Chapter 48
This year's Equinox... September 23, 1982 was the Autumn Equinox Day and a holiday.
On this day, a "bus trip" was planned between the current second-year students, who were most closely connected to Teacher Suzuki.
It was because all the second graders had done their best in their own ways for Teacher Suzuki, who had taken care of her before she died, so the letter they had written to her was delivered to the teacher's home for this day. It was to be delivered directly by their own hands.
And that was also the purpose of them visiting the graveyard of "D Temple" where Teacher Suzuki was buried, and "reuniting" with that kind teacher.
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The day before the autumnal equinox, Ryosaku was called to the principal's office after school.
When he knocked and entered the room, the new principal, Teacher Nakano, personally made Ryosaku a cup of tea and even offered him some sweets that he had prepared.
The relaxed-looking teacher offered Ryosaku some tea and sweets, and while nibbling on a rice cracker himself, he spoke to Ryosaku.
"...Ryosaku-kun. I've heard a lot about you from Teacher Suzuki. She was my student. She was a very honest and bright girl, and kind to her friends...she was loved by everyone. She was well-liked. The A Elementary School where she last worked was also her alma mater."
As Ryosaku said that, the principal's gaze seemed to be gazing off into the distance, filled with nostalgic memories... He saw the gentle "remembrance" of that teacher Suzuki, filled with deep love, towards him. It felt like... that's what it felt like.
"Yoshiko-kun... was my proud student.She was such a fine child that she never felt embarrassed no matter where I sent her. When I heard that she was going to become a "teacher" like me... I was like, "That's the perfect job for her." I'm sure Yoshiko-kun will lead all the children she meets to a happy life. "
Ryosaku once again learned of Teacher Suzuki's wonderful personality through the principal's talk, and once again expressed his gratitude to God for allowing him to meet such a wonderful teacher.
"...I was so lucky!"
He felt it deeply.
