Chapter 61
A moment of silence passes in the reception room.
Eventually, Yoshiko's mother looked up and apologized to Ryosaku for her disrespect.
"Ryosaku-san...It's as if I had a new son.Yoshiko's younger brother, who is a lot older than me.Even after Yoshiko was born, I wasn't blessed with a son.That's why the Suzuki family... It was a great shame that it died out in my generation...and I felt lonely."
"Mom..."
"Yoshiko was the only daughter who was important to me... She was the daughter I was proud of. She always cared for me and always supported me. She lost her father to illness when she was young... Yoshiko was always kind and supportive of me as I raised her on my own.Since her childhood, Yoshiko has been cheerful and cheerful towards me.She has lived as my daughter...and despite the age difference She lived with me as my real "young sister".Ryosaku-san...If you were the real Yoshiko's younger brother...I'm sure you'd be successful anywhere. Of course, I think you would also make a fine heir to our Suzuki family."
"......"
"I think Ryosaku-san heard about Teacher Kitano and Yoshiko before coming here. Right...? You know about them, right...?"
"Yes. I heard it directly from Principal Nakano and from Teacher Kitano himself."
"Yes... Teacher Kitano, like Ryosaku-san, was looking at Yoshiko with his very beautiful eyes. He used to come visit us often. He called me "mother." He was calling me.When I look at Ryosaku-san, it's as if the image of Teacher Kitano with his sparkling eyes from back then appears in my eyes and in my heart.
He called my daughter "Yoshiko-chan" and treated her as if she were his younger sister. . I can't forget Teacher Kitano back then... To tell you the truth, Yoshiko was born with a weak body.
She always acted cheerful, but even after she entered A Elementary School, she often missed her school. Kitano-kun...he was worried about Yoshiko every time she was absent from school, and he visited our house many times.
He truly loved Yoshiko... "
Ryosaku sees himself and Kitano's teacher from his childhood. He thinks of the friendly relationship between the two at that time, and for a moment he is ecstatic and immersed in the memories, and in the eyes of Teacher Yoshiko's mother... he sees the image of Teacher Yoshiko as Ryosaku's kind and nostalgic "older sister".
"Ryosaku-san, this is what I think.I'm sure...If Teacher Kitano wasn't at Yoshiko's school at the time, and you were there instead...I'm sure Yoshiko would be in love with Ryosaku-san. I think so."
"Mom...that's..."
"I also read that letter that Yoshiko wrote to Ryosaku-san with all her strength... Yoshiko's "will'".
...Even after Yoshiko's funeral was over, I couldn't read the letter for a while. I was wondering what kind of message she wanted to leave behind at the end..."
"......."
"When I read it, I was surprised. It didn't say anything about me.We have always supported and encouraged each other and lived together like real sisters.
There was nothing written about me in that letter of hers...
What was written instead was... Ryosaku-san, you and Minegishi-san.
I'm sure Yoshiko realized that her death was near, and she wanted to get you and Minegishi-san back on good terms like before.
...And she also wanted to save Minegishi-san, who was suffering, as soon as possible. But...just before Yoshiko could tell you that, she ran out of steam.Fate is truly ruthless.
Even the important message that Yoshiko, who had lived such a splendid and honorable life, tried to convey in the end... was not recognized by the God of Fate. "
"...Mom."
"But, Ryosaku-san, never give up. As long as your passionate feelings for Minegishi-san remain in your heart...I'm sure you'll meet her someday.
Minegishi-san may be in a difficult situation right now, but I think she's looking forward to the day when she can meet Ryosaku-san someday, and with that as support, she's still living without giving up on her hope.
I... I pray that you and she will be reunited and become good friends again... no, this time, you and she will be able to start a new life as unwavering "lifelong partners."
"Mom, I...!"
Tears overflowed from Ryosaku's eyes.
"...Come into my chest."
Yoshiko's mother said that and hugged Ryosaku tightly to her chest.
···yes. Just like Teacher Yoshiko had done for him once.
"You are my precious son. My cute, cute child. That's why, Ryosaku-san...if you could meet Minegishi-san...
If you and Mieko-san meet again, please come visit me at this house someday.
I...I've been waiting forever. I will always wait for that day to come..."
Teacher Yoshiko's mother said so and patted Ryosaku's head lovingly.
Just like that day when Ryosaku cried in Teacher Yoshiko's chest...he felt the same "scent of peaches" from her mother...he continued to cry in her warm breast.
