Chapter 36
Tanabata day was approaching.
For Ryosaku, it was a happy day that could be called the "climax" of his memories with Mieko... At the same time, for Ryosaku, it was still "a painful and trying day."
That day... What kind of state of mind should this "imperfect" Ryosaku, whose wounds have not yet healed, face "that day"?
For him, it's not a day where he feels sentimental about the memories he had with Mieko, but a day where he once again experiences the difference between joy and despair... It's like a day filled with pleasant "memories" amidst the vast ocean of roses called "memories." It was a stressful day where he had to prepare himself for the tidal wave of anxiety that loomed in the distance, rather than enjoying the waves of anxiety...
At the same time, Ryosaku wonders if Mieko, whose wounds have healed, will be able to welcome her unconditionally, even in this "imperfect" state... with that "angel-like smile" she once showed me... Will she forgive me for my sins? Even though he was burdened with two uncertainties, he patiently waited for the letter from that Suzuki teacher.
(...Teacher, has Mieko recovered already? Is she already healthy and waiting for me...? I want to know! Please tell me...Teacher... )
Mieko when she was healthy and playing innocently with Ryosaku... Mieko who genuinely loved him when he was lonely... that lovely figure of her. A letter from Teacher Suzuki informing them of her recovery. An important letter that reconnects Ryosaku and Mieko's bond, which was once torn apart by a "monster"...
A lot of fun and beautiful memories cross the "wilderness'' in Ryosaku over and over again and disappear...
As Ryosaku approaches the school gate, he slowly collapses forward, unable to bear the tension of memories, anxiety, and a glimmer of hope for the letter he has been waiting for from Teacher Suzuki.
(Hey, what happened!?)
(Teacher, Takada-kun is collapsing...!)
(Takada-kun, are you okay!?)
(Wait, don't touch him...call an ambulance right away!!)
As his consciousness faded, Ryosaku heard the blaring sirens of an ambulance approaching.
