Chapter 101-1
This was the last day of the Hokkaido agricultural training program.
It's been a long and difficult two weeks... but the fun time helping with farm work came to an end yesterday.
Today is the day of farewell as Ryosaku and the other trainees leave for their hometowns.
During his time there, Ryosaku was able to feel the nature of the majestic northern land with his whole body, and he was impressed by the seriousness with which the people of Kamishihoro town, who are engaged in farming, looked at their work, the love and pride they had for their professions, and the generosity with which they kindly and honestly welcomed Ryosaku and his friends, as well as visitors from other regions... he was overwhelmed.
Thus, having gained many valuable experiences and memories that no amount of money could buy, he received fond farewells from warm-hearted people, and with a sense of self-confidence and growth that made him a greater person than before he came here, he faced his final farewell to Lisa.
From the day he met Lisa again, Ryosaku made up his mind never to see her again.
And he was determined never to set foot on this soil again.
He has someone waiting for him.
Even now, at this very moment, there is a dear, precious person waiting for him, forever waiting for the day they can meet again...
After Ryosaku leaves this place, Lisa will hear from her father Kenichi once again about Ryosaku's feelings for Mieko, and she will begin a new life.
...The same goes for Ryosaku.
Ryosaku could no longer rely on Lisa's kindness forever and leave her in a hanging, uncertain, painful position.
It will be very painful, difficult, and lonely for both of them, but at some point they will have to make a decision and go their separate ways.
And... today, on this day, at this time, it was a sad, yet somehow refreshing and clear-skinned morning, fitting for their farewell.
Lisa pushes her bicycle on the way to school, with Ryosaku walking beside her, and they walk in silence for a while down the beautiful, straight farm road that seems to go on forever.
They both knew all too well that this would be their final goodbye.
They, and perhaps, they will never see each other again...
It was Lisa who broke the heavy silence.
