Yes, I can.''\ | | ^``Yes, I can.''\ |
| ^``Do you always pray like that?''\ | | ^``Do you always pray like that?''\ |
| ^``Yes, because praying for someone is a good thing.''\ | | ^``Yes, because praying for someone is a good thing.''\ |
| ^Chihiro-san answered with her usual kind expression.\ | | ^Chihiro-san answered with her usual kind expression.\ |
| n | ^But at those words, I felt something that tugged at me.\ | n | ^But at those words, I felt something that nagged at me.\ |
| ^... For someone...\ | | ^... For someone...\ |
| n | ^That was why... I decided to ask a direct question.\ | n | ^That was why I tried asking a direct question.\ |
| ^``It can't be for yourself?''\ | | ^``It can't be for yourself?''\ |
| ^``T-that's...''\ | | ^``T-that's...''\ |
| ^There, her words stopped.\ | | ^There, her words stopped.\ |
| ^There was no more response from her; the usual gentle face was also gone.\ | | ^There was no more response from her; the usual gentle face was also gone.\ |
| n | ^The first time I saw that expression on Chihiro-san... a simply troubled face looked at me.\ | n | ^The first time I saw that expression on Chihiro-san... a simply troubled face was looking at me.\ |
| ^After knocking, I opened the door.\ | | ^After knocking, I opened the door.\ |
| ^* Knock, knock. Click. *\ | | ^* Knock, knock. Click. *\ |
| n | ^Again, like before, Himeko-san was gazing at maps.\ | n | ^Like before, Himeko-san was gazing at maps.\ |
| ^At my entering the hospital room, she just gave me a brief glance, her eyes soon returning.\ | | ^At my entering the hospital room, she just gave me a brief glance, her eyes soon returning.\ |
| ^``Is it interesting?''\ | | ^``Is it interesting?''\ |
| ^``Does it seem that way?''\ | | ^``Does it seem that way?''\ |
| ^``... U~~un.''\ | | ^``... U~~un.''\ |
| ^As I answered, I sat down next to her and gazed at the maps also.\ | | ^As I answered, I sat down next to her and gazed at the maps also.\ |
| n | ^Just as I thought, this sort of act couldn't be considered fun, but...\ | n | ^Just as I thought, this sort of activity couldn't be considered fun, but...\ |
| ^These maps, what were they to Himeko-san I wonder...\ | | ^These maps, what were they to Himeko-san I wonder...\ |
| ^Even the 7th floor people who seemed to have taken a philosophical view on everything, perhaps they too, wavered with some regrets...\ | | ^Even the 7th floor people who seemed to have taken a philosophical view on everything, perhaps they too, wavered with some regrets...\ |
| n | ^``If one were to compare, then we are the condemned.''\ | n | ^``If one were to give a comparison, then we are the condemned.''\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^``We've been only informed that we will die, but...''\ | | ^``We've been only informed that we will die, but...''\ |
| ^``That day, when it will come, is unknown. So we're hounded by that limited time.''\ | | ^``That day, when it will come, is unknown. So we're hounded by that limited time.''\ |
| ^Just as I had thought just before; on this 7th floor, there were people who were always busy.\ | | ^Just as I had thought just before; on this 7th floor, there were people who were always busy.\ |
| ^Rather, one could even think that because they knew they were dying, they were trying to be lively.\ | | ^Rather, one could even think that because they knew they were dying, they were trying to be lively.\ |
| ^Or perhaps, for people...^@^ being aware of death, maybe that's the first time they are also able to become aware of ``life.''\ | | ^Or perhaps, for people...^@^ being aware of death, maybe that's the first time they are also able to become aware of ``life.''\ |
| n | ^``Those who are calm, those are probably the ones who have already prepared themselves.''\ | n | ^``The ones who are calm, those are probably the ones who have already prepared themselves.''\ |
| ^``Or, perhaps those who pretend they have.''\ | | ^``Or, perhaps those who were pretending they have.''\ |
| ^``And Himeko-san is?''\ | | ^``And Himeko-san is?''\ |
| ^``Of course the latter. At this age, there isn't anyone who could prepare themselves.''\ | | ^``Of course the latter. At this age, there isn't anyone who could prepare themselves.''\ |
| ^She declared it plainly.\ | | ^She declared it plainly.\ |
| ^Then, after taking something from the nurse, Himeko-san once again walked down the hall.\ | | ^Then, after taking something from the nurse, Himeko-san once again walked down the hall.\ |
| ^``Setsumi, over here.''\ | | ^``Setsumi, over here.''\ |
| ^Walking a bit, the place we finally stopped at was the end of the hall.\ | | ^Walking a bit, the place we finally stopped at was the end of the hall.\ |
| n | ^To be correct, it was just where you got off the emergency stairs, in front of an always-closed, large metal door.\ | n | ^To be correct, it was just where you got off the emergency stairs; in front of an always-closed, large metal door.\ |
| ^Up until now, I had never seen it opened, but probably, this was the entrance for the roof.\ | | ^Up until now, I had never seen it opened, but most likely this was the entrance for the roof.\ |
| ^``Ta-da! And here, the key comes on stage.''\ | | ^``Ta-da! And here, the key comes on stage.''\ |
| ^The heavy metal door creaked open. | | ^The heavy metal door creaked open. |
| ^* Clack. Creeeee. *\ | | ^* Clack. Creeeee. *\ |
| ^For a second, the world turned pure white.\ | | ^For a second, the world turned pure white.\ |
| ^When my eyes adjusted, what appeared before me was...\ | | ^When my eyes adjusted, what appeared before me was...\ |
| n | ^Strong wind, summer sky, high fence. As laundry items, sheets fluttered in the wind.\ | n | ^Strong wind, summer sky, high fence. Many laundered sheets fluttered in the wind.\ |
| ^``Today the weather's nice, isn't it? It's perfect haircutting weather.''\ | | ^``Today the weather's nice, isn't it? It's perfect haircutting weather.''\ |
| ^Looking up at the sky, Himeko-san spoke up.\ | | ^Looking up at the sky, Himeko-san spoke up.\ |
| ^``This is the first time, right? Coming here.''\ | | ^``This is the first time, right? Coming here.''\ |
| ^``By being a former helper and therefore being trusted -- that's not the reason.''\ | | ^``By being a former helper and therefore being trusted -- that's not the reason.''\ |
| ^``Then... what?''\ | | ^``Then... what?''\ |
| ^``See, even in these modern times...''\ | | ^``See, even in these modern times...''\ |
| n | ^``It's one of the prohibited acts, for Catholics.''\ | n | ^``See it's one of the prohibited acts; for Catholics.''\ |
| ^At first, I didn't understand what she was saying.\ | | ^At first, I didn't understand what she was saying.\ |
| ^... But, I soon realized...^@^ Suicide.\ | | ^... But, I soon realized...^@^ Suicide.\ |
| ^``For a `former' Catholic, you're still trusted aren't you...''\ | | ^``For a `former' Catholic, you're still trusted aren't you...''\ |
| n | ^``Really, makes you want to betray their expectations on a whim, and try jumping past the fence doesn't it?''\ | n | ^``Really, it makes you want to betray their expectations on a whim and try jumping past the fence doesn't it?''\ |
| ^As always, Himeko-san said something where I couldn't tell if she was serious or joking.\ | | ^As always, Himeko-san said something where I couldn't tell if she was serious or joking.\ |
| ^Though likely, she wasn't, but...\ | | ^Though likely, she wasn't, but...\ |
| ^But just if, suddenly she ran towards the fence, what would I do? Right now, I was the only one here...\ | | ^But just if, suddenly she ran towards the fence, what would I do? Right now, I was the only one here...\ |
| ^... It's like a Japanese doll, or a child at the ~i~Shichigosan~i~/ | | ^... It's like a Japanese doll, or a child at the ~i~Shichigosan~i~/ |
| ^~%90~*~=0~/ | | ^~%90~*~=0~/ |
| ^ festival.#808080/ | | ^ festival.#808080/ |
| n | ^~%70~* ~n~~i~Shichigosan~i~ is a day celebrating children ages seven (~i~shichi~i~), five (~i~go~i~), and three (~i~san~i~).~u~ | n | ^~%70~* ~n~~i~Shichigosan~i~ is a day celebrating children ages seven (~i~shichi~i~), five (~i~go~i~), and three x`(~i~san~i~).~u~ |
| ^#ffffff\ | | ^#ffffff\ |
| ^``It's cute, Se-tsu-mi.''\ | | ^``It's cute, Se-tsu-mi.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Ahaha, well you were busy worrying about the other thing after all.''\ | | ^``Ahaha, well you were busy worrying about the other thing after all.''\ |
| ^``You're a girl, so you should worry about your own hair.''\ | | ^``You're a girl, so you should worry about your own hair.''\ |
| n | ^At my slightly sulking face, Himeko-san looked like she was enjoying herself even more.\ | n | ^At my somewhat sulking face, Himeko-san looked like she was enjoying herself even more.\ |
| ^No matter how much you say it suits me, or is cute; laughing like that, there's no persuasive force behind it.\ | | ^No matter how much you say it suits me, or is cute; laughing like that, there's no persuasive force behind it.\ |
| ^* Sigh. *\ | | ^* Sigh. *\ |
| ^Helplessly, I gave a sigh. Then I asked about the thing that I had sensed from before.\ | | ^Helplessly, I gave a sigh. Then I asked about the thing that I had sensed from before.\ |
| ^``Ah, that's right. About that final one...''\ | | ^``Ah, that's right. About that final one...''\ |
| ^``I'm thinking that it might be about time...''\ | | ^``I'm thinking that it might be about time...''\ |
| ^The final one? About time?\ | | ^The final one? About time?\ |
| n | ^Most likely, it was probably referring to what she had said before, the ten things to do before dying.\ | n | ^Most likely, it was probably referring to what she had mentioned before, the ten things to do before dying.\ |
| ^``Are you planning on going somewhere again?''\ | | ^``Are you planning on going somewhere again?''\ |
| ^``Yes, at the least, here is no good.''\ | | ^``Yes, at the least, here is no good.''\ |
| ^``This height, it's not enough.''\ | | ^``This height, it's not enough.''\ |
| ^Was she saying that for jumping off, it wasn't enough?^@^ Those were her words as she pointed at the rooftop fence.\ | | ^Was she saying that for jumping off, it wasn't enough?^@^ Those were her words as she pointed at the rooftop fence.\ |
| n | ^``This is something you don't know, but to be honest, this is around my second time.''\ | n | ^``This is something you don't know, but to be honest, shoudl be around my second time.''\ |
| ^``What about?''\ | | ^``What's this about?''\ |
| ^``The number of times for being admitted into the hospital. Though because I have connections, I was always here.''\ | | ^``The number of times for being admitted into the hospital. Though because I have connections, I was always here.''\ |
| ^And then I was taught that the 3rd time was the last, and there is no 4th.\ | | ^And then I was taught that the 3rd time was the last, and there is no 4th.\ |
| ^``But yeah, it looks like my strength's close to its limit you see...''\ | | ^``But yeah, it looks like my strength's close to its limit you see...''\ |
| ^``Sneaking out of the hospital also, I think this will be the last time.''\ | | ^``Sneaking out of the hospital also, I think this will be the last time.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| n | ^``Well, I think coming back on the same day would be impossible, but if it's okay, come with me.''\ | n | ^``Anyway, I think coming back on the same day would be impossible, but if it's okay, come with me.''\ |
| ^Slowly, the sky stained orange.\ | | ^Slowly, the sky stained orange.\ |
| ^As the burning sun sank and the loud ~i~Minmin-zemi~i~ switched over to ~i~Higurashi.~i~/ | | ^As the burning sun sank and the loud ~i~Minmin-zemi~i~ switched over to ~i~Higurashi.~i~/ |
| ^~%90~*~=0~/ | | ^~%90~*~=0~/ |
| ^``Onee-chan, do you want to play with the bar?''\ | | ^``Onee-chan, do you want to play with the bar?''\ |
| ^Perhaps out of consideration for me being there, a child playing nearby once again spoke to me.\ | | ^Perhaps out of consideration for me being there, a child playing nearby once again spoke to me.\ |
| ^``It's fine, don't mind me.''\ | | ^``It's fine, don't mind me.''\ |
| n | ^With that reply, even while giving me a somehow mystified look, the child once again ran back to the group of friends who were playing.\ | n | ^At that reply, even while giving me a somehow mystified look, the child once again ran back to the group of friends who were playing.\ |
| ^Just before, Himeko-san said that returning on the same day was impossible.\ | | ^Just before, Himeko-san said that returning on the same day was impossible.\ |
| ^Where we were going she didn't know yet, but I was told to make sure to get Mother's permission.\ | | ^Where we were going she didn't know yet, but I was told to make sure to get Mother's permission.\ |
| ^... If it's okay, come with me...\ | | ^... If it's okay, come with me...\ |
| ^``I won't force you...''\ | | ^``I won't force you...''\ |
| n | ^Even saying that, spending close to a month together, and then saying that this would be the last...\ | n | ^Even saying that, when you spend close to a month together and then say that this would be the last...\ |
| ^Again, the two of us ate today's dinner.\ | | ^Again, the two of us ate today's dinner.\ |
| ^Atop the table were the usual dishes and fried things. Looking pleased, Mother beamed at the empty lunch box.\ | | ^Atop the table were the usual dishes and fried things. Looking pleased, Mother beamed at the empty lunch box.\ |
| n | ^Even during that dinner that was the same as always, I was thinking about what happened earlier.\ | n | ^Even during the dinner that was the same as always, I was thinking about what happened earlier.\ |
| ^``Say, Mother...''\ | | ^``Say, Mother...''\ |
| ^``Something the matter?''\ | | ^``Something the matter?''\ |
| ^``I've been invited to go on a drive again...''\ | | ^``I've been invited to go on a drive again...''\ |
| ^``Oh? What's wrong? You like fries don't you?''\ | | ^``Oh? What's wrong? You like fries don't you?''\ |
| ^So naturally...^@^ very matter-of-factly, Mother offered them, seeming very pleased.\ | | ^So naturally...^@^ very matter-of-factly, Mother offered them, seeming very pleased.\ |
| ^But, on those hands wasn't a pink manicure. Instead, a slightly reddened hand happily offered the plate.\ | | ^But, on those hands wasn't a pink manicure. Instead, a slightly reddened hand happily offered the plate.\ |
| n | ^Fries... all I had to do was quietly eat them.^@^ No matter how much I hated them, if I endured it, it was fine.\ | n | ^For fries... all I had to do was quietly eat them.^@^ No matter how much I hated them, if I endured it, it was fine.\ |
| ^But... was this really kindness I wonder...\ | | ^But... was this really kindness I wonder...\ |
| ^Suddenly, I was reminded of Himeko-san's words.\ | | ^Suddenly, I was reminded of Himeko-san's words.\ |
| ^Even if whoever was punishing us were to not give us a pardon...\ | | ^Even if whoever was punishing us were to not give us a pardon...\ |
| ^``Mm?... Ah, she's a nurse there?''\ | | ^``Mm?... Ah, she's a nurse there?''\ |
| ^It might have been perfectly natural, but that's how she was thought of.\ | | ^It might have been perfectly natural, but that's how she was thought of.\ |
| ^``... A patient there.''\ | | ^``... A patient there.''\ |
| n | ^``What was that?''\ | n | ^``What's was that?''\ |
| ^``The hospice's... patient.''\ | | ^``The hospice's... patient.''\ |
| ^``... Eh?......''\ | | ^``... Eh?......''\ |
| ^``The hospice's patient?''\ | | ^``The hospice's patient?''\ |
| ^A long...^@^ very long silence.\ | | ^A long...^@^ very long silence.\ |
| ^The voice of the host on the television, not as words, but as noise, rang out.\ | | ^The voice of the host on the television, not as words, but as noise, rang out.\ |
| n | ^In reality, it might have been a very short time, but for me, it felt unbelievably long...\ | n | ^In reality, it might have been a very short time, but for me it felt unbelievably long...\ |
| ^I thought, just maybe... never again, would time move...\ | | ^I thought, just maybe... never again, would time move...\ |
| ^It seemed that never again...^@^ could ``something'' go back to how it was, and I was afraid...\ | | ^It seemed that never again...^@^ could ``something'' go back to how it was, and I was afraid...\ |
| ^Mother started crying.\ | | ^Mother started crying.\ |
| ^``Okaaay.''\ | | ^``Okaaay.''\ |
| ^Taking the thermometer that was in her mouth, I read the numbers on the digital display.\ | | ^Taking the thermometer that was in her mouth, I read the numbers on the digital display.\ |
| ^``What temperature?''\ | | ^``What temperature?''\ |
| n | ^``36.2°C. Yeah, with that, it's fine.''\ | n | ^``36.2°C. Yeah, with this, it's fine.''\ |
| ^``Umm, then today, ice cream in the courtyard again?''\ | | ^``Umm, then today, ice cream in the courtyard again?''\ |
| ^``Nope. Today, I'm thinking of different plans.''\ | | ^``Nope. Today, I'm thinking of different plans.''\ |
| ^``... Different plans?''\ | | ^``... Different plans?''\ |
| n | ^``But, for that, this comes first.''\ | n | ^``But for that, this comes first.''\ |
| ^As I answered, I opened the paper bag I had brought. Half of today's plan was in there.\ | | ^As I answered, I opened the paper bag I had brought. Half of today's plan was in there.\ |
| ^``What's that?''\ | | ^``What's that?''\ |
| ^``I brought new clothes for you.''\ | | ^``I brought new clothes for you.''\ |
| ^``Eh? But just before, I got pajamas.''\ | | ^``Eh? But just before, I got pajamas.''\ |
| ^``Eheheh, these aren't pajamas.''\ | | ^``Eheheh, these aren't pajamas.''\ |
| ^With a bit of a flourish, I took it out of the bag to show her.\ | | ^With a bit of a flourish, I took it out of the bag to show her.\ |
| n | ^No matter what could be said about it, it was something that used up over half of this month's allowance, and I had spent two hours debating over which to get.\ | n | ^After all, it was something that used up over half of this month's allowance, and I had spent two hours debating over which to get.\ |
| ^``Ta-da!''\ | | ^``Ta-da!''\ |
| ^``Ah, a one-piece.''\ | | ^``Ah, a one-piece.''\ |
| ^``How is it? You like it?''\ | | ^``How is it? You like it?''\ |
| ^``Okay, once you change, we're going right away.''\ | | ^``Okay, once you change, we're going right away.''\ |
| ^``Going? Do you mean outside?''\ | | ^``Going? Do you mean outside?''\ |
| ^``Yes, the church.''\ | | ^``Yes, the church.''\ |
| n | ^As I answered, I undid the buttons on her pajamas. Truth was, from before she had said she wanted to visit the church.\ | n | ^As I answered, I undid the buttons on her pajamas. Truth was, foe a while she had said she wanted to visit the church.\ |
| ^``To be honest, going in pajamas would have been fine, but...''\ | | ^``To be honest, going in pajamas would have been fine, but...''\ |
| ^``Well, since we're going to the trouble, right?''\ | | ^``Well, since we're going to the trouble, right?''\ |
| n | ^``Un, Onee-san, thank you.''\ | n | ^``Un, Onee-san, thank you!''\ |
| ^The burning sun and sound of cicadas. Today looked like it was going to be another hot day.\ | | ^The burning sun and sound of cicadas. Today looked like it was going to be another hot day.\ |
| ^Under that sky, we walked side by side. It was the first time we went outside the hospital.\ | | ^Under that sky, we walked side by side. It was the first time we went outside the hospital.\ |
| ^Of course, even if she said she wanted to go farther, I wouldn't be able to take her.\ | | ^Of course, even if she said she wanted to go farther, I wouldn't be able to take her.\ |
| ^And then, half of the prayer... used for my own forgiveness.^@^ | | ^And then, half of the prayer... used for my own forgiveness.^@^ |
| ^For me, who could do nothing other than buy ice cream for her... it was painful...\ | | ^For me, who could do nothing other than buy ice cream for her... it was painful...\ |
| ^Right above was the sun, noisy were the cries of cicadas.\ | | ^Right above was the sun, noisy were the cries of cicadas.\ |
| n | ^As usual, the hot days continued, and it was a summer day unchanged from yesterday.\ | n | ^As usual, the hot days continued,and it was a summer day unchanged from yesterday.\ |
| ^But, a little bit changed with the girl.\ | | ^But, a little bit changed with the girl.\ |
| ^Up until now, she had been so attached to me.^@^ But between one day and the next, she came to hold a bit of distance.\ | | ^Up until now, she had been so attached to me.^@^ But between one day and the next, she came to hold a bit of distance.\ |
| ^I knocked before opening the door.\ | | ^I knocked before opening the door.\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^``If my body gets even weaker, what will happen?''\ | | ^``If my body gets even weaker, what will happen?''\ |
| ^``Th-that's...''\ | | ^``Th-that's...''\ |
| n | ^Here, my words stopped.\ | n | ^Here my words stopped.\ |
| ^In my throat, I swallowed the word ``die.''\ | | ^In my throat, I swallowed the word ``die.''\ |
| n | ^Normally, preaching about life, and also death, was the duty of the church. Our duty was also to support that.\ | n | ^Normally, preaching about life and death was the duty of the church. Our duty was also to support that.\ |
| ^And here was the 7th floor. | | ^And here was the 7th floor. |
| n | ^A place where we speak to those who have lived life, peacefully of coming death.\ | n | ^A place where we speak, to those who have lived life, peacefully of coming death.\ |
| ^However... for a young girl...^@^ for a girl who could not have been said to have fully ``lived''...\ | | ^However... for a young girl...^@^ for a girl who could not have been said to have fully ``lived''...\ |
| ^Just who in the world, could speak of death now...\ | | ^Just who in the world, could speak of death now...\ |
| ^... Exactly in these times...\ | | ^... Exactly in these times...\ |
| ^``Un...''\ | | ^``Un...''\ |
| ^Late at night in the dark hospital room, the girl was coughing.\ | | ^Late at night in the dark hospital room, the girl was coughing.\ |
| ^Right now, all I could do was gently pat her back.\ | | ^Right now, all I could do was gently pat her back.\ |
| n | ^The past few days, because she had been leaving most of her food, it was noticable that her strength was weakening.\ | n | ^The past few days, because she had been leaving most of her food, it was visible that her strength was dropping.\ |
| ^And now she was clearly avoiding me.\ | | ^And now she was clearly avoiding me.\ |
| n | ^If I spoke to her, she would barely make a response, and the times where she would speak to me on her own totally disappeared.\ | n | ^If I spoke to her, she would barely make a response; the times where she would speak to me on her own compltely disappeared.\ |
| ^Amongst all that, suddenly, she opened her mouth.\ | | ^Amongst all that, suddenly, she opened her mouth.\ |
| ^``Say, Onee-san...''\ | | ^``Say, Onee-san...''\ |
| n | ^``This... I'm returning it.''\ | n | ^``This... I'm giving it back.''\ |
| ^``... The rosary?''\ | | ^``... The rosary?''\ |
| ^What she took out of her pajama pocket was a rosary. Without a doubt, the one that I had given her before.\ | | ^What she took out of her pajama pocket was a rosary. Without a doubt, the one that I had given her before.\ |
| ^``And also... I want you to not come here any more.''\ | | ^``And also... I want you to not come here any more.''\ |
| ^Simply, just patting her back...\ | | ^Simply, just patting her back...\ |
| ^So that just even a little bit sooner, she would stop crying, just a little bit sooner, she would smile for me, just a little bit sooner...\ | | ^So that just even a little bit sooner, she would stop crying, just a little bit sooner, she would smile for me, just a little bit sooner...\ |
| ^The girl continued to cry.\ | | ^The girl continued to cry.\ |
| n | ^But, the legacy that was passed down, what was in there was simple to imagine.\ | n | ^But the legacy that was passed down, what was in there was simple to imagine.\ |
| ^Don't eat.^@^ | | ^Don't eat.^@^ |
| ^That, was the shortest route to death.\ | | ^That, was the shortest route to death.\ |
| ^That was something that us helpers had also suspected.\ | | ^That was something that us helpers had also suspected.\ |
| ^Coming to a place like this 7th floor, people who died from the worsening of sickness was rare.\ | | ^Coming to a place like this 7th floor, people who died from the worsening of sickness was rare.\ |
| n | ^Instead, almost as if on their own, they gave up food, simply weakening and then dying. I learned that those were common.\ | n | ^Instead, seemingly all on their own they gave up food, simply weakening and then dying. I learned that those were common.\ |
| ^... Most likely, that was not for their own sake.\ | | ^... Most likely, that was not for their own sake.\ |
| ^Financially, psychologically, for various reasons, it was probably an act stemming from wanting to lighten the burden of those left behind.\ | | ^Financially, psychologically, for various reasons, it was probably an act stemming from wanting to lighten the burden of those left behind.\ |
| ^I, who had become close, was beginning to be pushed away for the same reason.\ | | ^I, who had become close, was beginning to be pushed away for the same reason.\ |
| ^And yet, I...^@^ could not find any words.\ | | ^And yet, I...^@^ could not find any words.\ |
| ^Outside the window, there was a night sky that was beginning to lighten.\ | | ^Outside the window, there was a night sky that was beginning to lighten.\ |
| ^In this narrow hospital room, the girl's sobs reverberated...\ | | ^In this narrow hospital room, the girl's sobs reverberated...\ |
| n | ^Even though I was the professor, I couldn't give an answer.\ | n | ^Even though I was the professor, the doctor, I couldn't give an answer.\ |
| ^At this time, if I were a real Doctor of the Church...^@^ | | ^At this time, if I were a real Doctor of the Church...^@^ |
| n | ^If I were Saint Augustine or Saint Jerome...\ | n | ^If I were Augustine or Jerome...\ |
| ^Maybe I could have answered with something...\ | | ^Maybe I could have answered with something...\ |
| ^Outside of the window was burning sunlight.\ | | ^Outside of the window was burning sunlight.\ |
| ^Even though it was still early morning, the heat let you know it was going to be another midsummer day.\ | | ^Even though it was still early morning, the heat let you know it was going to be another midsummer day.\ |
| ^As she spoke, she handed over lunch boxes for two.\ | | ^As she spoke, she handed over lunch boxes for two.\ |
| ^``Take care going.''\ | | ^``Take care going.''\ |
| ^``B-but...''\ | | ^``B-but...''\ |
| n | ^``It's fine. As your mother, I thought it over.''\ | n | ^``It's fine. As your mother, I've thought it over.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``You're my precious daughter, but...''\ | | ^``You're my precious daughter, but...''\ |
| ^``I can't be you.''\ | | ^``I can't be you.''\ |
| n | ^Softly, but she spoke with her usual kind face.\ | n | ^Softly, but with her usual kind face, she spoke.\ |
| ^``That's why, as your mother...''\ | | ^``That's why, as your mother...''\ |
| ^``I want it so that Setsumi can smile even just a bit more.''\ | | ^``I want it so that Setsumi can smile even just a bit more.''\ |
| ^``... Mother...''\ | | ^``... Mother...''\ |
| ^I was headed to the hospital. In my hand, the tote bag with two lunches.\ | | ^I was headed to the hospital. In my hand, the tote bag with two lunches.\ |
| ^Early morning.\ | | ^Early morning.\ |
| n | ^Abruptly, my feet stopped at the usual school. It looked like today, the children hadn't come yet.\ | n | ^Abruptly, my feet stopped at the usual school. It looked like today the children hadn't come yet.\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^As always, I was facing the metal bar.\ | | ^As always, I was facing the metal bar.\ |
| n | ^And after gazing at it awhile, I quietly stretched my hand out.\ | n | ^And after gazing at it a while, I quietly stretched my hand out.\ |
| ^``... Nnng...''\ | | ^``... Nnng...''\ |
| ^Placing strength into my arms, I pulled with all my might while kicking the ground.\ | | ^Placing strength into my arms, I pulled with all my might while kicking the ground.\ |
| ^For just a moment, a sense of floating...^@^ and my body spun around.\ | | ^For just a moment, a sense of floating...^@^ and my body spun around.\ |
| ^A somersault I hadn't done in a month.\ | | ^A somersault I hadn't done in a month.\ |
| ^And then, from that slightly higher place, I looked around at the world...\ | | ^And then, from that slightly higher place, I looked around at the world...\ |
| ^With arms that were beginning to shake from supporting my weight, this world that I could see...\ | | ^With arms that were beginning to shake from supporting my weight, this world that I could see...\ |
| n | ^The me right now -- as one of the parts that build up everyday life -- might appear as if nothing was out of place.\ | n | ^The me right now -- as one of the parts that build up everyday life -- might not appear to be out of place.\ |
| ^... But...^@^ that was an illusion.\ | | ^... But...^@^ that was an illusion.\ |
| ^... It's not like I was ``accepted''...\ | | ^... It's not like I was ``accepted''...\ |
| ^Placing the school behind me, I headed toward the hospital. I was sure she was waiting, so I hurried to her.\ | | ^Placing the school behind me, I headed toward the hospital. I was sure she was waiting, so I hurried to her.\ |
| ^But now...^@^ | | ^But now...^@^ |
| ^I had a feeling that I was coming to understand Himeko-san's feelings.\ | | ^I had a feeling that I was coming to understand Himeko-san's feelings.\ |
| ^``But you know? Even if I were different, I'm her sister.''\ | | ^``But you know? Even if I were different, I'm her sister.''\ |
| n | ^``Spending up until now twenty years together. We're sisters, you know?''\ | n | ^``Spending up until now twenty years together, sisters, you know?''\ |
| ^Chihiro-san started to cry.\ | | ^Chihiro-san started to cry.\ |
| ^``.........''\ | | ^``.........''\ |
| ^``Chihiro-san...''\ | | ^``Chihiro-san...''\ |
| ^The always composed and kind Chihiro-san was, for the first time, crying.\ | | ^The always composed and kind Chihiro-san was, for the first time, crying.\ |
| n | ^That figure, was neither the pleasant helper, nor the resolved Catholic...\ | n | ^That figure, it was neither the pleasant helper, nor the resolved Catholic...\ |
| ^... Just simply, a helpless girl.\ | | ^... Just simply, a helpless girl.\ |
| ^``E-even though I'm always praying for Onee-chan...''\ | | ^``E-even though I'm always praying for Onee-chan...''\ |
| ^``............''\ | | ^``............''\ |
| ^Chihiro-san continued to cry.\ | | ^Chihiro-san continued to cry.\ |
| ^And the only thing that I could do was gently pat her on her back...\ | | ^And the only thing that I could do was gently pat her on her back...\ |
| ^Some other words, or technique, I just couldn't find them.\ | | ^Some other words, or technique, I just couldn't find them.\ |
| n | ^Before, Himeko-san had said that for people, there were only three choices.\ | n | ^Before, Himeko-san had said that for people there were only three choices.\ |
| ^Perhaps Himeko-san didn't want Chihiro-san to be Alois...\ | | ^Perhaps Himeko-san didn't want Chihiro-san to be Alois...\ |
| ^``I'm sorry... letting you see such a sight...''\ | | ^``I'm sorry... letting you see such a sight...''\ |
| ^``U~~un... don't worry about it.''\ | | ^``U~~un... don't worry about it.''\ |
| ^There was no navigation system, and even though she was always looking at maps, it didn't look like she brought them today.\ | | ^There was no navigation system, and even though she was always looking at maps, it didn't look like she brought them today.\ |
| ^``Don't worry, no matter where we go, we won't get lost.''\ | | ^``Don't worry, no matter where we go, we won't get lost.''\ |
| ^``How can you say that so confidently?''\ | | ^``How can you say that so confidently?''\ |
| n | ^``Well, that's... because I've already memorized all of Japan.''\ | n | ^``Well, that's because I've already memorized all of Japan.''\ |
| ^The response came as if it were perfectly natural.\ | | ^The response came as if it were perfectly natural.\ |
| ^Was that possible?\ | | ^Was that possible?\ |
| ^It's not like I was doubting Himeko-san's words, but for me, it was quite unbelievable.\ | | ^It's not like I was doubting Himeko-san's words, but for me, it was quite unbelievable.\ |
| n | ^``Besides that, what I need right now, if it isn't a navigation system, it's also not a doctor.''\ | n | ^``Besides that, what I need right now --- if it isn't a navigation system, it's also not a doctor.''\ |
| ^``Then what?''\ | | ^``Then what?''\ |
| ^``Indeed...''\ | | ^``Indeed...''\ |
| ^Then, after a moment of thinking.\ | | ^Then, after a moment of thinking.\ |
| ^``Oh really? I think it's much easier than curing your sickness.''\ | | ^``Oh really? I think it's much easier than curing your sickness.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^I'm sure it was exactly as Himeko-san said. If my sickness were cured, then all the problems would be solved.\ | | ^I'm sure it was exactly as Himeko-san said. If my sickness were cured, then all the problems would be solved.\ |
| n | ^Mother, who had reddened her hands, would not be sad, and would once again smile and have beautiful manicures.\ | n | ^Mother, who had reddened her hands, would not be sad, would once again smile and have beautiful manicures.\ |
| ^Even that I understood. | | ^Even that I understood. |
| ^Understood, but it was something I couldn't do anything about on my own.\ | | ^Understood, but it was something I couldn't do anything about on my own.\ |
| ^... Compared to that...^@^ coming to like fries, might be a simple thing...\ | | ^... Compared to that...^@^ coming to like fries, might be a simple thing...\ |
| ^The roadster continued on, its red hood reflecting the blazing sky.\ | | ^The roadster continued on, its red hood reflecting the blazing sky.\ |
| n | ^And then, just when the sun was coming close to its highest point, what appeared before us was an even bigger road.\ | n | ^And then, just as the sun was coming close to its highest point, what appeared before us was an even bigger road.\ |
| ^``In moments we'll come out onto the national roads...''\ | | ^``In moments we'll come out onto the national roads...''\ |
| ^As she spoke, she pulled the car onto the shoulder and stopped.\ | | ^As she spoke, she pulled the car onto the shoulder and stopped.\ |
| ^``Decided on the destination?''\ | | ^``Decided on the destination?''\ |
| ^``Mmm, I'm still debating a bit...''\ | | ^``Mmm, I'm still debating a bit...''\ |
| n | ^Hearing nothing other than ``a high place,'' just what she was debating over, I had no clue.\ | n | ^Hearing nothing other than ``a high place,'' just what exactly she was debating over, I had no clue.\ |
| ^``I guess, if you're talking about high places, then it's Mt. Fuji...''\ | | ^``I guess, if you're talking about high places, then it's Mt. Fuji...''\ |
| ^``Mt. Fuji?''\ | | ^``Mt. Fuji?''\ |
| ^If I hadn't been mistaken, that was certainly what it sounded like.''\ | | ^If I hadn't been mistaken, that was certainly what it sounded like.''\ |
| ^``Whatever you say, it's number one in Japan after all, right?''\ | | ^``Whatever you say, it's number one in Japan after all, right?''\ |
| ^That... really couldn't be thought of as serious.\ | | ^That... really couldn't be thought of as serious.\ |
| ^Mt. Fuji, height: 3776m. Probably didn't need saying, but Japan's highest mountain.\ | | ^Mt. Fuji, height: 3776m. Probably didn't need saying, but Japan's highest mountain.\ |
| n | ^I didn't know too much, but I had heard that snow remained even in the summer, and for the winter, I had heard that only true mountain climbers could take it on.\ | n | ^I didn't know too much, but I had heard that snow remained even in the summer. For the winter, I had heard that only true mountain climbers could take it on.\ |
| ^``Well, shall we aim for it? Mt. Fuji.''\ | | ^``Well, shall we aim for it? Mt. Fuji.''\ |
| ^``No matter what, that's too reckless.''\ | | ^``No matter what, that's too reckless.''\ |
| ^``I know. I'm not stupid. It's not like I'm aiming for the summit or anything.''\ | | ^``I know. I'm not stupid. It's not like I'm aiming for the summit or anything.''\ |
| ^``You can go up to the 5th station by car, and even that has about 2000m to it.''\ | | ^``You can go up to the 5th station by car, and even that has about 2000m to it.''\ |
| ^Even saying that, it's not like we had to go all the way to such a place...\ | | ^Even saying that, it's not like we had to go all the way to such a place...\ |
| n | ^Even for normal people, that was about where they stopped, and the two of us, at the least, couldn't be called healthy.\ | n | ^Even for normal people, it already had a reputation --- and the two of us, at the least, couldn't be called healthy.\ |
| ^And in Himeko-san's case, she was a resident of the 7th floor.\ | | ^And in Himeko-san's case, she was a resident of the 7th floor.\ |
| ^``Besides... compared to the 7th floor, it's a place 100 times higher.''\ | | ^``Besides... compared to the 7th floor, it's a place 100 times higher.''\ |
| ^Those words, I just quietly listened to.\ | | ^Those words, I just quietly listened to.\ |
| ^``First, we'll head from Route 6 towards the Tohoku Expressway.''\ | | ^``First, we'll head from Route 6 towards the Tohoku Expressway.''\ |
| ^With just that announcement, the roadster once again began running. Heading towards the national road, she turned the wheel.\ | | ^With just that announcement, the roadster once again began running. Heading towards the national road, she turned the wheel.\ |
| ^From here to Mt. Fuji, just how much distance was there? For me, I didn't even have an estimate.\ | | ^From here to Mt. Fuji, just how much distance was there? For me, I didn't even have an estimate.\ |
| n | ^What I knew was...\ | n | ^All I knew was...\ |
| ^Himeko-san was not joking, but serious. And also, she most likely would not get lost.\ | | ^Himeko-san was not joking, but serious. And also, she most likely would not get lost.\ |
| n | ^From the national road, onto an even larger road, we then switched onto the expressways.\ | n | ^From the national road onto an even larger road, we then switched onto the expressways.\ |
| ^Same as before, perhaps because she was driving her usual safe way, the cars in the high-speed lane were rapidly passing by.\ | | ^Same as before, perhaps because she was driving her usual safe way, the cars in the high-speed lane were rapidly passing by.\ |
| ^Eventually, we came to a place with many tall buildings... it seemed that we had entered the Tokyo area.\ | | ^Eventually, we came to a place with many tall buildings... it seemed that we had entered the Tokyo area.\ |
| ^``From the Itabashi Junction, we'll get on the Ikebukurosen.''\ | | ^``From the Itabashi Junction, we'll get on the Ikebukurosen.''\ |
| n | ^The road that had continued straight until now changed to one that twisted.\ | n | ^The road that had been straight until now changed to one that twisted.\ |
| ^On that congested expressway, the roadster drove even slower.\ | | ^On that congested expressway, the roadster drove even slower.\ |
| ^``Just now, the one that passed us was an Audi.''\ | | ^``Just now, the one that passed us was an Audi.''\ |
| ^``And before that was a Pajero, a new model Geomaster.''\ | | ^``And before that was a Pajero, a new model Geomaster.''\ |
| ^Occasionally, Himeko-san would name the cars that passed us on the expressway.\ | | ^Occasionally, Himeko-san would name the cars that passed us on the expressway.\ |
| ^``It's a mysterious thing isn't it?''\ | | ^``It's a mysterious thing isn't it?''\ |
| n | ^``Just when I was set to go to the 7th floor, I came to love cars much more.''\ | n | ^``Just when it was decided I was to go to the 7th floor, I came to love cars much more.''\ |
| ^As she spoke, she slowly turned the wheel, matching the large curve ahead of us.\ | | ^As she spoke she slowly turned the wheel, matching the large curve ahead of us.\ |
| ^That expression seemed somewhere sad, and also somewhat nostalgic to me.\ | | ^That expression seemed somewhere sad, and also somewhat nostalgic to me.\ |
| ^``Do you also... like cars?''\ | | ^``Do you also... like cars?''\ |
| ^``I don't know.''\ | | ^``I don't know.''\ |
| ^``From the Tokyo-Gaikan Expressway, we'll get on the Tomei Expressway.''\ | | ^``From the Tokyo-Gaikan Expressway, we'll get on the Tomei Expressway.''\ |
| ^With those words, and a big turn of the wheel, the car shook just a bit.\ | | ^With those words, and a big turn of the wheel, the car shook just a bit.\ |
| ^I felt that the Himeko-san in the driver's seat was different from usual. Not only were her clothes different, but the somehow strict expressions were more common.\ | | ^I felt that the Himeko-san in the driver's seat was different from usual. Not only were her clothes different, but the somehow strict expressions were more common.\ |
| n | ^The high place that we've come all this way go to, Mt. Fuji.^@^ Without a doubt, it was a height that couldn't even compare with the 7th floor's roof.\ | n | ^The high place that we're going all this way go to, Mt. Fuji.^@^ Without a doubt, it was a height that the 7th floor's roof couldn't even compare with.\ |
| ^Was she really planning on jumping down?\ | | ^Was she really planning on jumping down?\ |
| ^And, the ten things to do before dying.\ | | ^And, the ten things to do before dying.\ |
| ^That final thing, just what kind of purpose did it hold, I wonder...\ | | ^That final thing, just what kind of purpose did it hold, I wonder...\ |
| ^From there, we connected onto yet another expressway...\ | | ^From there, we connected onto yet another expressway...\ |
| n | ^Already, since we left the hospital, about 7 hours had passed. The area had completely become a place that seemed to be out in the middle of the mountains.\ | n | ^Already, since we left the hospital, about 7 hours had passed. The area had completely become a place that seemed to be ``out in the middle of the mountains.''\ |
| ^Right in front on a sign were the words ``Mt. Fuji Skyline.'' Most likely, we had already come to a place quite close.\ | | ^Straight ahead on a sign were the words ``Mt. Fuji Skyline.'' Most likely, we had already come to a place quite close.\ |
| ^And then, that cloudless summer sky had at some point become a dark black evening sky.\ | | ^And then, that cloudless summer sky was at some point becoming a deep black evening sky.\ |
| ^``... It's starting to come down.''\ | | ^``... It's starting to come down.''\ |
| n | ^When I looked, rain started to fall from the dark sky.\ | n | ^When I looked, rain had started to fall from the dark sky.\ |
| ^``Wait a bit, I'll bring out the top.''\ | | ^``Wait a bit, I'll bring out the top.''\ |
| ^``Ah, un.''\ | | ^``Ah, un.''\ |
| ^Pulling the car to a stop on the shoulder, Himeko-san started to fumble around for something.\ | | ^Pulling the car to a stop on the shoulder, Himeko-san started to fumble around for something.\ |
| ^As she answered and closed the left and right windows, the roadster became like a perfectly normal car.\ | | ^As she answered and closed the left and right windows, the roadster became like a perfectly normal car.\ |
| ^Until now, it had been a mystery as to what was done when it rained, but it apparently took on this form.\ | | ^Until now, it had been a mystery as to what was done when it rained, but it apparently took on this form.\ |
| ^Once again the Eunos drove off.\ | | ^Once again the Eunos drove off.\ |
| n | ^The rain had truly begun to come down and obscured the road in pure white.\ | n | ^The rain had truly begun to come down and obscured the road with pure white.\ |
| ^The thick black rainclouds, even though it was still before evening, made it dark enough to let one believe it was night.\ | | ^The thick black rainclouds, even though it was still before evening, made it dark enough to let one believe it was night.\ |
| ^... Mm?\ | | ^... Mm?\ |
| ^At a cold sensation striking my head, I looked up at the roof; there were a number of drops dripping down.\ | | ^At a cold sensation striking my head, I looked up at the roof; there were a number of drops dripping down.\ |
| n | ^``Sorry, this thing's run down after all...''\ | n | ^``Sorry, this thing's beat up after all...''\ |
| ^And just like the words meant, the dripping leaks started. Looking at how the rain was falling, it didn't look like it would stop for some time.\ | | ^And just like the words meant, the dripping leaks started. Looking at how the rain was falling outside the window, it didn't look like it would stop for some time.\ |
| ^``Setsumi, put this on your head.''\ | | ^``Setsumi, put this on your head.''\ |
| ^``Ah, un...''\ | | ^``Ah, un...''\ |
| ^What I was given was a large towel, and as told, I put it on top of my head.\ | | ^What I was given was a large towel, and as told, I put it on top of my head.\ |
| ^``Don't look down on me, alright?''\ | | ^``Don't look down on me, alright?''\ |
| ^``I'm not wearing this outfit just for show.''\ | | ^``I'm not wearing this outfit just for show.''\ |
| ^As if talking to herself, Himeko-san muttered.\ | | ^As if talking to herself, Himeko-san muttered.\ |
| n | ^I had a feeling that didn't mean physically not getting wet, but some different meaning.\ | n | ^I had a feeling that didn't mean physically not getting wet, but instead some different meaning.\ |
| ^Throwing up spray, the roadster continued running.\ | | ^Throwing up spray, the roadster continued running.\ |
| ^Under the endlessly black sky, it now went from an ordinary road onto the Mt. Fuji Skyline.\ | | ^Under the endlessly black sky, it now went from an ordinary road onto the Mt. Fuji Skyline.\ |
| ^``If you feel cold, just say, okay?''\ | | ^``If you feel cold, just say, okay?''\ |
| ^``Un. I'm fine.''\ | | ^``Un. I'm fine.''\ |
| ^With the towel still on my head, I answered Himeko-san as she got wet from the leaks.\ | | ^With the towel still on my head, I answered Himeko-san as she got wet from the leaks.\ |
| ^... It'd be better if we took shelter somewhere...\ | | ^... It'd be better if we took shelter somewhere...\ |
| n | ^Even such an obvious suggestion, somehow faltered in the atmosphere.\ | n | ^Even such an obvious suggestion somehow faltered in the atmosphere.\ |
| ^Gripping the wheel was a Himeko-san that was different from usual.\ | | ^Gripping the wheel was a Himeko-san that was different from usual.\ |
| ^It was the first time I've seen...^@^ a Himeko-san without pajamas...\ | | ^It was the first time I've seen...^@^ a Himeko-san without pajamas...\ |
| ^We continued driving. At some point, when the rain had completely stopped...\ | | ^We continued driving. At some point, when the rain had completely stopped...\ |
| ^If you looked, there was even the face of a large moon out in the sky.\ | | ^If you looked, there was even the face of a large moon out in the sky.\ |
| ^``Soon, we'll arrive at Fujinomiyaguchi.''\ | | ^``Soon, we'll arrive at Fujinomiyaguchi.''\ |
| n | ^Along with those words, we went from a narrow mountain road into a suddenly open area.\ | n | ^With those words, we went from a narrow mountain road into a suddenly open area.\ |
| ^Finally, the Eunos stopped. | | ^Finally, the Eunos stopped. |
| ^Looking around, there were signs for the 5th station parking lot.\ | | ^Looking around, there were signs for the 5th station parking lot.\ |
| ^During this season, I had heard that there were many mountain climbers.\ | | ^During this season, I had heard that there were many mountain climbers.\ |
| ^* Click, Slam. *\ | | ^* Click, Slam. *\ |
| ^``Here, canned oolong, it's warm.''\ | | ^``Here, canned oolong, it's warm.''\ |
| ^``Un, thank you...''\ | | ^``Un, thank you...''\ |
| n | ^With a tea bought from a vending machine in hand, the two of us ate what remained of the packed lunch.\ | n | ^With a tea bought from a vending machine in hand, the two of us ate the what remained of the packed lunch.\ |
| ^``Eheheh, even cold, it's delicious.''\ | | ^``Eheheh, even cold, it's delicious.''\ |
| ^``Un.''\ | | ^``Un.''\ |
| ^In the end, it seemed like we were spending the night here.\ | | ^In the end, it seemed like we were spending the night here.\ |
| ^But, when we set off, she had said that this was our destination...\ | | ^But, when we set off, she had said that this was our destination...\ |
| ^Did Himeko-san, plan on going even higher up?\ | | ^Did Himeko-san, plan on going even higher up?\ |
| ^``... Still... planning on going up?''\ | | ^``... Still... planning on going up?''\ |
| n | ^``Well, I wonder...''\ | n | ^``Well, I don't know...''\ |
| ^While holding a croquette in hand, Himeko-san gave a vague answer.\ | | ^While holding a croquette in hand, Himeko-san gave a vague answer.\ |
| ^Certainly, up until here, we were able to come by car. According to the parking lot sign, the altitude was already 2400m.\ | | ^Certainly, up until here, we were able to come by car. According to the parking lot sign, the altitude was already 2400m.\ |
| ^But, from here on there were only mountain climbing trails.\ | | ^But, from here on there were only mountain climbing trails.\ |
| ^Suddenly, opening the door, Himeko-san stepped out of the car.\ | | ^Suddenly, opening the door, Himeko-san stepped out of the car.\ |
| ^Just as I was thinking about such things... | | ^Just as I was thinking about such things... |
| ^I also hurried out of the car.\ | | ^I also hurried out of the car.\ |
| n | ^When I looked, she was right by the car, looking up at a night sky that had just stopped raining.\ | n | ^When I looked, she was right by the car looking up at a night sky that had just stopped raining.\ |
| ^I was a bit surprised. I had thought that she might have started climbing without saying a thing.\ | | ^I was a bit surprised. I had thought that she might have started climbing without saying a thing.\ |
| ^Then, perhaps guessing at my unease, Himeko-san began to speak.\ | | ^Then, perhaps guessing at my unease, Himeko-san began to speak.\ |
| ^``Oh right, once before...''\ | | ^``Oh right, once before...''\ |
| ^``... A lie?''\ | | ^``... A lie?''\ |
| ^``Truth is, more than being of a different age group...''\ | | ^``Truth is, more than being of a different age group...''\ |
| ^``Because it was you, might be why I wanted to become friends.''\ | | ^``Because it was you, might be why I wanted to become friends.''\ |
| n | ^Himeko-san spoke somehow seriously... about what I had also somewhat vaguely noticed.\ | n | ^Himeko-san spoke somehow seriously about what I had also somewhat vaguely noticed.\ |
| ^``That reason was?''\ | | ^``That reason was?''\ |
| ^``Mmm. That's a difficult question, but to put it bluntly...''\ | | ^``Mmm. That's a difficult question, but to put it bluntly...''\ |
| ^``Just a gut feeling maybe? Like it rang a bell.''\ | | ^``Just a gut feeling maybe? Like it rang a bell.''\ |
| ^That was also something I felt I understood. It was close to the feeling I answered Chihiro-san with.\ | | ^That was also something I felt I understood. It was close to the feeling I answered Chihiro-san with.\ |
| ^And then before, when I had asked whether she was seeing someone else in me...\ | | ^And then before, when I had asked whether she was seeing someone else in me...\ |
| n | ^... I was told that half of that was exactly that.\ | n | ^... I was told that half of it was exactly that.\ |
| ^Then, the remaining half of the reason that had been left a secret at the time, could this be it?\ | | ^Then, the remaining half of the reason that had been left a secret at the time, could this be it?\ |
| ^``Hey Setsumi, can I ask you a question?''\ | | ^``Hey Setsumi, can I ask you a question?''\ |
| ^``Un.''\ | | ^``Un.''\ |
| ^``Those leaving, and those left behind... never will the two meet.''\ | | ^``Those leaving, and those left behind... never will the two meet.''\ |
| ^Even if I could bear my own pain...^@^ I couldn't bear another's...\ | | ^Even if I could bear my own pain...^@^ I couldn't bear another's...\ |
| ^She wanted to say that perhaps? Then, Chihiro-san, and the best friend we met at the beach, avoiding them...\ | | ^She wanted to say that perhaps? Then, Chihiro-san, and the best friend we met at the beach, avoiding them...\ |
| n | ^... Then, why was I here in this place?\ | n | ^... Then why was I here in this place?\ |
| ^Why was I chosen I wonder. | | ^Why was I chosen I wonder. |
| ^Did Himeko-san want to say that if it was me, then she would be fine?\ | | ^Did Himeko-san want to say that if it was me, then she would be fine?\ |
| ^``This is, you see... after falling into the hole, something that I first realized.''\ | | ^``This is, you see... after falling into the hole, something that I first realized.''\ |
| ^``This place feels nice, doesn't it?''\ | | ^``This place feels nice, doesn't it?''\ |
| ^She spoke as if whispering to herself, and from her pocket she took out the rosary.\ | | ^She spoke as if whispering to herself, and from her pocket she took out the rosary.\ |
| ^That was what I had once given to her as a present.\ | | ^That was what I had once given to her as a present.\ |
| n | ^``Really, without this, it won't become magic, right?''\ | n | ^``Without this, it won't become magic, right?''\ |
| ^And then, quietly bringing hands together...^@^ facing where the sun would rise, she spoke...\ | | ^And then, quietly bringing hands together...^@^ facing where the sun would rise, she spoke...\ |
| ^``... Hallowed be thy Name...''\ | | ^``... Hallowed be thy Name...''\ |
| ^``... And lead us not into temptation...''\ | | ^``... And lead us not into temptation...''\ |
| n | ^This was also... what I had taught her before, a number of parts from the Lord's Prayer.\ | n | ^This, too, was what I had taught her before, a number of parts from the Lord's Prayer.\ |
| ^However, for this girl, she didn't even know the meanings to the words...\ | | ^However, for this girl, she didn't even know the meaning to the words...\ |
| ^Simply words for salvation...^@^ as nothing other than magic, that was all she thought of them...\ | | ^Simply words for salvation...^@^ as nothing other than magic, that was all she thought of them...\ |
| ^``Onee-san, do you think I was heard now?''\ | | ^``Onee-san, do you think I was heard now?''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^... It's useless...^@^ perhaps I should have said that...\ | | ^... It's useless...^@^ perhaps I should have said that...\ |
| ^Or perhaps, I should have spoken of atonement...\ | | ^Or perhaps, I should have spoken of atonement...\ |
| ^... Or perhaps I should have said...^@^ for having lived eight years...^@^ be thankful to God...\ | | ^... Or perhaps I should have said...^@^ for having lived eight years...^@^ be thankful to God...\ |
| n | ^``Say, Onee-san, pray with me?''\ | n | ^``Onee-san, pray with me?''\ |
| ^At those words... I silently nodded. Could do nothing but nod.\ | | ^At those words... I silently nodded. Could do nothing but nod.\ |
| ^Then, just like the girl who still continued to pray...\ | | ^Then, just like the girl who still continued to pray...\ |
| ^To that high sky, I offered a prayer...\ | | ^To that high sky, I offered a prayer...\ |
| ^The remaining night air, the whitening sky, the cicadas that started to call, common, everyday things of a summer day...\ | | ^The remaining night air, the whitening sky, the cicadas that started to call, common, everyday things of a summer day...\ |
| ^From this 7th floor's rooftop, I prayed only for the girl.\ | | ^From this 7th floor's rooftop, I prayed only for the girl.\ |
| n | ^Always, half was used for forgiving myself. But now, gathering all of it, I prayed only for the girl.\ | n | ^Always, half had been used for forgiving myself. But now, gathering all of it, I prayed only for the girl.\ |
| ^Definitely ~i~supposed~i~ to be listening somewhere...^@^ towards that God, I prayed.\ | | ^Definitely ~i~supposed~i~ to be listening somewhere...^@^ towards that God, I prayed.\ |
| ^I suddenly started to sob.\ | | ^I suddenly started to sob.\ |
| ^``.........''\ | | ^``.........''\ |
| ^``Then... let's go back.''\ | | ^``Then... let's go back.''\ |
| ^``T-that's...''\ | | ^``T-that's...''\ |
| ^This exchange, we repeat over and over...\ | | ^This exchange, we repeat over and over...\ |
| n | ^While, slowly, Himeko-san climbed up.\ | n | ^While slowly, Himeko-san climbed up.\ |
| ^Eventually, when those feet stopped...^@^ it was that time that I feared.\ | | ^Eventually, when those feet stop...^@^ that was the time that I feared.\ |
| ^At that time... just what should I do?\ | | ^At that time... just what should I do?\ |
| ^As the orange-stained day...^@^ all unnoticed, turned to the purple of night...\ | | ^As the orange-stained day...^@^ all unnoticed, turned to the purple of night...\ |
| ^``This is good...''\ | | ^``This is good...''\ |
| ^Finally, Himeko-san's feet stopped.\ | | ^Finally, Himeko-san's feet stopped.\ |
| n | ^We were just beyond the 7th station perhaps? It was a place with many rocky stretches, and a very wide, wonderful view.\ | n | ^We were just beyond the 7th station perhaps? It was a place with many rocky stretches and a very wide, wonderful view.\ |
| ^Looking at my watch, it was already 3 o'clock at night.^@^ Which meant almost an entire day had passed.\ | | ^Looking at my watch, it was already 3 o'clock at night.^@^ Which meant almost an entire day had passed.\ |
| ^As expected from the time, and perhaps yesterday's weather, there were no other climbers to be seen.\ | | ^As expected from the time, and perhaps yesterday's weather, there were no other climbers to be seen.\ |
| ^``Wait for the dawn, and then I'll say it here.''\ | | ^``Wait for the dawn, and then I'll say it here.''\ |
| ^Saying that, Himeko-san began walking towards the edge of the rocky stretch.\ | | ^Saying that, Himeko-san began walking towards the edge of the rocky stretch.\ |
| n | ^Peering down the edge of the cliff, it was dark and hard to see, but the bottom of the ravine was far enough that you couldn't guess its height.\ | n | ^Peering down the edge of the cliff, it was dark and hard to see. The bottom of the ravine was far enough that you couldn't guess its height.\ |
| ^At the least, if you were to throw yourself out, without a doubt, you wouldn't live.\ | | ^At the least, if you were to throw yourself out, without a doubt, you wouldn't live.\ |
| ^``... Finally, we're getting revved up here aren't we?''\ | | ^``... Finally, we're getting revved up here aren't we?''\ |
| ^``There's plenty of height too, right?''\ | | ^``There's plenty of height too, right?''\ |
| ^``I'm stopping... saying complaints...''\ | | ^``I'm stopping... saying complaints...''\ |
| ^As she spoke, she faced the sky and placed her hands together.\ | | ^As she spoke, she faced the sky and placed her hands together.\ |
| ^``Then, this... I'm giving it back.''\ | | ^``Then, this... I'm giving it back.''\ |
| n | ^``Ah yes, without this, the effectiveness would be weaker, won't it?''\ | n | ^``Oh right, without this, the effectiveness would be weaker, won't it?''\ |
| ^Then, she hung the rosary I returned on her neck.\ | | ^Then, she hung the rosary I returned on her neck.\ |
| ^From this high, high place...^@^ | | ^From this high, high place...^@^ |
| ^To an even higher... towards the sky, she offered a prayer...\ | | ^To an even higher... towards the sky, she offered a prayer...\ |
| ^As if speaking to herself, Himeko-san coolly murmured.\ | | ^As if speaking to herself, Himeko-san coolly murmured.\ |
| ^There were a number of other words continuing on, but for me, I couldn't hear what she was saying beyond that.\ | | ^There were a number of other words continuing on, but for me, I couldn't hear what she was saying beyond that.\ |
| ^Perhaps Himeko-san had...^@^ made up with God?\ | | ^Perhaps Himeko-san had...^@^ made up with God?\ |
| n | ^That expression was, neither despairing, nor compassionate; it was proud, and could even be considered beautiful.\ | n | ^That expression was, neither despairing, nor compassionate; it was proud and could even be considered beautiful.\ |
| ^And this was probably, of those two she said would never meet...\ | | ^And this was probably, of those two she said would never meet...\ |
| ^The one leaving's wish for those left behind...\ | | ^The one leaving's wish for those left behind...\ |
| ^``... That's all of it.''\ | | ^``... That's all of it.''\ |
| ^And then, she turned towards me.\ | | ^And then, she turned towards me.\ |
| n | ^``So? With a clichéd wish, were you disappointed?''\ | n | ^``So? With that clichéd wish, are you disappointed?''\ |
| ^``... U~~un...''\ | | ^``... U~~un...''\ |
| ^I gave my head a small shake.\ | | ^I gave my head a small shake.\ |
| ^Even if they were called clichéd, if I were in Himeko-san's position...\ | | ^Even if they were called clichéd, if I were in Himeko-san's position...\ |
| ^``Really, I could have given you this rosary...''\ | | ^``Really, I could have given you this rosary...''\ |
| ^``But, looks like I still need it, you see.''\ | | ^``But, looks like I still need it, you see.''\ |
| ^As she spoke, she moved it from her neck to decorate her chest.\ | | ^As she spoke, she moved it from her neck to decorate her chest.\ |
| n | ^``That's why, for Setsumi, I'll give a different thing.''\ | n | ^``That's why, for Setsumi, I'll give a different thing as a present.''\ |
| ^``A different thing?''\ | | ^``A different thing?''\ |
| ^``Yes... the one who decides, is you.''\ | | ^``Yes... the one who decides, is you.''\ |
| ^And now, the roadster drove on --- from the sloped roads slowly towards the city.\ | | ^And now, the roadster drove on --- from the sloped roads slowly towards the city.\ |
| ^Gripping the wheel was Himeko-san.^@^ | | ^Gripping the wheel was Himeko-san.^@^ |
| ^Not in pajamas, but the usual Himeko-san I knew.\ | | ^Not in pajamas, but the usual Himeko-san I knew.\ |
| n | ^What was different from all the times before, was the rosary visible on her chest...\ | n | ^What was different from all the times before was the rosary visible on her chest...\ |
| ^``Hey, Setsumi... let me say one thing.''\ | | ^``Hey, Setsumi... let me say one thing.''\ |
| ^``From here on out, no matter who you choose...''\ | | ^``From here on out, no matter who you choose...''\ |
| ^``At the very, very end, you mustn't kill all the way to even your heart...''\ | | ^``At the very, very end, you mustn't kill all the way to even your heart...''\ |
| ^And then, tremblingly... with equal amounts of expectation and unease, I opened to look...\ | | ^And then, tremblingly... with equal amounts of expectation and unease, I opened to look...\ |
| ^``... A one-piece?''\ | | ^``... A one-piece?''\ |
| ^Summery white, with a cute yellow sunflower pattern.\ | | ^Summery white, with a cute yellow sunflower pattern.\ |
| n | ^That was something that she had said numerous times she would buy for me, the thing that I had seemed to want.\ | n | ^It was something that she had said numerous times she would buy for me, the thing that I had seemed to want.\ |
| ^The one-piece dress spread in my hands, and by the window on a hanger were the washed pajamas.\ | | ^The one-piece dress spread in my hands; by the window on a hanger were the washed pajamas.\ |
| ^And the sailor uniform I still wore now.\ | | ^And the sailor uniform I was still wearing now.\ |
| ^As proof of my once normal days, the only piece of clothing other than pajamas that I had ...\ | | ^As proof of my once normal days, the only piece of clothing other than pajamas that I owned ...\ |
| ^... My heart...^@^ swayed...\ | | ^... My heart...^@^ swayed...\ |
| ^So happy, before I knew it, I was about to pass my arms through the sleeves.\ | | ^So happy, before I knew it, I was about to pass my arms through the sleeves.\ |
| ^... But I stopped my hands.\ | | ^... But I stopped my hands.\ |
| ^A place I hadn't come to in a number of months.\ | | ^A place I hadn't come to in a number of months.\ |
| ^Passing through the side of the nurses station, my goal was to find her, but she was nowhere to be seen.\ | | ^Passing through the side of the nurses station, my goal was to find her, but she was nowhere to be seen.\ |
| ^And the room that Himeko-san had once been in... it was expected, but a nameplate I didn't recognize.\ | | ^And the room that Himeko-san had once been in... it was expected, but a nameplate I didn't recognize.\ |
| n | ^Giving the old lady in the wheelchair inside a small greeting, I left the 7th floor.\ | n | ^Giving the old lady in the wheelchair inside a small bow in greeting, I left the 7th floor.\ |
| ^While returning, by chance, the courtyard came into view.\ | | ^While returning, by chance, the courtyard came into view.\ |
| ^In that place, here and there, daffodils were beginning to blossom.\ | | ^In that place, here and there, daffodils were beginning to blossom.\ |
| ^The other flowerbeds had been left barren in this season, and I thought their singly blooming figures were proud and beautiful.\ | | ^The other flowerbeds had been left barren in this season, and I thought their singly blooming figures were proud and beautiful.\ |
| ^Returning the one-piece...^@^ I received maps...\ | | ^Returning the one-piece...^@^ I received maps...\ |
| ^Perhaps, Himeko-san had... expected this?^@^ | | ^Perhaps, Himeko-san had... expected this?^@^ |
| ^That I would choose ``this side''...\ | | ^That I would choose ``this side''...\ |
| n | ^And then, tucked into the maps, was a single envelope.^@^ | n | ^And then, tucked into the maps was a single envelope.^@^ |
| ^What was inside... five ¥10,000 bills.\ | | ^What was inside... five ¥10,000 bills.\ |
| ^Once, while looking at the maps, she had said that with just that much, one could go anywhere...\ | | ^Once, while looking at the maps, she had said that with just that much, one could go anywhere...\ |
| ^``This is, for smiling at the end...''\ | | ^``This is, for smiling at the end...''\ |
| ^Last month, I had my first experience with surgery. After being discharged, I commuted five minutes for outpatient care by scooter.\ | | ^Last month, I had my first experience with surgery. After being discharged, I commuted five minutes for outpatient care by scooter.\ |
| ^And even from then on, admitted, discharged, outpatient care, gradually moving to being admitted again.\ | | ^And even from then on, admitted, discharged, outpatient care, gradually moving to being admitted again.\ |
| ^I didn't know anything about PET or IRESSA, but I noticed through the comings and goings that a number of months have passed.\ | | ^I didn't know anything about PET or IRESSA, but I noticed through the comings and goings that a number of months have passed.\ |
| n | ^In exchange of my decreasing appetite, the types and amounts of drugs increased. Even I could see with my own eyes that my strength was declining.\ | n | ^In exchange with my decreasing appetite, the types and amounts of drugs increased. Even I could see with my own eyes that my strength was declining.\ |
| ^My legs felt a bit thin, but...\ | | ^My legs felt a bit thin, but...\ |
| ^``That's not your imagination,'' the needle on the scale would tell me.\ | | ^``That's not your imagination,'' the needle on the scale would tell me.\ |
| ^And yet...^@^ I was looking at myself somehow objectively.\ | | ^And yet...^@^ I was looking at myself somehow objectively.\ |
| ^While having stiff, unnatural smiles directed at me...\ | | ^While having stiff, unnatural smiles directed at me...\ |
| ^Calmly, vaguely, rather simply, I thought of that --- as if thinking of someone else.\ | | ^Calmly, vaguely, rather simply, I thought of that --- as if thinking of someone else.\ |
| ^* Protagonist: January, 2005. *\ | | ^* Protagonist: January, 2005. *\ |
| n | ^The New Year passed, and I returned again to the hospital.\ | n | ^The New Year came, and I returned again to the hospital.\ |
| ^For some reason, on that day, I didn't go to the 4th floor, but instead to a conference room. Was made to go.\ | | ^For some reason, on that day, I didn't go to the 4th floor, but instead to a conference room. Was made to go.\ |
| ^There, with my father and a doctor, I heard many things. Was made to listen.\ | | ^There, with my father and a doctor, I heard many things. Was made to listen.\ |
| n | ^It was, that thing called ``notification'' probably.\ | n | ^It was... that thing called ``notification'' probably.\ |
| ^They had an extremely indirect way of speaking, but in the end, it seemed like I was going to die.\ | | ^They had an extremely indirect way of speaking, but in the end, it seemed like I was going to die.\ |
| ^``I see...''\ | | ^``I see...''\ |
| n | ^That was why, I was only able to reply with that. I couldn't find other words. From when I entered until I left the room, that was all that said.\ | n | ^That was why, I was only able to reply with that. I couldn't find other words. From when I entered until I left the room, that was all that I said.\ |
| ^Accepting my answer, the doctor moved the ballpoint pen in his hand.\ | | ^Accepting my answer, the doctor moved the ballpoint pen in his hand.\ |
| ^Most likely, it was the paperwork for the hospice. To the very end, he was very businesslike. My father was very much the same.\ | | ^Most likely, it was the paperwork for the hospice. To the very end, he was very businesslike. My father was very much the same.\ |
| ^... It was such a simple thing...\ | | ^... It was such a simple thing...\ |
| ^The time I met her for the first time, was also at the very beginning of the year...\ | | ^The time I met her for the first time, was also at the very beginning of the year...\ |
| ^Across the hall, facing the nurses station, was a lounge-like place.\ | | ^Across the hall, facing the nurses station, was a lounge-like place.\ |
| ^Left in that unpopulated place were a number of sofas, folding chairs, and a large television.\ | | ^Left in that unpopulated place were a number of sofas, folding chairs, and a large television.\ |
| n | ^On that 28 inch CRT, a meaningless New Years program running.\ | n | ^On that 28 inch CRT, a meaningless New Years program was running.\ |
| ^Watching that boring television, with an equally bored expression, was some girl.\ | | ^Watching that boring television, with an equally bored expression, was some girl.\ |
| ^She had a small build and wore pink pajamas. Her wrist had, just like I did, a white bracelet.\ | | ^She had a small build and wore pink pajamas. Her wrist had, just like I did, a white bracelet.\ |
| ^Hair that was to her hips left an impression.\ | | ^Hair that was to her hips left an impression.\ |
| ^Perhaps she had absolutely no interest in me --- she continued to gaze at the television with a bored look.\ | | ^Perhaps she had absolutely no interest in me --- she continued to gaze at the television with a bored look.\ |
| ^... If it's boring, you don't have to watch it...\ | | ^... If it's boring, you don't have to watch it...\ |
| ^As I thought that, I also sat down in a folding chair.\ | | ^As I thought that, I also sat down in a folding chair.\ |
| n | ^And, sitting next to her, I gazed at the television. There was nothing else to do, nothing else I could do.\ | n | ^And sitting next to her, I gazed at the television. There was nothing else to do, nothing else I could do.\ |
| ^... Quietly, we continued to gaze at the television...\ | | ^... Quietly, we continued to gaze at the television...\ |
| ^On the screen were the usual New Years programs, pathetic impersonations and parlor tricks.\ | | ^On the screen were the usual New Years programs, pathetic impersonations and parlor tricks.\ |
| n | ^Occasionally ringing out, the host's stupidly high pitched laugh. In the pure white, sun-lit room, it dryly reverberated.\ | n | ^Occasionally ringing out, the host's stupidly high-pitched laugh. In the pure white, sun-lit room, it dryly reverberated.\ |
| ^``Say... you...''\ | | ^``Say... you...''\ |
| ^Suddenly, the girl spoke to me while still gazing at the television.\ | | ^Suddenly, the girl spoke to me while still gazing at the television.\ |
| ^``... You're, on which time?''\ | | ^``... You're, on which time?''\ |
| ^``Coming here... the 7th floor.''\ | | ^``Coming here... the 7th floor.''\ |
| ^``Sorry, I don't understand the meaning of the question.''\ | | ^``Sorry, I don't understand the meaning of the question.''\ |
| ^``I see... It's your first.''\ | | ^``I see... It's your first.''\ |
| n | ^It seemed that at my inability to understand what she was saying, she had up and gotten satisfied with that judgement.\ | n | ^It seemed that at my inability to understand what she was saying, she had up and gotten satisfied with that judgment.\ |
| ^``Well, there's no one else around... so it's my duty...''\ | | ^``Well, there's no one else around... so it's my duty...''\ |
| ^``... Duty.''\ | | ^``... Duty.''\ |
| ^``There's that kind of rule...''\ | | ^``There's that kind of rule...''\ |
| ^While nodding, she added that there is a rule for someone to teach people who first come here to the 7th floor.\ | | ^While nodding, she added that there is a rule for someone to teach people who first come here to the 7th floor.\ |
| n | ^Right now, I knew nothing about anything.\ | n | ^Even now, I understood nothing.\ |
| ^And as if ignoring me, the girl slowly began speaking.\ | | ^And as if ignoring me, the girl slowly began speaking.\ |
| ^``Well, listen closely, alright?''\ | | ^``Well, listen closely, alright?''\ |
| ^......\ | | ^......\ |
| ^And the girl taught me.\ | | ^And the girl taught me.\ |
| ^This place called the 7th floor, to be here from the moment of admission, all the way until dying, first of all apparently didn't happen.\ | | ^This place called the 7th floor, to be here from the moment of admission, all the way until dying, first of all apparently didn't happen.\ |
| ^Even if being cured was impossible, if your health becomes better, then they would allow you to come to go home once.\ | | ^Even if being cured was impossible, if your health becomes better, then they would allow you to come to go home once.\ |
| n | ^But, after a while and it turns bad, once again you come back.\ | n | ^But, after a while and it turns bad, and once again you come back.\ |
| ^... Among those comings and goings, eventually you die.\ | | ^... Among those comings and goings, eventually you die.\ |
| n | ^The place where life ran out, it only differed between home and the 7th floor. Unfailingly, one would die in either of those, it seemed no one has ever escaped that.\ | n | ^The place where life ran out, it only differed between home and the 7th floor. Without fail, one would die in either of those, it seemed no one has ever escaped that.\ |
| ^It was with that meaning that the girl had meant by saying it was her second time.\ | | ^It was with that meaning that the girl had meant by saying it was her second time.\ |
| ^``Well, I'll only say this once...''\ | | ^``Well, I'll only say this once...''\ |
| ^``So, from here on, listen well...''\ | | ^``So, from here on, listen well...''\ |
| ^... Still looking at the dull screen, the girl continued speaking even more.\ | | ^... Still looking at the dull screen, the girl continued speaking even more.\ |
| n | ^The subject being, not about what time the lights would be out, and the normal sorts of topics exchanged between admitted patients.\ | n | ^The subject being not about what time the lights would be out and the normal sorts of topics exchanged between admitted patients.\ |
| ^She taught me about totally different things.\ | | ^She taught me about totally different things.\ |
| ^``On the third time you're given a temporary discharge, prepare yourself. There's never a fourth. You won't be going home any more.''\ | | ^``On the third time you're given a temporary discharge, prepare yourself. There's never a fourth. You won't be going home any more.''\ |
| ^``If there's a time that you want to run away, go not to station A, but towards station B.''\ | | ^``If there's a time that you want to run away, go not to station A, but towards station B.''\ |
| ^``Don't eat anything. That is the shortest path. It will end with the least burden to your family.''\ | | ^``Don't eat anything. That is the shortest path. It will end with the least burden to your family.''\ |
| ^... It was only full of these sorts of topics that gives one pause.\ | | ^... It was only full of these sorts of topics that gives one pause.\ |
| n | ^Most likely, it was only the people who came to here...\ | n | ^Most likely, it was something only for the people who came here...\ |
| ^Only those who participated in moving towards death... | | ^Through just those who participated in moving towards death... |
| ^These were the things that they have continued to pass down.\ | | ^These were the things that have continued to be passed down.\ |
| ^``Was... the duty you mentioned, this?''\ | | ^``Was... the duty you mentioned earlier this?''\ |
| ^``Yes, that's right.''\ | | ^``Yes, that's right.''\ |
| ^``Someday, you tell it to newcomers too, okay?''\ | | ^``Someday, you tell it to newcomers too, okay?''\ |
| ^With those final words, the girl slowly stood up. Gently, her long hair swayed, and brushed the tip of my nose.\ | | ^With those final words, the girl slowly stood up. Gently, her long hair swayed, and brushed the tip of my nose.\ |
| ^And then, just like that with her back facing me, she began walking towards the hall.\ | | ^And then, just like that with her back facing me, she began walking towards the hall.\ |
| ^I was left alone in that place, with the laughing voice from the screen, and the white flowers decorating around the window.\ | | ^I was left alone in that place, with the laughing voice from the screen, and the white flowers decorating around the window.\ |
| ^In the end, the girl never once looked in my direction.\ | | ^In the end, the girl never once looked in my direction.\ |
| n | ^From then, when a few days has passed.\ | n | ^From then, when a few days have passed.\ |
| ^Finally, the New Years programs ended, and soon the middle and high school third terms would be starting.\ | | ^Finally, the New Years programs ended, and soon the third terms of middle and high school would be starting.\ |
| ^Today in the lounge, once more, the figures of the girl and I were staring at the television.\ | | ^Today in the lounge, once more, the figures of the girl and I were staring at the television.\ |
| ^``It's boring, isn't it...''\ | | ^``It's boring, isn't it...''\ |
| ^``Indeed...''\ | | ^``Indeed...''\ |
| ^``Hey. is this place always like this?''\ | | ^``Hey. is this place always like this?''\ |
| ^``... I don't understand the meaning of your question.''\ | | ^``... I don't understand the meaning of your question.''\ |
| ^``Ah, I meant how there's no one around.''\ | | ^``Ah, I meant how there's no one around.''\ |
| n | ^Nurses, doctors, add to that, helpers, and if you take them out, then aside from our attendance, I had never seen anyone else.\ | n | ^Nurses, doctors, and add to that helpers, if you take them out then aside from our own caregivers, I had never seen anyone else.\ |
| ^``I guess, it's because it's the New Years?''\ | | ^``I guess, it's because it's the New Years?''\ |
| ^``... You want to know the reason for that?''\ | | ^``... You want to know the reason for that?''\ |
| ^``Ah, no... it's not like I meant that...''\ | | ^``Ah, no... it's not like I meant that...''\ |
| ^``... Then, I won't say.''\ | | ^``... Then, I won't say.''\ |
| n | ^An exchange that wasn't even a conversation, we indifferently passed back and forth.\ | n | ^An exchange that wasn't even a conversation, we indifferently exchanged back and forth.\ |
| ^A slight breeze from the windows that couldn't open more than 15cm.\ | | ^A slight breeze came from windows that couldn't open more than 15cm.\ |
| ^Occasionally, it would sway the girl's hair, and in the same way, would sway the white flowers decorating around the windows.\ | | ^Occasionally, it would sway the girl's hair and, in the same way, would sway the white flowers decorating around the windows.\ |
| ^The two of us, while watching the boring television, were only spending days passing time.\ | | ^The two of us, while watching the boring television, were only spending days passing time.\ |
| ^There came the sound of slippers.\ | | ^There came the sound of slippers.\ |
| ^* Pitter-patter. *\ | | ^* Pitter-patter. *\ |
| ^``Really, girls these days, there's just no helping them.''\ | | ^``Really, girls these days, there's just no helping them.''\ |
| ^And for a while more, the nurse continued scolding.\ | | ^And for a while more, the nurse continued scolding.\ |
| ^To that, she... the girl called Setsumi, let it go by with an indifferent expression.\ | | ^To that, she... the girl called Setsumi, let it go by with an indifferent expression.\ |
| n | ^As if ignoring the slightly noisy nurse, she continued watching the boring screen.\ | n | ^As if ignoring the somewhat noisy nurse, she continued watching the boring screen.\ |
| ^``Well, later, I'll be coming to take a blood sample, alright?''\ | | ^``Well, later, I'll be coming to take a blood sample, alright?''\ |
| ^With those final words, once again the nurse returned back to the nurses station.\ | | ^With those final words, once again the nurse returned back to the nurses station.\ |
| ^``Hey, you...''\ | | ^``Hey, you...''\ |
| ^... The 7th floor, or home... | | ^... The 7th floor, or home... |
| ^There was no one who died outside of those two...\ | | ^There was no one who died outside of those two...\ |
| ^Before, that was what I heard.\ | | ^Before, that was what I heard.\ |
| n | ^And, it also seemed that that girl called Setsumi had gone many times to station B.\ | n | ^It also seemed that that girl called Setsumi had also gone many times to station B.\ |
| ^That was why, for no real reason, I simply felt like wanting to go see that place once.\ | | ^That was why, for no real reason, I simply felt like wanting to go see that place once.\ |
| ^``It's not like there are guards around...''\ | | ^``It's not like there are guards around...''\ |
| ^Even so, us residents of the 7th floor were different from other admitted patients.\ | | ^Even so, us residents of the 7th floor were different from other admitted patients.\ |
| n | ^While also thinking about the ``just maybe,'' I continued walking on the street to the early morning station area.\ | n | ^While also thinking about the ``but maybe,'' I continued walking on the street to the early morning station area.\ |
| ^Glancing at hurrying commuters and people going to school, I slowly moved on at a measured pace.\ | | ^Glancing at hurrying commuters and people going to school, I slowly moved on at a measured pace.\ |
| ^After walking a while, taking about 25 minutes, I finally arrived before the station. In terms of bus stops, it was about four's distance.\ | | ^After walking a while, taking about 25 minutes, I finally arrived before the station. In terms of bus stops, it was about four's distance.\ |
| ^``... In a way, there's quite a bit of people around.''\ | | ^``... In a way, there's quite a bit of people around.''\ |
| ^That was the first impression upon seeing station B.\ | | ^That was the first impression upon seeing station B.\ |
| ^Because my clothes were pajamas, I stood out somewhat...\ | | ^Because my clothes were pajamas, I stood out somewhat...\ |
| n | ^However, if just like that, I bought a train ticket, without a single problem, I felt I could go anywhere.\ | n | ^However, if just like this, I bought a train ticket --- I felt could, without a single problem, go anywhere.\ |
| ^Why was it not station A, but this station B that was recommended, I didn't know.\ | | ^Why was it not station A, but this station B that was recommended, I didn't know.\ |
| ^However, if one were planning to run away, I thought it was a simple thing.\ | | ^However, if one were planning to run away, I thought it was a simple thing.\ |
| ^Certainly, the girl was also supposed to have come many times, but why was it that she still remained in the 7th floor even now I wonder...\ | | ^Certainly, the girl was also supposed to have come many times, but why was it that she still remained in the 7th floor even now I wonder...\ |
| ^``I see...''\ | | ^``I see...''\ |
| ^But, the girl's response was no different from the usual.\ | | ^But, the girl's response was no different from the usual.\ |
| ^Because she was supposed to have gone before, I had thought that there might have been some kind of reaction, but...\ | | ^Because she was supposed to have gone before, I had thought that there might have been some kind of reaction, but...\ |
| n | ^Thinking about that, and how the girl still remained here,^@^ did it mean that she really had no intention of running away?''\ | n | ^Thinking about that, as well as how she still remained here,^@^ did it mean that she really had no intention of running away?''\ |
| ^``... I, will soon be able to go home...''\ | | ^``... I, will soon be able to go home...''\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^Suddenly, the girl opened her mouth.\ | | ^Suddenly, the girl opened her mouth.\ |
| ^Words as if she had seen clear through to my heart just now.\ | | ^Words as if she had seen clear through to my heart just now.\ |
| ^``... But, next is the 3rd time after all...''\ | | ^``... But, next is the 3rd time after all...''\ |
| n | ^``... So we might not be able to meet anymore.''\ | n | ^``... So we might not be able to meet any more.''\ |
| ^``Mm... ah, that's right...''\ | | ^``Mm... ah, that's right...''\ |
| ^Most likely, when she said that she would be able to go home, she was talking about a temporary discharge.\ | | ^Most likely, when she said that she would be able to go home, she was talking about a temporary discharge.\ |
| ^In this place called the 7th floor, being admitted more than three times, it apparently never happened.\ | | ^In this place called the 7th floor, being admitted more than three times, it apparently never happened.\ |
| ^``Mm? Ah, that's right...''\ | | ^``Mm? Ah, that's right...''\ |
| ^Even if she were to once again return to this 7th floor, just once more was probably the limit.\ | | ^Even if she were to once again return to this 7th floor, just once more was probably the limit.\ |
| ^In that time, surely I would also be coming and going between home and this place.\ | | ^In that time, surely I would also be coming and going between home and this place.\ |
| n | ^For the two of us, the timing needed for us to meet again was unthinkable.\ | n | ^For the two of us, that a timing existed for us to meet again was quite unthinkable.\ |
| ^``... Did you, decide?''\ | | ^``... Did you, decide?''\ |
| n | ^``That, which do you want to die at, thing?''\ | n | ^``That, 'which do you want to die at,' thing?''\ |
| ^``Un.''\ | | ^``Un.''\ |
| ^``No, not yet...''\ | | ^``No, not yet...''\ |
| ^``... I see...''\ | | ^``... I see...''\ |
| n | ^She nodded in a slightly lonely way. That expression, was probably because she was someone going on their second temporary discharge.\ | n | ^She nodded in a slightly lonely way. That expression was probably because she was someone going on their second temporary discharge.\ |
| ^While I have yet to realize things, had not been given my first temporary discharge from the doctors.\ | | ^While I have yet to realize things, the doctors have not discussed my first temporary discharge.\ |
| ^That reminds me...\ | | ^That reminds me...\ |
| ^In the end, did she decide on her own answer for herself?\ | | ^In the end, did she decide on her own answer for herself?\ |
| ^The patter of slippers came from the hall.\ | | ^The patter of slippers came from the hall.\ |
| ^``It's nothing... I'm already fine.''\ | | ^``It's nothing... I'm already fine.''\ |
| ^With just that reply, she quickly stood up on her own.\ | | ^With just that reply, she quickly stood up on her own.\ |
| ^``H-hey, you...''\ | | ^``H-hey, you...''\ |
| n | ^Don't strain yourself.\ | n | ^Don't force yourself.\ |
| ^Faster than I could finish, quickly, she walked out into the hall.\ | | ^Faster than I could finish, quickly, she walked out into the hall.\ |
| ^Night, after the lights were put out.\ | | ^Night, after the lights were put out.\ |
| ^As always, holding a book of manga, unable to sleep, I wandered around the hospital.\ | | ^As always, holding a book of manga, unable to sleep, I wandered around the hospital.\ |
| n | ^And then with the lights off, was the pitch dark lounge.\ | n | ^And then with the lights off, the pitch dark lounge.\ |
| ^There, I found her figure.\ | | ^There, I found her figure.\ |
| ^``Yo, you're here again?''\ | | ^``Yo, you're here again?''\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| ^``What's wrong? Feeling bad again?''\ | | ^``What's wrong? Feeling bad again?''\ |
| ^``... Not particularly.''\ | | ^``... Not particularly.''\ |
| n | ^While looking out the window, that was all the girl replied.\ | n | ^While looking out the window, that was all the girl replied with.\ |
| ^In the end, it seemed that the girl's temporary discharge had been postponed.\ | | ^In the end, it seemed that the girl's temporary discharge had been postponed.\ |
| ^With that, I didn't know when the next opportunity would be, but most likely the postponement was not in a few days, but weeks.\ | | ^With that, I didn't know when the next opportunity would be, but most likely the postponement was not in a few days, but weeks.\ |
| ^``Say, I'm just wondering...''\ | | ^``Say, I'm just wondering...''\ |
| n | ^``But today... you were faking sickness?''\ | n | ^``But today... were you faking sickness?''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^Well, the term ``faking sickness'' itself might have been a bit strange, since after all, we couldn't really be said to be in a normal condition.\ | | ^Well, the term ``faking sickness'' itself might have been a bit strange, since after all, we couldn't really be said to be in a normal condition.\ |
| ^``The important thing is... you didn't want to go on temporary leave?''\ | | ^``The important thing is... you didn't want to go on temporary leave?''\ |
| ^Moreover, we were residents of the 7th floor. Already, we could choose nothing outside of the 7th floor and home.\ | | ^Moreover, we were residents of the 7th floor. Already, we could choose nothing outside of the 7th floor and home.\ |
| ^From that dark 7th floor window, the girl continued looking out at the outside world. The ordinary world.\ | | ^From that dark 7th floor window, the girl continued looking out at the outside world. The ordinary world.\ |
| ^Still, the buildings and houses shone brightly with light. The roads home were filled with the figures of people hurrying home.\ | | ^Still, the buildings and houses shone brightly with light. The roads home were filled with the figures of people hurrying home.\ |
| n | ^I myself, had only somewhat realized my situation, but...\ | n | ^I myself, had only barely realized my situation, but...\ |
| ^Already, I was a resident of the 7th floor. A person of the extraordinary world.\ | | ^Already, I was a resident of the 7th floor. A person of the extraordinary world.\ |
| n | ^Probably, I was already unable to return to the other world...\ | n | ^Probably, I was already unable to return to that other world...\ |
| ^``... The me whose time has stopped...''\ | | ^``... The me whose time has stopped...''\ |
| ^Numerous seasons, white overcast skies, passed without even the need to exchange words with anyone...\ | | ^Numerous seasons, white overcast skies, passed without even the need to exchange words with anyone...\ |
| ^In the beginning, from the window I watched lively children go to school, people walking quickly.\ | | ^In the beginning, from the window I watched lively children go to school, people walking quickly.\ |
| ^Without cold, heat, or pain, a dream world spread before my eyes.\ | | ^Without cold, heat, or pain, a dream world spread before my eyes.\ |
| ^... I sought peace in imaginations...\ | | ^... I sought peace in imaginations...\ |
| ^I only greatly increased my knowledge...^@^ | | ^I only greatly increased my knowledge...^@^ |
| n | ^Simply accumulating more and more meaningless triva...\ | n | ^Simply accumulating more and more meaningless trivia...\ |
| ^At some point, the things shown on the television lost their reality.\ | | ^At some point, the things shown on the television lost their reality.\ |
| ^Next, in books, in games, and then family...\ | | ^Next, in books, in games, and then family...\ |
| ^Finally, even my own body. As if watching some stranger, I lost the ability to understand it as real.\ | | ^Finally, even my own body. As if watching some stranger, I lost the ability to understand it as real.\ |
| ^When we came to the 1st floor, instead of the entrance for emergencies, normal admittance and discharges, we deliberately left from the outpatient entrance and headed to the parking lot.\ | | ^When we came to the 1st floor, instead of the entrance for emergencies, normal admittance and discharges, we deliberately left from the outpatient entrance and headed to the parking lot.\ |
| ^* Whoooosh *.\ | | ^* Whoooosh *.\ |
| ^The moment we left the building, a cold winter blast struck us in the face. In the parking lot with few obstructions, the wind felt even stronger.\ | | ^The moment we left the building, a cold winter blast struck us in the face. In the parking lot with few obstructions, the wind felt even stronger.\ |
| n | ^Together, while we carefully peered around searching, we walked around the parking lot.\ | n | ^Together, while peering around cautiously, we walked around the parking lot.\ |
| ^Then... after searching a while, we finally found dad's car.\ | | ^Then... after searching a while, we finally found dad's car.\ |
| ^A silver coupe.^@^ | | ^A silver coupe.^@^ |
| ^The car dad was so proud of that he even changed the interior.\ | | ^The car dad was so proud of that he even changed the interior.\ |
| ^Quickly, I inserted the key and opened the door.\ | | ^Quickly, I inserted the key and opened the door.\ |
| ^All the door locks popped open.\ | | ^All the door locks popped open.\ |
| ^* Click. *\ | | ^* Click. *\ |
| n | ^``Look, you can get in.''\ | n | ^``Hey, you can get in.''\ |
| ^``Un, alright...''\ | | ^``Un, alright...''\ |
| ^I slammed the door shut.\ | | ^I slammed the door shut.\ |
| ^* Slam. *\ | | ^* Slam. *\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| ^Finally, I brought the car to a stop.\ | | ^Finally, I brought the car to a stop.\ |
| ^Outside of the city area, by the roadside somewhere, a lonely place that didn't seem to have much traffic.\ | | ^Outside of the city area, by the roadside somewhere, a lonely place that didn't seem to have much traffic.\ |
| n | ^Stopping the car in a place I didn't even know the name of, for now I started inspecting the interior.\ | n | ^Stopping the car in a place I didn't even know the name of, I started inspecting the interior.\ |
| ^... If there were things that would even be the slightest bit useful...\ | | ^... If there were things that would even be the slightest bit useful...\ |
| ^We had rushed out without any preparation, but I could see that we would be in trouble very soon.\ | | ^We had rushed out without any preparation, but I could see that we would be in trouble very soon.\ |
| ^While thinking about that, first, I searched the dashboard in front of me.\ | | ^While thinking about that, first, I searched the dashboard in front of me.\ |
| ^......\ | | ^......\ |
| ^``There really isn't much is there...''\ | | ^``There really isn't much is there...''\ |
| ^Just a few hundred yen worth of what appeared to be change from the expressways. The rest were just a few books of manga and a disposable camera.\ | | ^Just a few hundred yen worth of what appeared to be change from the expressways. The rest were just a few books of manga and a disposable camera.\ |
| n | ^It wasn't like we had a destination, but it seemed that the navigation system installed in the car was broken.\ | n | ^It wasn't like we had a destination, but it seemed that the navigation system installed in the car was broken too.\ |
| ^And also, the amount of money I had was about ¥8000.^@^ While leaving, I had hurriedly stuffed that much into my pocket.\ | | ^And also, the amount of money I had was about ¥8000.^@^ While leaving, I had hurriedly stuffed my life savings into my pocket.\ |
| ^With that, and adding in the change in front of me, it could barely make ¥9000.\ | | ^With that, and adding in the change in front of me, it could barely make ¥9000.\ |
| ^Of course, it wasn't like I had been expecting to find anything in the car from the start.\ | | ^Of course, it wasn't like I had been expecting to find anything in the car from the start.\ |
| ^... But, with this budget, we'd probably be in trouble really soon. I could definitely believe that we wouldn't find decent lodging.\ | | ^... But, with this budget, we'd probably be in trouble really soon. I could definitely believe that we wouldn't find decent lodging.\ |
| ^As I drove, I spoke to the one sitting next to me. Thinking about it, we hadn't eaten since this morning.\ | | ^As I drove, I spoke to the one sitting next to me. Thinking about it, we hadn't eaten since this morning.\ |
| ^``For now, let's go to a convenience store?''\ | | ^``For now, let's go to a convenience store?''\ |
| ^``... No.''\ | | ^``... No.''\ |
| n | ^``Hey, hey. Don't be so picky. Even so, compared to the 7th floor's food, it absolutely has to be better.''\ | n | ^``Hey, hey. Don't be so picky. And compared to the 7th floor's food, it absolutely has to be better.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^At my words, the girl returned silence.\ | | ^At my words, the girl returned silence.\ |
| ^Those downcast eyes, their line of sight was on the pink pajamas that she wore.\ | | ^Those downcast eyes, their line of sight was on the pink pajamas that she wore.\ |
| ^``Ah, now that you say, that's right...''\ | | ^``Ah, now that you say, that's right...''\ |
| ^As I spoke, I looked down at my own clothes.\ | | ^As I spoke, I looked down at my own clothes.\ |
| ^Certainly, in these pajamas, wherever we went, we'd stand out too much.\ | | ^Certainly, in these pajamas, wherever we went, we'd stand out too much.\ |
| n | ^It wasn't like there was no problem inside the car either. For now, we had to do something about these clothes.\ | n | ^It wasn't like it was fine inside the car either, but in any case, we had to do something about these clothes.\ |
| ^Making that decision, I turned the wheel from the main road and headed into town.\ | | ^Making that decision, I turned the wheel from the main road and headed into town.\ |
| ^After running a while, the place that we came to was some street I didn't know the name of.\ | | ^After running a while, the place that we came to was some street I didn't know the name of.\ |
| ^Surely it must be near some station since it was a street where about that number of people could be seen.\ | | ^Surely it must be near some station since it was a street where about that number of people could be seen.\ |
| ^``In a place like this, you'd think there'd be one...''\ | | ^``In a place like this, you'd think there'd be one...''\ |
| ^While glancing around the area searching, I moved the car on, slightly raising my body in the seat while driving.\ | | ^While glancing around the area searching, I moved the car on, slightly raising my body in the seat while driving.\ |
| n | ^``Ah... found it...''\ | n | ^``Ah... found one...''\ |
| ^In a short while, I spotted a coin-operated laundromat.\ | | ^In a short while, I spotted a coin-operated laundromat.\ |
| n | ^It appeared quite run down, and was in the first floor of a small apartment building.\ | n | ^It appeared quite run down and was in the first floor of a small apartment building.\ |
| ^... This place might just be perfect.\ | | ^... This place might just be perfect.\ |
| ^A short distance away from the entrance, I parked the car.\ | | ^A short distance away from the entrance, I parked the car.\ |
| ^``Alright, just wait a bit...''\ | | ^``Alright, just wait a bit...''\ |
| ^``...?''\ | | ^``...?''\ |
| ^I shut the door with a slam.\ | | ^I shut the door with a slam.\ |
| ^* Slam. *.\ | | ^* Slam. *.\ |
| n | ^Leaving the girl who was making a puzzled face, I headed to the coin-op laundromat on foot.\ | n | ^Leaving the girl, who was making a puzzled face, I headed to the coin-op laundromat on foot.\ |
| ^Just pass the automatic doors, my nose picked up the scent of bleach and detergent.\ | | ^Just pass the automatic doors, my nose picked up the scent of bleach and detergent.\ |
| ^Inside, it was just as run-down as the exterior, filled with old washing machines and driers.\ | | ^Inside, it was just as run-down as the exterior, filled with old washing machines and driers.\ |
| ^``... There's no one around...''\ | | ^``... There's no one around...''\ |
| ^``Well, what else could we do?''\ | | ^``Well, what else could we do?''\ |
| ^``... I know.''\ | | ^``... I know.''\ |
| ^Even for me, it wasn't like I did this because I liked it.\ | | ^Even for me, it wasn't like I did this because I liked it.\ |
| n | ^Indeed, the money that we held wasn't like we were sent on an errand with it.\ | n | ^The money that we held wasn't like we were sent on an errand with it.\ |
| ^However, with what we had on hand now, buying new clothes would have been a tight situation.\ | | ^However, with what we had on hand now, buying new clothes would have been a tight situation.\ |
| ^When the face of the moon really came out, and we had driven for a while...\ | | ^When the face of the moon really came out, and we had driven for a while...\ |
| ^I stopped the car near some park somewhere.\ | | ^I stopped the car near some park somewhere.\ |
| ^It was most likely some kind of children's park, tucked in the middle of a residential neighborhood.\ | | ^It was most likely some kind of children's park, tucked in the middle of a residential neighborhood.\ |
| ^In the middle of that, I began to search through the clothes stolen earlier.\ | | ^In the middle of that, I began to search through the clothes stolen earlier.\ |
| n | ^Most likely because of the heating in the car, the laundry was totally dry.\ | n | ^Most likely because of the heating in the car, the laundry was totally try.\ |
| ^``Looks like it really is all guy stuff...''\ | | ^``Looks like it really is all guy stuff...''\ |
| ^Exactly as when I had glanced at them, it was all gaudy jeans and sweats.\ | | ^Exactly as when I had glanced at them, it was all gaudy jeans and sweats.\ |
| ^Most likely it was someone about my age, and size-wise, something close.\ | | ^Most likely it was someone about my age, and size-wise, something close.\ |
| ^And then, while still sitting in the driver's seat, I grabbed a pair of suitable jeans and sweat shirt, and started to change.\ | | ^And then, while still sitting in the driver's seat, I grabbed a pair of suitable jeans and sweat shirt, and started to change.\ |
| n | ^``Hey, you change into something suitable too.''\ | n | ^``Hey, you should change into something too.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``They're all... too big...''\ | | ^``They're all... too big...''\ |
| ^``Then, you're going to always be in pajamas?''\ | | ^``Then, you're going to always be in pajamas?''\ |
| ^... It wasn't as if I wanted to go there also.\ | | ^... It wasn't as if I wanted to go there also.\ |
| ^However, it also wasn't as if we had another place to go...\ | | ^However, it also wasn't as if we had another place to go...\ |
| ^``... The me whose time has stopped...''\ | | ^``... The me whose time has stopped...''\ |
| n | ^Only increasing my knowledge, simply increasing the number meaningless values, simply desiring only information from the television screen...\ | n | ^Only increasing my knowledge, simply increasing the number of meaningless values, simply desiring only information from the television screen...\ |
| ^Eventually, ~i~the real~i~ grew faded, turned hollow.\ | | ^Eventually, ~i~the real~i~ grew faded, turned hollow.\ |
| ^``But, I liked looking at maps...''\ | | ^``But, I liked looking at maps...''\ |
| n | ^Cars and trains, things that would take me places, I liked them.\ | n | ^Cars, trains, things that would take me places, I liked them.\ |
| ^Spreading maps upon the narrow bed...^@^ | | ^Spreading maps upon the narrow bed...^@^ |
| ^Tracing route after route, tracing...\ | | ^Tracing route after route, tracing...\ |
| ^Sedans, coupes, convertibles, I also rode on many different kinds of cars.\ | | ^Sedans, coupes, convertibles, I also rode on many different kinds of cars.\ |
| n | ^... That ever-continuing Route 1, I ran all the way to the distant end of it.\ | n | ^... That ever-continuing Route 1, I ran on and on upon it.\ |
| ^Indigo-blue sky and beautiful shoreline.\ | | ^Indigo-blue sky and beautiful shoreline.\ |
| ^I ran all the way to the places painted in my dreams.\ | | ^I ran all the way to the places painted in my dreams.\ |
| ^Gently going around the curve traced by a cape... under the burning sunlight, dashing to the brilliant white beach.\ | | ^Gently going around the curve traced by a cape... under the burning sunlight, dashing to the brilliant white beach.\ |
| ^From the ground, the still damp asphalt gave a unique ``shaa!'' noise.\ | | ^From the ground, the still damp asphalt gave a unique ``shaa!'' noise.\ |
| ^Within all that, as always, we continued driving on.\ | | ^Within all that, as always, we continued driving on.\ |
| ^Without a destination, simply, just driving on.\ | | ^Without a destination, simply, just driving on.\ |
| n | ^It wasn't like we were headed to the Awaji-shima that we had spoke about last night. For one thing, as a problem before that, we probably didn't have the gasoline money.\ | n | ^It wasn't like we were headed to that Awaji-shima we had spoke about last night. For one thing, as a problem before that, we probably didn't have the gasoline money.\ |
| ^While pondering about that, I continued driving straight along the unknown road.\ | | ^While pondering about that, I continued driving straight along the unknown road.\ |
| ^... But, where was this I wonder.\ | | ^... But, where was this I wonder.\ |
| ^Suddenly, I wound up thinking about it.\ | | ^Suddenly, I wound up thinking about it.\ |
| ^``... Do you think I would die comfortably?... If I went out into the sea like this.''\ | | ^``... Do you think I would die comfortably?... If I went out into the sea like this.''\ |
| ^Her back was still turned to me... words as she continued walked to the water's edge.\ | | ^Her back was still turned to me... words as she continued walked to the water's edge.\ |
| ^... The third time was the last, there is no fourth.\ | | ^... The third time was the last, there is no fourth.\ |
| n | ^Probably, it would come to picking between the 7th floor and home. It seems no one has escaped that.\ | n | ^Probably, it would come to choosing between the 7th floor and home. It seems no one has escaped that.\ |
| ^Those were words the girl had once passed to me.\ | | ^Those were words the girl had once passed to me.\ |
| ^And the girl was on her second, had said that she wanted neither home nor the 7th floor.\ | | ^And the girl was on her second, had said that she wanted neither home nor the 7th floor.\ |
| n | ^Already, it was after she had passed it to me. Already, her task was over.\ | n | ^Already, she had passed it to me. Already, her task was over.\ |
| ^... That was why, I thought it meant that...\ | | ^... That was why, I thought it meant that...\ |
| ^``Who knows, I've never drowned before.''\ | | ^``Who knows, I've never drowned before.''\ |
| ^``Then, if... right now, I were to go into the sea...''\ | | ^``Then, if... right now, I were to go into the sea...''\ |
| ^``Would you... stop me?''\ | | ^``Would you... stop me?''\ |
| ^While speaking, she turned around and looked at my face, placing the moon floating in the pitch black sky to her back.\ | | ^While speaking, she turned around and looked at my face, placing the moon floating in the pitch black sky to her back.\ |
| ^The gaze that was always looking at some faraway place, was looking straight at me...\ | | ^The gaze that was always looking at some faraway place, was looking straight at me...\ |
| n | ^``I don't know... not until that time.''\ | n | ^``Don't know... not until that time.''\ |
| ^``Indeed...''\ | | ^``Indeed...''\ |
| n | ^And then, turning her back to me, once again facing the sea, she slowly started walking.\ | n | ^And then, turning her back to me and once again facing the sea, she slowly started walking.\ |
| ^``Hey, you...''\ | | ^``Hey, you...''\ |
| ^``... What?''\ | | ^``... What?''\ |
| ^``... Is it that, you want me to stop you?''\ | | ^``... Is it that, you want me to stop you?''\ |
| ^I was gripping the steering wheel and the girl sat in her usual way in the passenger seat.\ | | ^I was gripping the steering wheel and the girl sat in her usual way in the passenger seat.\ |
| ^... Where this was, I didn't know, but...\ | | ^... Where this was, I didn't know, but...\ |
| ^As a more real problem, in moments, we were going to run out of gasoline.\ | | ^As a more real problem, in moments, we were going to run out of gasoline.\ |
| n | ^From the start, we hadn't had that much money, but from purchases at convenience stores, our remaining funds were even less now.\ | n | ^From the start, we hadn't had that much money, but with purchases at convenience stores, our remaining funds were even less now.\ |
| ^Now, there was only ¥7000.\ | | ^Now, there was only ¥7000.\ |
| ^Of course, for this car, I didn't know how many liters it took, but I thought we probably had enough to fill the tank once.\ | | ^Of course, for this car, I didn't know how many liters it took, but I thought we probably had enough to fill the tank once.\ |
| ^It wasn't as if we had a destination or anything, but losing our legs would mean we would be stuck.\ | | ^It wasn't as if we had a destination or anything, but losing our legs would mean we would be stuck.\ |
| ^From my pocket, I took out and handed over a ¥5000 bill with a crumpled ¥1000 bill.\ | | ^From my pocket, I took out and handed over a ¥5000 bill with a crumpled ¥1000 bill.\ |
| ^``Here is your change of ¥760 and your receipt.''\ | | ^``Here is your change of ¥760 and your receipt.''\ |
| ^``Thank you very much!''\ | | ^``Thank you very much!''\ |
| n | ^Putting the clerk's bright voice behind us, I once again pulled the car out onto the road before us.\ | n | ^Putting the clerk's cheerful voice behind us, I once again pulled the car out onto the road before us.\ |
| ^Once again the silver coupe ran.\ | | ^Once again the silver coupe ran.\ |
| ^With this, I felt the urgent fear of the gas tank to be gone for the moment.\ | | ^With this, I felt the urgent fear of the gas tank to be gone for the moment.\ |
| n | ^And, our remaining funds, was just about ¥2000.\ | n | ^And our remaining funds was just about ¥2000.\ |
| ^I was also worried about that, but I was also curious about what happened just before.\ | | ^I was worried about that, but I was also curious about what happened just before.\ |
| ^``Hey, are you....''\ | | ^``Hey, are you....''\ |
| ^``Could it be that you know a lot about cars?''\ | | ^``Could it be that you know a lot about cars?''\ |
| ^``... Not particularly.''\ | | ^``... Not particularly.''\ |
| ^... It might be just right...\ | | ^... It might be just right...\ |
| ^Making that decision, I headed toward the slot corner that was my target.\ | | ^Making that decision, I headed toward the slot corner that was my target.\ |
| ^......\ | | ^......\ |
| n | ^After a while, scouting from the aisles...\ | n | ^For a while, I scouted from the aisles...\ |
| ^From examining the area, I found one machine.\ | | ^After examining the area, I focused on one machine.\ |
| ^Some middle-aged man who definitely looked like an office worker had stacked four boxes by his feet, and above his head had another two stacked.\ | | ^Some middle-aged man who definitely looked like an office worker had stacked four boxes by his feet, and above his head had another two stacked.\ |
| ^Moreover, it was a corner machine, and the neighboring machines were empty.\ | | ^Moreover, it was a corner machine, and the neighboring machines were empty.\ |
| ^From what I had seen from before, he also didn't seem to have come with friends or acquaintances.\ | | ^From what I had seen from before, he also didn't seem to have come with friends or acquaintances.\ |
| ^Eventually... about when 30 minutes had passed...\ | | ^Eventually... about when 30 minutes had passed...\ |
| ^Finally, the man stood up from his seat.\ | | ^Finally, the man stood up from his seat.\ |
| ^Quickly, following after, I went to the restroom to make sure...\ | | ^Quickly, following after, I went to the restroom to make sure...\ |
| n | ^Then in a rush, I quickly returned to the slot machine.\ | n | ^Then in a rush, I quickly turned back to the slot machine.\ |
| ^Next, while checking the people who were playing the slots and the shop staff, I slowly approached the machine.\ | | ^Next, while checking on the people who were playing the slots and the shop staff, I slowly approached the machine.\ |
| ^Then...\ | | ^Then...\ |
| ^In order to avoid suspicion, acting perfectly natural...\ | | ^In order to avoid suspicion, acting perfectly natural...\ |
| ^... I pulled up a cash box at my feet...\ | | ^... I pulled up a cash box at my feet...\ |
| ^* Craaaash! *\ | | ^* Craaaash! *\ |
| ^At that instant, a tremendous sound raised as the slot coins scattered on the floor.\ | | ^At that instant, a tremendous sound raised as the slot coins scattered on the floor.\ |
| ^... Pulled it up...^@^ was the plan.\ | | ^... Pulled it up...^@^ was the plan.\ |
| n | ^No, certainly I raised it up, once, with these hands.\ | n | ^No, I certainly raised it up, once, with these hands.\ |
| ^However, unable to support the weight, I wound up dropping the entire box on the floor.\ | | ^However, unable to support the weight, I wound up dropping the entire box on the floor.\ |
| ^And then, all eyes looked over wondering what caused the loud racket.\ | | ^And then, all eyes looked over wondering what caused the loud racket.\ |
| ^I thought I heard the sound of voices. Felt the presence of people running over.\ | | ^I thought I heard the sound of voices. Felt the presence of people running over.\ |
| ^... However, those voices were heard from behind me.\ | | ^... However, those voices were heard from behind me.\ |
| ^I was a bit worried about the spot that was hit before, but for now, getting away from that place had priority.\ | | ^I was a bit worried about the spot that was hit before, but for now, getting away from that place had priority.\ |
| ^Then...\ | | ^Then...\ |
| ^Driving about ten minutes, about when we were totally clear of the pachinko parlor...\ | | ^Driving about ten minutes, about when we were totally clear of the pachinko parlor...\ |
| n | ^I stopped the car by some road side, and began inspecting the place that was hit earlier.\ | n | ^I stopped the car by some road side and began inspecting the place that was hit earlier.\ |
| ^``... Is it okay?''\ | | ^``... Is it okay?''\ |
| ^``Ah, it's probably nothing major...''\ | | ^``Ah, it's probably nothing major...''\ |
| ^From the passenger seat, the girl called to me sounding just a tiny bit worried. While I inspected the damaged area, I answered.\ | | ^From the passenger seat, the girl called to me sounding just a tiny bit worried. While I inspected the damaged area, I answered.\ |
| ^Looking at it, the rear bumper was slightly dented, and the muffler's tip was a bit cracked.\ | | ^Looking at it, the rear bumper was slightly dented, and the muffler's tip was a bit cracked.\ |
| n | ^... With just this, there probably wouldn't be a problem driving.\ | n | ^... With just this, there probably won't be a problem driving.\ |
| ^``Phew...''\ | | ^``Phew...''\ |
| ^Feeling relief, I let out a sigh.\ | | ^Feeling relief, I let out a sigh.\ |
| ^.... So close.\ | | ^.... So close.\ |
| ^Immediately, I recalled the events in the pachinko parlor.\ | | ^Immediately, I recalled the events in the pachinko parlor.\ |
| n | ^I had failed with just a little bit more to go, but if I did it well, the next time I thought I could succeed.\ | n | ^I had failed with just a little bit more to go, but if I did it right, the next time I thought I could succeed.\ |
| ^I figured that even though I hadn't been able to carry the cash box, that was only because I hadn't lifted heavy things in a while.\ | | ^I figured that even though I hadn't been able to carry the cash box, that was only because I hadn't lifted heavy things in a while.\ |
| ^If I were prepared from the start, I could probably manage.\ | | ^If I were prepared from the start, I could probably manage.\ |
| ^``... You're being mistaken.''\ | | ^``... You're being mistaken.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^To that question, there came no answer.\ | | ^To that question, there came no answer.\ |
| ^Just quiet gazing at the dark sky beyond the window.\ | | ^Just quiet gazing at the dark sky beyond the window.\ |
| n | ^... That probably was telling me to give up...\ | n | ^... That may have been telling me to give up...\ |
| ^``Stopping time, stopping my heart...''\ | | ^``Stopping time, stopping my heart...''\ |
| ^``Days of simply gathering knowledge...''\ | | ^``Days of simply gathering knowledge...''\ |
| n | ^Days of gazing at maps, closing my eyes, travelling to unknown towns...\ | n | ^Days of gazing at maps, closing my eyes, traveling to unknown towns...\ |
| ^One day.\ | | ^One day.\ |
| ^On a monthly magazine I always bought, my eyes stopped on a photo decorating the back cover.\ | | ^On a monthly magazine I always bought, my eyes stopped on a photo decorating the back cover.\ |
| ^It was a female model wearing a flashy swimsuit.^@^ Shot at the water's edge with that sort of pose.\ | | ^It was a female model wearing a flashy swimsuit.^@^ Shot at the water's edge with that sort of pose.\ |
| ^With the emerald sea I always saw in my dreams behind her back, she was smiling.\ | | ^With the emerald sea I always saw in my dreams behind her back, she was smiling.\ |
| ^... I was sure, we were around the same age...\ | | ^... I was sure, we were around the same age...\ |
| n | ^With that exceptional style, happy and relaxed, directing a smile at me.\ | n | ^With that exceptional figure, happy and relaxed, directing a smile at me.\ |
| ^... I don't think I was particularly envious.\ | | ^... I don't think I was particularly envious.\ |
| ^For one thing, I didn't have a swimsuit, and didn't even have any urgent need to have one.\ | | ^For one thing, I didn't have a swimsuit, and didn't even have any urgent need to have one.\ |
| ^... For me, if I had pajamas, that was enough.\ | | ^... For me, if I had pajamas, that was enough.\ |
| ^``Numerous seasons, white overcast skies... passed without even the need to exchange words with anyone...''\ | | ^``Numerous seasons, white overcast skies... passed without even the need to exchange words with anyone...''\ |
| n | ^That day, 1st year of middle school in June, the first day I was admitted into the hospital...\ | n | ^That day, the 1st year of middle school in June, the first day I was admitted into the hospital...\ |
| ^I remembered that I had ordered a swimsuit, recalled the swimsuit from a number of years before.\ | | ^I remembered that I had ordered a swimsuit, recalled the swimsuit from a number of years before.\ |
| n | ^... I remembered the swimsuit that had lost its debut that day.\ | n | ^... I remembered the swimsuit that had lost it's debut that day.\ |
| ^Taken out of the trunk for the first time in years, a school swimsuit that was still brand new.\ | | ^Taken out of the trunk for the first time in years, a school swimsuit that was still brand new.\ |
| n | ^Taking off my usual pajamas, nervously, I put on that blue swimsuit.\ | n | ^Taking off my usual pajamas, nervously, I put on that navy swimsuit.\ |
| ^... It was a perfect fit.\ | | ^... It was a perfect fit.\ |
| ^Even though how many years have passed?\ | | ^Even though how many years have passed?\ |
| ^It fit as if... just now, I had ordered it.\ | | ^It fit as if... just now, I had ordered it.\ |
| ^Towards my figure, the monthly magazine's model directed her smiling face at me. Smiled with the emerald sea to her back.\ | | ^Towards my figure, the monthly magazine's model directed her smiling face at me. Smiled with the emerald sea to her back.\ |
| n | ^With that exceptional style, happy and relaxed, directing a smile at me.\ | n | ^With that exceptional figure, happy and relaxed, directing a smile at me.\ |
| ^... That was...^@^ saddening.\ | | ^... That was...^@^ saddening.\ |
| ^I didn't think I was particularly envious. However, to be honest, I really might have admired her.\ | | ^I didn't think I was particularly envious. However, to be honest, I really might have admired her.\ |
| ^Because I knew that it was impossible, I might have yearned for it even more so.\ | | ^Because I knew that it was impossible, I might have yearned for it even more so.\ |
| ^``But...''\ | | ^``But...''\ |
| ^``... The large scar on my chest, advised me to give up.''\ | | ^``... The large scar on my chest, advised me to give up.''\ |
| n | ^``My lifelong companion, told me to make do with the world in my closed eyes...''\ | n | ^``My lifelong companion told me to make do with the world in my closed eyes...''\ |
| ^When the sun slowly slanted, staining the western sky orange.^@^ | | ^When the sunlight slowly slanted, staining the western sky orange.^@^ |
| ^As always, we continued to drive.\ | | ^As always, we continued to drive.\ |
| ^... What should we do now...\ | | ^... What should we do now...\ |
| ^Our money was for the most part tight.\ | | ^Our money was for the most part tight.\ |
| ^``Is it that... unusual?''\ | | ^``Is it that... unusual?''\ |
| ^From beyond my back, words towards my figure reflected in the glass.\ | | ^From beyond my back, words towards my figure reflected in the glass.\ |
| ^Under the cloudy sky, the silver coupe ran on.\ | | ^Under the cloudy sky, the silver coupe ran on.\ |
| n | ^As always, it continued to run with no destination, and looking back, three days had passed.\ | n | ^As always, it continued to run with no destination; looking back, three days had passed.\ |
| ^In that span, nothing particularly special had happened.\ | | ^In that span, nothing particularly special had happened.\ |
| n | ^To be really particular, along the way, we found a practically free open-air bath.\ | n | ^To be really specific, along the way, we found a practically free open-air bath.\ |
| ^There wasn't really many people around, so at the least we managed to take a bath.\ | | ^There wasn't really many people around, so at the least we managed to take a bath.\ |
| ^Other than that, we were towards the bottom of our money, and once again, towards the bottom of our gas tank.\ | | ^Other than that, we were towards the bottom of our money, and once again, towards the bottom of our gas tank.\ |
| ^``Have you gotten a bit tired of it?''\ | | ^``Have you gotten a bit tired of it?''\ |
| ^``Ashtray, tire pressure, are they all fine?''\ | | ^``Ashtray, tire pressure, are they all fine?''\ |
| ^``Eh, ah... yes, they're fine...''\ | | ^``Eh, ah... yes, they're fine...''\ |
| ^``I see. It's cold, so please be careful.''\ | | ^``I see. It's cold, so please be careful.''\ |
| n | ^And, perhaps intended to be a service, the clerk started cleaning the windows.\ | n | ^And, perhaps intended to be a service, the clerk even started cleaning the windows.\ |
| ^As that was happening, the pump announced the tank was full, and with a businesslike sound, spat out the receipt.\ | | ^As that was happening, the pump announced the tank was full, and with a businesslike sound, spat out the receipt.\ |
| ^``Ah, please make your payment over there.''\ | | ^``Ah, please make your payment over there.''\ |
| ^Pausing from washing the windows, the clerk pointed at the building from before.\ | | ^Pausing from washing the windows, the clerk pointed at the building from before.\ |
| ^But I had no reality I could touch.\ | | ^But I had no reality I could touch.\ |
| ^If I closed my eyes, I could go to a world of nothingness, but it wasn't as if this world itself had disappeared.\ | | ^If I closed my eyes, I could go to a world of nothingness, but it wasn't as if this world itself had disappeared.\ |
| ^I knew that.\ | | ^I knew that.\ |
| n | ^My lifelong companion, was resigned to the world of closed eyes.\ | n | ^My lifelong companion... was resigned to the world of closed eyes.\ |
| ^And yet,^@^ always imagining ``what if'', hoping for a maybe, gazing at a dream, but in the end...\ | | ^And yet,^@^ always imagining ``what if'', hoping for a maybe, gazing at a dream, but in the end...\ |
| ^Yearning never went beyond longing, both the bikini swimsuit, and the emerald sea...\ | | ^Yearning never went beyond longing, both the bikini swimsuit, and the emerald sea...\ |
| ^... The large scar on my chest, advised me to give up.\ | | ^... The large scar on my chest, advised me to give up.\ |
| ^``But...''\ | | ^``But...''\ |
| ^Spending most of my life at a hospital, spending time only in the world of my closed eyes...\ | | ^Spending most of my life at a hospital, spending time only in the world of my closed eyes...\ |
| ^Being unable to choose anything but the 7th floor or home was pitiful.\ | | ^Being unable to choose anything but the 7th floor or home was pitiful.\ |
| n | ^Without being given room to choose...\ | n | ^Without even being given room to choose...\ |
| ^But even saying that, unable to even find that place, I felt myself to be pathetic.\ | | ^But even saying that, unable to even find that place, I felt myself to be pathetic.\ |
| ^... Even though I had lived 22 years...\ | | ^... Even though I had lived 22 years...\ |
| ^``Just once... let me do as I please...''\ | | ^``Just once... let me do as I please...''\ |
| ^When I murmured that, the time that should have stopped felt like it swayed.\ | | ^When I murmured that, the time that should have stopped felt like it swayed.\ |
| n | ^On that day, the heart that should have stopped hurt....\ | n | ^On that day, the heart that should stopped hurt....\ |
| ^The cleared blue sky of winter reflected on the hood as the silver coupe ran.\ | | ^The cleared blue sky of winter reflected on the hood as the silver coupe ran.\ |
| ^As always, it ran without a destination, but for the moment, neither gasoline nor shopping seemed to be a problem.\ | | ^As always, it ran without a destination, but for the moment, neither gasoline nor shopping seemed to be a problem.\ |
| ^Soon, we were about to enter a large intersection.\ | | ^Soon, we were about to enter a large intersection.\ |
| ^Last night, I hadn't gotten the girl's approval, but I just generally headed west anyway.\ | | ^Last night, I hadn't gotten the girl's approval, but I just generally headed west anyway.\ |
| n | ^It was just, I had absolutely no idea about the geography, and the cost of using the expressways seemed painful.\ | n | ^It was just, I had absolutely know idea about the geography, plus the cost of using the expressways seemed painful.\ |
| ^While thinking about that, the large intersection came up ahead.\ | | ^While thinking about that, the large intersection came up ahead.\ |
| ^Without thinking about it, I was going to drive straight through...\ | | ^Without thinking about it, I was going to drive straight through...\ |
| ^``There, left...''\ | | ^``There, left...''\ |
| ^That if she didn't object, I could think of it as agreement?\ | | ^That if she didn't object, I could think of it as agreement?\ |
| ^We entered the store.\ | | ^We entered the store.\ |
| ^On the large two floors, the girl curiously went around many of the sections.\ | | ^On the large two floors, the girl curiously went around many of the sections.\ |
| n | ^She was silent as usual, and might have looked unchanged from her usual appearance.\ | n | ^She was silent as usual, and might have looked no different from her usual appearance.\ |
| ^But, somehow it was slightly different from the times she was lifelessly staring at whatever came on boring television.\ | | ^But, somehow it was slightly different from the times she was lifelessly staring at whatever came on boring television.\ |
| ^Over and over, she would pick something up, look at the price tag, and fall into thought.\ | | ^Over and over, she would pick something up, look at the price tag, and fall into thought.\ |
| ^And while trying things on, she would come up to me...\ | | ^And while trying things on, she would come up to me...\ |
| ^``... Donkeys are... useful, so they live long.''\ | | ^``... Donkeys are... useful, so they live long.''\ |
| ^``That's how it is, it seems...''\ | | ^``That's how it is, it seems...''\ |
| ^The girl looked lonely as she gazed out the window, her words sliding out.\ | | ^The girl looked lonely as she gazed out the window, her words sliding out.\ |
| n | ^This was probably, to this girl... the excuse to convince herself, the excuse so that she could give up.\ | n | ^This was probably, to this girl... what she used to convince herself, the excuse so that she could give up.\ |
| ^Under the evening winter sky we continued straight along Route 21.\ | | ^Under the evening winter sky we continued straight along Route 21.\ |
| ^Dancing in that darkening sky, lightly floating specks of white. It seemed that depending on circumstances, it might snow harder.\ | | ^Dancing in that darkening sky, lightly floating specks of white. It seemed that depending on circumstances, it might snow harder.\ |
| ^``... Something wrong?''\ | | ^``... Something wrong?''\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^``Well, if the snow gets any worse, it might be difficult, you see.''\ | | ^``Well, if the snow gets any worse, it might be difficult, you see.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| n | ^Even if the road surface wasn't covered in snow, in such a place, it wasn't surprising if the road froze over.\ | n | ^Even if the road surface wasn't covered in snow, in a place like this, it wouldn't be surprising if the road froze over.\ |
| ^And thinking about it, I hadn't learned anything outside of the instruction center's textbook, and we might need to have chains put on.\ | | ^And thinking about it, I hadn't learned how to outside of the instruction center's textbook, but we might need to have chains put on.\ |
| ^``How about it, do you know?''\ | | ^``How about it, do you know?''\ |
| ^``Up ahead is... Sekigahara.''\ | | ^``Up ahead is... Sekigahara.''\ |
| ^``I heard that the last time, what I want to know is whether this place gets heavy snow.''\ | | ^``I heard that the last time, what I want to know is whether this place gets heavy snow.''\ |
| ^``... I don't know...''\ | | ^``... I don't know...''\ |
| ^For some reason, the girl answered with a lonely expression.^@^ From that expression, I felt that something didn't match up.\ | | ^For some reason, the girl answered with a lonely expression.^@^ From that expression, I felt that something didn't match up.\ |
| n | ^Even though she knew that much about the roads, and also knew so much about this car...\ | n | ^Even though she knew that much about the roads, and had also known so much about this car...\ |
| ^Compared to that, this seemed like something she would definitely know.\ | | ^Compared to that, this seemed like something she would definitely know.\ |
| ^``Alright, at any rate, I'll drive carefully.''\ | | ^``Alright, at any rate, I'll drive carefully.''\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| ^The shoreline. | | ^The shoreline. |
| ^We got out of the car, and gazed at a lake.\ | | ^We got out of the car, and gazed at a lake.\ |
| ^Blown by the strong wind, here and there, white snow even stained the frozen lake surface.\ | | ^Blown by the strong wind, here and there, white snow even stained the frozen lake surface.\ |
| n | ^And in that, facing what seemed like the sea's edge, the girl slowly started walking.\ | n | ^And in that, facing what seemed like the edge of the sea, the girl slowly started walking.\ |
| ^... It was a scene that occurred before.\ | | ^... It was a scene that occurred before.\ |
| ^``... Say, what do you think?''\ | | ^``... Say, what do you think?''\ |
| ^``That `if you continue into the sea like this, would you die comfortably?' thing?''\ | | ^``That `if you continue into the sea like this, would you die comfortably?' thing?''\ |
| ^From Route 8 back to Route 1.\ | | ^From Route 8 back to Route 1.\ |
| ^Following the girl's navigation, this time, headed towards Kusatsu.\ | | ^Following the girl's navigation, this time, headed towards Kusatsu.\ |
| ^``Say, right now, is our money fine?''\ | | ^``Say, right now, is our money fine?''\ |
| n | ^``Ah, we still have about ¥30,000.''\ | n | ^``Ah, we still have bout ¥30,000.''\ |
| ^Before, we had bought clothes, but other than that, we continued on our usual convenience store fare.\ | | ^Before, we had bought clothes, but other than that, we continued on our usual convenience store fare.\ |
| ^``Is something the matter?''\ | | ^``Is something the matter?''\ |
| ^``... Then, you want to go on the expressway?''\ | | ^``... Then, you want to go on the expressway?''\ |
| ^``It'll be fine. I'm sure driving on the beach or something will be fun.''\ | | ^``It'll be fine. I'm sure driving on the beach or something will be fun.''\ |
| ^Most likely, if we go to Awaji-shima, there would be plenty of deserted places.\ | | ^Most likely, if we go to Awaji-shima, there would be plenty of deserted places.\ |
| ^Plus, this car was a manual transmission, so once she got used to it, I thought it'd be interesting.\ | | ^Plus, this car was a manual transmission, so once she got used to it, I thought it'd be interesting.\ |
| n | ^``Well, in that case, I'll teach you.''\ | n | ^``So yeah, I'll teach you.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| n | ^``Ah, well, even so, I'm just a new driver myself.''\ | n | ^``Ah, but even so, I'm just a new driver myself.''\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| ^When that high sun was just misting over.\ | | ^When that high sun was just misting over.\ |
| ^The silver coupe continued to run along the expressway.\ | | ^The silver coupe continued to run along the expressway.\ |
| ^``Looks like I'm a bit tired...''\ | | ^``Looks like I'm a bit tired...''\ |
| ^``I see...''\ | | ^``I see...''\ |
| ^It wasn't too surprising.\ | | ^It wasn't too surprising.\ |
| n | ^Just before, she had been so excited, and originally, we were even more sick than ordinary sick people, so it was probably natural.\ | n | ^Just before, she had been so excited, and originally we were even more sick than ordinary sick people, so it was probably natural.\ |
| ^``Well, I'll go buy you something.''\ | | ^``Well, I'll go buy you something.''\ |
| n | ^``... Un.''\ | n | ^``... Un.'' |
| ^``Alright, I'll go buy them quick.''\ | | ^``Alright, I'll go buy them quick.''\ |
| ^I closed the door with a slam.\ | | ^I closed the door with a slam.\ |
| ^* Slam. *\ | | ^* Slam. *\ |
| ^Rushing over to a nearby shop, I bought things that weren't too different from what I would buy at a convenience store.\ | | ^Rushing over to a nearby shop, I bought things that weren't too different from what I would buy at a convenience store.\ |
| ^``Here, a Pocari and ~i~nigiri~i~, that and also the fries.''\ | | ^``Here, a Pocari and ~i~nigiri~i~, that and also the fries.''\ |
| ^``Ah, un...''\ | | ^``Ah, un...''\ |
| n | ^Those were the words of her reply, but, the girl just took them and didn't move to eat.\ | n | ^Those were the words of her reply, but, she just took them and didn't move to eat.\ |
| ^Even though normally, she would have started eating the fries first...\ | | ^Even though normally, she would have started eating the fries first...\ |
| ^``... You alright?''\ | | ^``... You alright?''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^In the end, I got off the expressway at the next exit.\ | | ^In the end, I got off the expressway at the next exit.\ |
| ^It wasn't that it would help anything, but I wouldn't be able to do anything while on it.\ | | ^It wasn't that it would help anything, but I wouldn't be able to do anything while on it.\ |
| ^From the bleak expressway exit, I continued driving towards an urban area.\ | | ^From the bleak expressway exit, I continued driving towards an urban area.\ |
| n | ^Then, I searched, not for a small town doctor, but a large hospital. More precisely, I was looking for the pharmacies that are near large hospitals.\ | n | ^Then I searched, not for a small town doctor, but a large hospital. More precisely, I was looking for the pharmacies that are near large hospitals.\ |
| ^To be honest, going to a hospital may have been the best thing.^@^ If it were a normal sickness, without any hesitation I would have done so.\ | | ^To be honest, going to a hospital may have been the best thing.^@^ If it were a normal sickness, without any hesitation I would have done so.\ |
| ^... However, we were residents of the 7th floor. The vinyl identification bracelets wrapped around our wrists were white.\ | | ^... However, we were residents of the 7th floor. The vinyl identification bracelets wrapped around our wrists were white.\ |
| ^And also, we were people who had fled from the 7th floor.\ | | ^And also, we were people who had fled from the 7th floor.\ |
| ^It didn't seem like anyone was chasing after me, but I didn't even have the luxury of looking back to check.\ | | ^It didn't seem like anyone was chasing after me, but I didn't even have the luxury of looking back to check.\ |
| ^... If, I were caught...\ | | ^... If, I were caught...\ |
| ^What would happen to her?\ | | ^What would happen to her?\ |
| n | ^Alone in the car, she would probably sit there forever, waiting for my return.\ | n | ^Alone in the car, would she sit there forever, waiting for my return?\ |
| ^As I thought about that for some reason, I ran in earnest.\ | | ^As I thought about that for some reason, I ran in earnest.\ |
| ^While staggering and out of breath, and thinking that this was my full strength, in spite of myself, I felt it was sad.\ | | ^While staggering and out of breath, and thinking that this was my full strength, in spite of myself, I felt it was sad.\ |
| ^I slammed the car door shut behind me.\ | | ^I slammed the car door shut behind me.\ |
| ^``Okay, ready?''\ | | ^``Okay, ready?''\ |
| ^Couple: ``Yes, please.''\ | | ^Couple: ``Yes, please.''\ |
| ^Happily the two hugged shoulders, and the two of them smiled.\ | | ^Happily the two hugged shoulders, and the two of them smiled.\ |
| n | ^I placed the two of them in the viewfinder, and hit the shutter.\ | n | ^I placed the two of them in the viewfinder and hit the shutter.\ |
| ^The shutter clicked.\ | | ^The shutter clicked.\ |
| ^* Snap. *\ | | ^* Snap. *\ |
| ^Boyfriend: ``Thank you very much.''\ | | ^Boyfriend: ``Thank you very much.''\ |
| ^Girlfriend: ``Well, in exchange, we'll take a picture of you two.''\ | | ^Girlfriend: ``Well, in exchange, we'll take a picture of you two.''\ |
| ^``Eh, ah, no, we're...''\ | | ^``Eh, ah, no, we're...''\ |
| ^Boyfriend: ``I just press here on the camera, right?''\ | | ^Boyfriend: ``I just press here on the camera, right?''\ |
| n | ^Faster than my reply, he took my camera...^@^ actually, it was more like he snatched it.\ | n | ^Quicker than my reply, he took my camera...^@^ actually, it was more like he snatched it.\ |
| ^Probably, he was being polite. Ignoring our hesitation, he quickly readied the camera.\ | | ^Probably, he was being polite. Ignoring our hesitation, he quickly readied the camera.\ |
| ^Boyfriend: ``Come now, the two of you, get closer together.''\ | | ^Boyfriend: ``Come now, the two of you, get closer together.''\ |
| ^At those words, I moved my body just a bit closer to the girl.\ | | ^At those words, I moved my body just a bit closer to the girl.\ |
| ^Still looking emotionless as always, girl next to me also moved just a hint closer.\ | | ^Still looking emotionless as always, girl next to me also moved just a hint closer.\ |
| ^Boyfriend: ``Um, could you please pose a bit more?''\ | | ^Boyfriend: ``Um, could you please pose a bit more?''\ |
| n | ^Nosily, the boyfriend started adding more requests, and looking closer, the guy's girlfriend was also giving us exasperated looks.\ | n | ^Nosily, the boyfriend started adding more requests; looking closer, the guy's girlfriend was also giving us exasperated looks.\ |
| ^Thinking there was no helping it, from behind her back, to her shoulder...\ | | ^Thinking there was no helping it, from behind her back, to her shoulder...\ |
| ^I slowly wrapped my arm around her.\ | | ^I slowly wrapped my arm around her.\ |
| ^``Ah--''\ | | ^``Ah--''\ |
| ^It was the first time I touched her body.\ | | ^It was the first time I touched her body.\ |
| n | ^The feeling of the childish clothes we bought the other day, and the waist-length hair, spread through my hands.\ | n | ^The feeling of the childish clothes we bought the other day and the waist-length hair, spread through my hands.\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^Looking at the camera, I couldn't see the girl's expression, but...\ | | ^Looking at the camera, I couldn't see the girl's expression, but...\ |
| ^But, maybe...\ | | ^But, maybe...\ |
| ^From then, we went on for just a bit and arrived at the Sumoto Interchange. Once again we exited and returned to the normal roads.\ | | ^From then, we went on for just a bit and arrived at the Sumoto Interchange. Once again we exited and returned to the normal roads.\ |
| ^``We've finally arrived, haven't we?''\ | | ^``We've finally arrived, haven't we?''\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| n | ^Since that day when we left the 7th floor, the car's trip odometer showed some 900km.\ | n | ^Since that day when we left the 7th floor, the car's trip meter showed some 900km.\ |
| ^From an unplanned start, we really did make it all the way here.\ | | ^From an unplanned start, we really did make it all the way here.\ |
| ^``Well, where should we go from here?''\ | | ^``Well, where should we go from here?''\ |
| ^``South...''\ | | ^``South...''\ |
| ^``South... got it.''\ | | ^``South... got it.''\ |
| ^Following the girl's direction, I set off.\ | | ^Following the girl's direction, I set off.\ |
| n | ^Of course, coming here, even I knew what the place would be. I could see a number of signs for tourists in front of me.\ | n | ^Of course, coming here, even I knew the location. I could see a number of signs for tourists in front of me.\ |
| ^However, I followed her navigation.\ | | ^However, I followed her navigation.\ |
| ^I had a feeling that it would be wrong if I didn't. | | ^I had a feeling that it would be wrong if I didn't. |
| ^For some reason, I wanted to do it that way...\ | | ^For some reason, I wanted to do it that way...\ |
| ^As expected, the grinding noise was phenomenal.\ | | ^As expected, the grinding noise was phenomenal.\ |
| ^``Look, you need to disengage the clutch more quietly.''\ | | ^``Look, you need to disengage the clutch more quietly.''\ |
| ^``Un.''\ | | ^``Un.''\ |
| n | ^Her words said so, but of course, it wasn't something one got skillful at right away.\ | n | ^Her words said so, but of course, it wasn't something one became skilled at right away.\ |
| ^The girl tried her best, chewing on her lip a bit in concentration.\ | | ^Chewing on her lip a bit in concentration, her face showed her intense focus.\ |
| ^Exactly because she would normally show no emotion, her figure seemed charming to me.\ | | ^Exactly because she would normally show no emotion, her figure seemed charming to me.\ |
| ^``Hey, hey, I'm about to start feeling sick.''\ | | ^``Hey, hey, I'm about to start feeling sick.''\ |
| ^``I... I know.''\ | | ^``I... I know.''\ |
| ^With the muffler slightly broken, the silver coupe was noisy.\ | | ^With the muffler slightly broken, the silver coupe was noisy.\ |
| ^On the deserted beach, it was as if a howling voice was reverberating...\ | | ^On the deserted beach, it was as if a howling voice was reverberating...\ |
| n | ^When the sunset slowly changed into a night sky, and the faltering sea breeze completely changed to being a land breeze...\ | n | ^When the sunset had changed into the night sky, and the faltering sea breeze completely changed to being a land breeze...\ |
| ^At some point, the face of a large moon hung in the sky.\ | | ^At some point, the face of a large moon hung in the sky.\ |
| ^``For the most part, it seems you've gotten used to it.''\ | | ^``For the most part, it seems you've gotten used to it.''\ |
| ^``... Un.''\ | | ^``... Un.''\ |
| n | ^Along with that reply, she even shifted into third.\ | n | ^Along with that reply, she even shifted into third.''\ |
| ^Totally used to the clutch now, she was driving around the narrow beach.\ | | ^Totally used to the clutch now, she was driving around the narrow beach.\ |
| ^``If that's the case...''\ | | ^``If that's the case...''\ |
| ^``You could get a license without going to the training center, no?''\ | | ^``You could get a license without going to the training center, no?''\ |
| ^``... Really?''\ | | ^``... Really?''\ |
| ^``Well, I don't have much credibility, it's the words of someone who just got their license after all...''\ | | ^``Well, I don't have much credibility, it's the words of someone who just got their license after all...''\ |
| ^By now, there was no meaning for us to get a license. Both of us knew that.\ | | ^By now, there was no meaning for us to get a license. Both of us knew that.\ |
| n | ^We had maps, we had medicine, the muffler was a bit broken and loud, but we even had a silver coupe.\ | n | ^We had maps, we had medicine, the muffler was a bit broken and loud, but we even even had a silver coupe.\ |
| ^... But we had no time. Had no future.\ | | ^... But we had no time. Had no future.\ |
| ^It was exactly because we knew, that I felt it was all the more trying.\ | | ^It was exactly because we knew, that I felt it was all the more trying.\ |
| ^``Well then...^@^ instead, I'll give you mine.''\ | | ^``Well then...^@^ instead, I'll give you mine.''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| ^``Even if I take it, it doesn't look like I'd have time to use it...''\ | | ^``Even if I take it, it doesn't look like I'd have time to use it...''\ |
| ^``Well, don't hold back... I'm more or less the same way after all.''\ | | ^``Well, don't hold back... I'm more or less the same way after all.''\ |
| n | ^The 7th floor that no one had ever escaped. The high ceiling, windows that could open only 15cm, the white vinyl bracelets.\ | n | ^The 7th floor that no one had ever escaped. The high ceiling, windows that could open only 15cm, white vinyl bracelets.\ |
| ^... Where the third time was the last, the girl on her second, I on my first...\ | | ^... Where the third time as the last, the girl on her second, I on my first...''\ |
| ^``So, here... congratulations on graduating.''\ | | ^``So, here... congratulations on graduating.''\ |
| ^``Un... thank you...''\ | | ^``Un... thank you...''\ |
| ^With a small nod, the girl accepted my license.\ | | ^With a small nod, the girl accepted my license.\ |
| ^After that, we drove for a bit more.\ | | ^After that, we drove for a bit more.\ |
| ^We arrived at our destination, the place where daffodils could be seen.\ | | ^We arrived at our destination, the place where daffodils could be seen.\ |
| ^It was supposed to be a tourist spot, but...\ | | ^It was supposed to be a tourist spot, but...\ |
| n | ^Perhaps this was a bit away from the area, or perhaps it was the night, no one was in sight.\ | n | ^Perhaps this was a bit away from the area, or perhaps it was the night --- no one was in sight.\ |
| ^Within the perfect darkness of night, we were waiting for the dawn in the dim car interior.\ | | ^Within the perfect darkness of night, we were waiting for the dawn in the dim car interior.\ |
| ^``Say, you're not going to turn on the light?''\ | | ^``Say, you're not going to turn on the light?''\ |
| n | ^``Ah, the battery seems about dead.''\ | n | ^``Ah, the battery seems about to die.''\ |
| ^``Un, that's right...''\ | | ^``Un, that's right...''\ |
| ^Inside the car with even the engine off.\ | | ^Inside the car with even the engine off.\ |
| ^Only the dim light from the dashboard faintly illuminated our profiles.\ | | ^Only the dim light from the dashboard faintly illuminated our profiles.\ |
| ^Right now, something that could definitely be touched was before our eyes.\ | | ^Right now, something that could definitely be touched was before our eyes.\ |
| ^Some fragments of those unseen somethings, were scattered about...\ | | ^Some fragments of those unseen somethings, were scattered about...\ |
| ^Rain continued to fall from the solid white January sky.\ | | ^Rain continued to fall from the solid white January sky.\ |
| n | ^Since then, two days have passed, and the whole time, we were still in this place. We couldn't go.\ | n | ^Since then, two days have passed. The whole time, we were still in this place. We couldn't go.\ |
| ^The girl coughed.\ | | ^The girl coughed.\ |
| ^* Cough. *\ | | ^* Cough. *\ |
| ^``Hey, are you alright?''\ | | ^``Hey, are you alright?''\ |
| ^``Un... probably.''\ | | ^``Un... probably.''\ |
| ^Her health had taken a turn for the worse.\ | | ^Her health had taken a turn for the worse.\ |
| ^With her lying stretched out in the passenger seat, we barely moved the car and had remained stopped here.\ | | ^With her lying stretched out in the passenger seat, we barely moved the car and had remained stopped here.\ |
| n | ^She was taking her medicine, but perhaps they weren't effective, her bad state of health remained constant.\ | n | ^She was taking her medicine, but maybe they weren't effective; her bad state of health remained constant.\ |
| ^... However, we were people from the 7th floor.\ | | ^... However, we were people from the 7th floor.\ |
| ^From her original condition, for a girl who was on her second time to wind up like this wasn't too surprising.\ | | ^From her original condition, for a girl who was on her second time to wind up like this wasn't too surprising.\ |
| ^``Say... do you, want to go back?''\ | | ^``Say... do you, want to go back?''\ |
| ^``......''\ | | ^``......''\ |
| n | ^``... You, want to go back?''\ | n | ^``... You want to go back?''\ |
| ^``Ah, just a little bit...''\ | | ^``Ah, just a little bit...''\ |
| ^``7th floor?... Or home?''\ | | ^``7th floor?... Or home?''\ |
| ^``T-that's...''\ | | ^``T-that's...''\ |
| ^... I didn't know...\ | | ^... I didn't know...\ |
| n | ^What I had known was that, sooner or later this would happen, and of course, I myself, was not too far from it.\ | n | ^What I had known was that, sooner or later this would happen, and of course, I myself was not too far from it.\ |
| ^However, being able to only watch nearby, unable to do anything, was painful.\ | | ^However, being able to only watch nearby, unable to do anything, was painful.\ |
| ^The rain didn't seem like it wanted to stop, and continued falling from the dark night sky.\ | | ^The rain didn't seem like it wanted to stop, and continued falling from the dark night sky.\ |
| n | ^Beyond the windows of the parked car, the shining white daffodils would faintly sway.\ | n | ^Beyond the windows of the parked car, the daffodils swaying in the rain faintly shone white.\ |
| ^``Say, this is...''\ | | ^``Say, this is...''\ |
| ^As I spoke, I pointed at the white flowers beyond the windshield.\ | | ^As I spoke, I pointed at the white flowers beyond the windshield.\ |
| ^``These were, Narcissus, weren't they?... The daffodils.''\ | | ^``These were, Narcissus, weren't they?... The daffodils.''\ |
| ^``Unless she got him to say `I love you' from his own mouth first...''\ | | ^``Unless she got him to say `I love you' from his own mouth first...''\ |
| ^``Echo could not express her own feelings...''\ | | ^``Echo could not express her own feelings...''\ |
| ^In a lonely and sad voice, the girl continued to speak.\ | | ^In a lonely and sad voice, the girl continued to speak.\ |
| n | ^I felt that her gaze, like before, looking at some place much farther away.\ | n | ^I felt that her gaze, like before, was looking at some place much farther away.\ |
| ^``However... that was absolutely impossible.''\ | | ^``However... that was absolutely impossible.''\ |
| ^``No matter how much she dreamed, yearned, Echo's wish could never be granted...''\ | | ^``No matter how much she dreamed, yearned, Echo's wish could never be granted...''\ |
| n | ^``Finally, she wound up placing a curse upon Narkissos.''\ | n | ^``In the end, she wound up placing a curse upon Narkissos.''\ |
| ^``... That was the famous, falling in love with his own image reflected in the pool?''\ | | ^``... That was the famous, falling in love with his own image reflected in the pool?''\ |
| ^``Un. And then, Narkissos, who continued to gaze at his reflection...''\ | | ^``Un. And then, Narkissos, who continued to gaze at his reflection...''\ |
| ^``Eventually was transformed into a beautiful flower.''\ | | ^``Eventually was transformed into a beautiful flower.''\ |
| ^``And that was where this flower... the Narcissus, drew its name.''\ | | ^``And that was where this flower... the Narcissus, drew its name.''\ |
| ^When the story came to an end, she lightly took a breath. I had been listening and also felt desolate.\ | | ^When the story came to an end, she lightly took a breath. I had been listening and also felt desolate.\ |
| ^... Echo, who bore a yearning for something that could never be reached, it felt as if it were just like us now.\ | | ^... Echo, who bore a yearning for something that could never be reached, it felt as if it were just like us now.\ |
| n | ^``And then, what happened to Echo?''\ | n | ^``And so, what happened to Echo?''\ |
| ^``She's nowhere... from the moment the curse was cast, she disappeared.''\ | | ^``She's nowhere... from the moment the curse was cast, she disappeared.''\ |
| ^... Disappeared?^@^ | | ^... Disappeared?^@^ |
| ^Then, wasn't there no meaning behind it?\ | | ^Then, wasn't there no meaning behind it?\ |
| ^``... When was it, that I became alone I wonder...''\ | | ^``... When was it, that I became alone I wonder...''\ |
| ^``Even if I closed my eyes, the world didn't disappear...''\ | | ^``Even if I closed my eyes, the world didn't disappear...''\ |
| ^Even if I stopped my ears, the sound of the rain wouldn't stop. I knew that.\ | | ^Even if I stopped my ears, the sound of the rain wouldn't stop. I knew that.\ |
| n | ^Neither the bikini swimsuit, the emerald sea, nor the happily smiling photo...\ | n | ^Neither the bikini swimsuit, the emerald sea, nor the happily smiling magazine cover photo...\ |
| ^... I didn't really think I was envious.\ | | ^... I didn't really think I was envious.\ |
| ^In the world of my closed eyes, even without maps or a car, I could go anywhere.\ | | ^In the world of my closed eyes, even without maps or a car, I could go anywhere.\ |
| ^Even if I wasn't being warned by the large scar on my chest, even if this reality were Narkissos, and I were Echo...''\ | | ^Even if I wasn't being warned by the large scar on my chest, even if this reality were Narkissos, and I were Echo...''\ |
| ^``... I would never yearn... never curse.''\ | | ^``... I would never yearn... never curse.''\ |
| n | ^Even when I was supposed to have decided that...\ | n | ^Even though I was supposed to have decided that...\ |
| ^My heart right now, swayed.^@^ | | ^My heart right now, swayed.^@^ |
| ^The time that was supposed to have stopped, tried to move.\ | | ^The time that was supposed to have stopped, tried to move.\ |
| ^Even though if it did so now, very soon it would end...\ | | ^Even though if it did so now, very soon it would end...\ |
| ^``Wounds...''\ | | ^``Wounds...''\ |
| ^``The deeper they are, it seems that they require a proportionate amount of time to heal...''\ | | ^``The deeper they are, it seems that they require a proportionate amount of time to heal...''\ |
| n | ^``If so, if one had taken a long time slowly letting go, is it too late to recover?''\ | n | ^``If so, then if one had taken a long time slowly letting go, is it too late to recover?''\ |
| ^``Then...''\ | | ^``Then...''\ |
| ^``...What would become of me, someone who had lived 22 years...?''\ | | ^``...What would become of me, someone who had lived 22 years...?''\ |
| ^The girl's coughing grew more severe.\ | | ^The girl's coughing grew more severe.\ |
| ^I was speaking in a bright tone of voice that even I thought was laughable.\ | | ^I was speaking in a bright tone of voice that even I thought was laughable.\ |
| ^Facing that profile looking far away, I continued to speak cheerfully, alone...\ | | ^Facing that profile looking far away, I continued to speak cheerfully, alone...\ |
| ^... I knew that doing this was useless.\ | | ^... I knew that doing this was useless.\ |
| n | ^At most, how two days before the end would turn to three. Even I knew it was on that level.\ | n | ^At most, how two days before the end would become three. Even I knew it was on that level.\ |
| ^``Come on, say something. There's some place, isn't there?''\ | | ^``Come on, say something. There's some place, isn't there?''\ |
| ^``Not particularly...''\ | | ^``Not particularly...''\ |
| ^``I-I know, don't you like cars? You want to go on the expressway again?''\ | | ^``I-I know, don't you like cars? You want to go on the expressway again?''\ |
| ^``J-just being a little bit forward facing, what's wrong with that?''\ | | ^``J-just being a little bit forward facing, what's wrong with that?''\ |
| ^Before I knew it, I raised my voice.\ | | ^Before I knew it, I raised my voice.\ |
| ^For some reason...^@^ I was sad.^@^ | | ^For some reason...^@^ I was sad.^@^ |
| n | ^Even though I was supposed to be unable to have any real sense of reality, my heart ached.\ | n | ^Even though I was supposed to be unable to have any real sense reality, my heart ached.\ |
| ^... The interior of the car returned to silence.\ | | ^... The interior of the car returned to silence.\ |
| n | ^Outside of the window were the flowers of January. Daffodils, narcissus...^@^ In the dark before dawn, their whiteness gently swayed.\ | n | ^Outside of the window were the flowers of January. Daffodils. Narcissus...^@^ In the dark before dawn, their whiteness gently swayed.\ |
| ^Farther than the flowers, much, much farther, the girl continued gazing.\ | | ^Farther than the flowers, much, much farther, the girl continued gazing.\ |
| ^Only the faint sounds of waves held sway in this place...\ | | ^Only the faint sounds of waves held sway in this place...\ |
| ^``... Looking forward? How could I...?''\ | | ^``... Looking forward? How could I...?''\ |
| ^Even though she almost never showed any emotion...\ | | ^Even though she almost never showed any emotion...\ |
| ^Her small shoulders shook and her tears flowed.\ | | ^Her small shoulders shook and her tears flowed.\ |
| ^``A-at that time, `if I had tried harder...' `what if...'|''\ | | ^``A-at that time, `if I had tried harder...' `what if...'|''\ |
| n | ^``What was to me, my final excuses, I could do nothing other than put them aside...''\ | n | ^``What was to me, my final excuses. I could do nothing other than put them aside...''\ |
| ^``Because I knew from the start that it was impossible...''\ | | ^``Because I knew from the start that it was impossible...''\ |
| ^``I-isn't that much... allowed?''\ | | ^``I-isn't that much... allowed?''\ |
| ^I looked at the dark sky beyond the windshield.^@^ The sky before the dawn even showed the face of the moon.\ | | ^I looked at the dark sky beyond the windshield.^@^ The sky before the dawn even showed the face of the moon.\ |
| ^I could only hear the occasional sound of waves, the girl's sobbing voice.\ | | ^I could only hear the occasional sound of waves, the girl's sobbing voice.\ |
| ^... The girl might feel that she was the same as Echo.\ | | ^... The girl might feel that she was the same as Echo.\ |
| ^Unable to return anything but the same words. | | ^Unable to return anything but the same words. |
| n | ^From herself, she could say nothing, hope for nothing, see nothing...\ | n | ^From herself, she could say nothing, hope for nothing, look at nothing...\ |
| ^... Could do nothing but give up.\ | | ^... Could do nothing but give up.\ |
| ^So for this girl, refusing both the 7th floor and home was...\ | | ^So for this girl, refusing both the 7th floor and home was...\ |
| ^Perhaps her first, and last, act of defiance...\ | | ^Perhaps her first, and last, act of defiance...\ |
| ^Long hair fluttered in the cold sea breeze.\ | | ^Long hair fluttered in the cold sea breeze.\ |
| ^From the sky, as if delivering the finishing blow, snow lightly fell.\ | | ^From the sky, as if delivering the finishing blow, snow lightly fell.\ |
| ^Within all that, the girl held both her shoes in both hands...\ | | ^Within all that, the girl held both her shoes in both hands...\ |
| n | ^Happily, as if she were splashing around, walking barefoot at the edge of the water.\ | n | ^Happily, as if she were deliberately splashing around, walking barefoot at the edge of the water.\ |
| ^``Say... does it look like it?''\ | | ^``Say... does it look like it?''\ |
| ^``Mmm, maybe so-so...''\ | | ^``Mmm, maybe so-so...''\ |
| ^In the cold of mid-winter, our breaths whitely misted.\ | | ^In the cold of mid-winter, our breaths whitely misted.\ |
| ^Then, I took out the camera that I had taken from the car earlier.\ | | ^Then, I took out the camera that I had taken from the car earlier.\ |
| n | ^... That cheap looking disposable camera had only one more shot on it.\ | n | ^... That cheap-looking disposable camera had only one more shot on it.\ |
| ^``Here, I'll take pictures of you.''\ | | ^``Here, I'll take pictures of you.''\ |
| ^``Eh?''\ | | ^``Eh?''\ |
| ^``I'm sure... it'd be more like it that way.''\ | | ^``I'm sure... it'd be more like it that way.''\ |
| ^In reality, she liked bikini swimsuits, knew more about the roads than a navigation system, and loved cars. She even had a license.\ | | ^In reality, she liked bikini swimsuits, knew more about the roads than a navigation system, and loved cars. She even had a license.\ |
| ^She was always without expression, and would only rarely face you,^@^ but once in a while, she would even make this embarrassed, pouting face...\ | | ^She was always without expression, and would only rarely face you,^@^ but once in a while, she would even make this embarrassed, pouting face...\ |
| ^The emerald sea to her back...\ | | ^The emerald sea to her back...\ |
| n | ^As if dancing, happily, like a magazine model, she smiled...\ | n | ^Splashing around, happily, like a magazine model, she smiled...\ |
| ^And yet...\ | | ^And yet...\ |
| ^On this cheap disposable camera, only a single picture remained of her smile.\ | | ^On this cheap disposable camera, only a single picture remained of her smile.\ |
| ^... But even so... | | ^... But even so... |
| ^... Even with just one picture...\ | | ^... Even with just one picture...\ |
| t | ^... It was the proof of ourselves that we left behind...\ | t | ^... It was the proof of ourselves that we managed to leave behind...\ |
| ^~s~... on a blindingly bright day ...~s~ | | ^~s~... on a blindingly bright day ...~s~ |
| ^~s~... on that very day of winter ...~s~\ | | ^~s~... on that very day of winter ...~s~\ |
| ^ ■ Spring 1996: Setsumi ■\ | | ^ ■ Spring 1996: Setsumi ■\ |