Chapter 57
The sun was setting, and the crisp afternoon air had turned a bit chilly.
The sounds of cicadas echoing through this beautiful rural forest have changed from the midsummer cicadas and the black-bellied cicadas at dusk to the cicada cicadas that herald the end of summer.
Before Ryosaku and Teacher Kitano noticed, a flock of red dragonflies were flying over their heads...and the smell of autumn...made them feel that the border between the seasons was just around the corner.
When the two of them returned to the temple grounds, they saw Teacher Mizuki and the second graders having just finished their tour of the temple and heading towards the bus.
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"Ryosaku-kun, I'm leaving here now, but my students have a regular exam starting tomorrow, and I have to go to junior high school to prepare for it.''
"Teacher, thank you for letting me meet Teacher Suzuki today. I will never forget this day."
"I had fun. Teacher Yoshiko too... I'm sure she's happy to see Ryosaku-kun again. To her, you're still her cute son..."
"Yes."
"About that letter...I'm sure if you go to Teacher Yoshiko's house from now on, you'll be able to solve the mystery.So you don't have to worry about anything.''
"Teacher···"
"Ryosaku-kun, you are my proudest student. As far as I know, you are the only child as kind as you are at heart. As for Minegishi-kun...I'm sure it's still painful for you... "
"It's okay. I feel like I'll be able to meet her someday."
"That's right. Don't ever give up hope. Teacher Yoshiko and God are sure to be watching over Ryosaku-kun."
"Teacher...I'll become a kind and loving adult like you! I'll study even harder..."
"Yes, that's what you want! If you're Ryosaku-kun, I'm sure you'll improve your grades even more in middle school, and I'm sure you'll become a great student who will serve as a role model for everyone in middle school.
Ryosaku-kun, if you have any concerns or problems, please feel free to contact me. My contact information is also written on this business card. "
"Teacher... thank you very much."
"...Do your best！"
Teacher Kitano patted Ryosaku on the shoulder with his right hand, just as he had on that farewell ceremony.
