Chapter 28
After the graduation ceremony went off without a hitch, the next day was a hectic "closing ceremony" for the third semester.
The sixth graders successfully completed yesterday's graduation ceremony and cheerfully departed for a new world as "new junior high school students."
Then, in April, Ryosaku and his fifth graders will finally become the senior students at K Elementary School.
At K Elementary School, the closing ceremony is followed by a farewell ceremony.
Teachers who are leaving the school this year line up on stage one after another to say farewell to all the current students.
Among them, there was not only Teacher Kitano, the homeroom teacher for Ryosaku and his fifth graders, but also Teacher Yoshiko Suzuki, the homeroom teacher for Mieko's first graders.
Teacher Kitano will be transferred to Junior High School A in the southern part of the prefecture as a junior high school teacher... and Teacher Suzuki will also be transferred to Elementary School A in the same city.
It's finally time to say goodbye to the teachers...Teacher Kitano pats Ryosaku on the shoulder and says just a few words.
"...Do your best！"
It was a simple parting word typical of the simple-minded Teacher Kitano.
However, this was not the "rigorous look" he had taken toward Ryosaku as an individual.
Teacher Kitano had a very warm and soft gaze that he had never shown to Ryosaku since he became his homeroom teacher.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
And Ryosaku had the most painful moment of parting since the day he parted ways with Mieko.
Ryosaku's beloved teacher Suzuki, who has supported Ryosaku to this day, encouraged him, and always stood by him when things were tough, is gone from school...
(Do I have to experience that painful "feeling of loss" again?)
A strong and kind benefactor who was Ryosaku's greatest ally and who protected him from the dirty hands of the "monster" who had returned.
"...Ryosaku-kun, please stay healthy. Actually, I've always felt that you were my own child. You were so cute. Ryosaku-kun, you're such an honest and kind child... "
The teacher said that and hugged Ryosaku to her chest just like that day.
(...She has a very nice scent.)
It has a gentle peach-like scent, different from Mieko's...
"I think I understand why Minegishi-san chose Ryosaku-kun.Every morning when she sees me, she happily tells me, "I'm going to play with Ryosaku-kun again today!'' She loved Ryosaku-kun..."
While saying this, the teacher patted Ryosaku on the head with fondness.
"She's sure to recover and show Ryosaku-kun that she's healthy. Later, I'll write to you and tell you Minegishi-san's new school and address. Until then... please wait for a while. Give it to me. For now, please be patient. I'm sorry, Ryosaku-kun..."
There were hot tears in the teacher's eyes, just like that day...and in Ryosaku's eyes too.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
That day, when Ryosaku looked up at the night sky, he saw the twinkle of countless twinkling stars...
A star that shines exceptionally brightly...this is definitely Teacher Suzuki's star.
And, beneath that, two stars shine as if nestled together...two stars that shine together in harmony while being watched over by the teacher's gentle yet powerful star...
... Ryosaku made a wish on those two stars and once again vowed his love for Mieko.
