Memory Items
This is a list of items that he collected throughout the game. Picking up the item allows him to hear the memories/thoughts of that person. This is kept so I remember what this hobo kid carries around with him.
Observatory
Grandpa's Note/Mysterious Blue Stone: (Not a memory item but baawwww this is what the note says)
By the time you read this, I'll already be gone.
Before, I didn't really care if I was dead or alive. I never considered myself worthy of living. And yet, I knew not even death could atone for my sins. You have no idea how hard it was for me to even write you this letter.
It's strange, really...for having wasted so much of my life...now that the end is finally in sight, I never dreamed I'd feel like this. Only the time I spent with you gave meaning to my worthless life. Only now do I regret that I didn't open my heart to you more. Why is it, as I say goodbye, that I'm brimming with so many things I wish I could have said to you? Please forgive this foolish old man.
Head east of here and you will reach a tall red tower. I can't promise, but there you might find other survivors besides yourself. When I am gone, you must go east. Now go...And Seto...thank you...for everything.
Subway Station
Paper Crane: (A conversation between mother and daughter.)
Hee hee hee!
So, dear, what do you want to play next?
Um...Um...I know!
Hide-and-go-seek!
You really do love playing hide-and-go-seek, don't you?
Yep! And I like apples and running races, too!
Oh really? But you always come in last place in races.
Yeah, but I still like them! And! And! I love Mommy best!
And Mommy loves you, too.
Hee hee!
Ha ha ha!
Toy:
Don't let in any strangers while I'm gone.
Okay.
Don't worry. Mommy will be back very soon. I promise. Has Mommy ever broken a promise to you?
Promise.
That's right. I promise.
...Mommy?
Yes, sweetie?
Come back home quick, okay?
Mother's Shoe:
Huh, what's going on? Another earthquake! O-Oh dear! I have to get back to her.
Oh no! AHHHHHHHH!
I have...I have to get home...Hold on...I-I'll be there soon....
Torn letter: (young woman's voice)
I'd always meant to see you, but now it's too late. The world is over, but might wake up again.
But it doesn't matter. You'll never find this. And even if you do, what will the awakened world be like? Will the stars still be in the sky? Will the moon still shine down on us?
Underground Shopping Center
Dictionary: (intelligent sounding man)
I flip hundreds of pages to no avail.
Oh, how do I possibly express this feeling of remorse? Nothing fitting comes to mind. It seems no word in this book could possibly do it justice. No, it's something more than that...These familiar pages only offer empty promises. Words themselves hold no true meaning anymore...Much like my unfulfilled dreams. I no longer have any need for impressive words. This simple one will do.
'Tomorrow'...doesn't even exist.
Game Cartridge: (teenage boy)
I named my character 'AAAA.'
At the time I didn't really care, but halfway through the game, when I thought about changing it, I realized that I was actually pretty attached to it. Despite your bizarre moniker, you still saved the princess and had the king hailing you and your stupid name. Come on 'AAAA.' Are you really going to vanish like this? Are you okay with ending it all without even saving the world, stuck with that name?
I'm sorry, 'AAAA.' I should have thought up a better name for you.
Cracked Milk Bottle: (a tired older man)
If we worked without ambition, spent our days with time on our tails, never thought we were happy and will now disappear without leaving any memory, then what...just what...was the point of us?
Cellphone: (a cheerful teenage girl)
Oops, its already recording! Okay, um...I'm on my way out to say goodbye to this world. I might not make it very far, but even if I only make it one step, so long as time permits me, I want to see this world with my own two eyes. I want to leave proof here that I existed in the world. So, if there's anybody listening to this, please remember me. Remember that I was alive.
Dang, that was pretty gloomy...I should've left it on a more positive note. Ack! I'm almost out of t-
Amusement Park Dog Collar: (male dog)
It was a gloomy, overcast day. Even though it was threatening to rain, you took me on a longer walk than usual. When I looked up at you, you seemed so sad. When we got home, you dropped to your knees and hugged me tight. I wagged my tail, hoping to cheer you up, but the sorrow never left your face. And then, suddenly, tears started falling from your eyes. I licked them for you. They were salty. You stood up and waved your hand. I barked in reply.
And as you slowly turned and walked away, tears began streaming from my eyes as well. I licked them, too. They were salty.
Class Picture: (regretful man)
To live free of regrets. That was my greatest goal in life. And I've followed through with it so far. I have lived my life without regrets. I did well in school and I joined a prosperous company. I never had financial problems. I could afford whatever I wanted. Sickness never visited my door. I never even had to reason to go to the hospital. Truth be told, it was an all-around good life. At least, it was supposed to be. Yet here I am in sorrow. As I inch ever nearer to death I realize I have no one to share it with.
...I'm scared.
Soda Bottle/Ramune bottle: (young boy)
Whenever I drank one, I always wondered how they got that little marble inside the bottle. When I put the bottle to my lips and turned it upside down, the marble would block the soda. But without the marble, I guess there'd be no point to the drink. I wanted it out, but it was stuck in there good. I could only touch it with my tongue.
This is probably one of those things they call 'completely out of reach.' A wish never granted. This may have been my first lesson in that.
Deflated balloon: (young boy)
That was a lot of fun, Mommy. Now let's go back home to Daddy. Something about the clouds looks so menacing and smoky gray. The black crows have begun to caw. We have to hurry home. Mommy in my right hand and my balloon in my left.
What happened? What's going on? Where'd my mommy go? Does anybody know? Anybody? My balloon and me. Alone and afraid. The butterflies flew and I lost myself as I chased them. Alone and afraid, I stuffed them in my pocket.
I stop where I am. I stare at my trembling hands with eyes red from crying. I really am all alone now. So let's go home. We'll tell Daddy all about today. Even the cawing crows have left.
Broken Bomb Detonator: (bitter young man)
I was planning to kiss this world goodbye, but I guess I'll be going first. I don't even have to flip this switch for the world to say adios. If you're holding this detonator now, why not try pushing the button? I bet this ruined world will only rot further into decay. If you're tired of looking for survivors, go ahead and push the button.
Think I'm bluffing? Just try me.
Dirty Shoe: (sad man)
I scaled that hill in these dirty shoes. But if this is what reality holds, I'd rather have never known. I'd be happy climbing this hill, never knowing anything. No real summit...An endless mound of earth.
Nothing. Nothing at all. No hill. Nothing ever there. Not even my birth. No value. No reason to live. No reason to even die. This prayer without answer from a god who never even existed.
Hotel
Ring pillow: (cheerful young woman and older man)
Father?
Everything worked out at the hotel. They said we can hold the wedding there.
Really? That's wonderful! I'm so happy.
What's that?
A ring pillow. Your son brought it over and told me to use it in the ceremony.
I'm sorry, but...it just looks so familiar to me...
Hee hee! Oh you. Don't tell me you've forgotten.
Wait a second...is that the same one we used?
None other. It's the same one you used on your wedding day. See? Here's your initials embroidered on it.
Well, I'll be.
It's funny...Who'd have ever guessed I'd have your wife's initials?
...I'm so sorry it had to end up like this.
Please, don't say things like that. There's nothing to apologize for. I really am happy. When it comes down to it, I'm getting a whole new family.
A new family, huh...
Father, I just want to thank you so much.
What for?
For raising such a fine son. And..for accepting me. I just know we'll be happy.
Key to the Chapel: (cheerful young man and older man)
We got the green light, Dad. They said we were free to use it.
Is that so?
Yeah, look. They even gave me the key to the chapel.
...This is okay with you?
I know the hotel staff already said they wanted to spend their last moments on their own. And I doubt we'll have any guests...
Well, I expected as much, but all the same...
Trust me, it'll be fine. Just you, me and her. The three of us is all we need. Oh, I almost forgot! Sorry to ask you this, Dad, but could you tell her that we can hold the ceremony?
You want me to do it?
You know how it goes. It's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding. It's a tradition. I'm sorry to pull this on you, but I'd really appreciate it.
...All right, then.
Thanks, Dad...Heh, I owe you one.
You little rascal. Now you're making me blush.
Dad's Ring: (older man)
Listen, sweetheart. Tonight, I feel there's so much I need to talk to you about. It's strange, isn't it? For all we know, I could be joining you as soon as tomorrow.
Today, our son's getting married. His fiancee is too good for the fool. She's got a big heart and a good head on her shoulders. Like father, like son, they say. Actually, she reminds me a little of you.
They both seem happy. Just like we were at their age. But even so, I really am an awful parent. I just can't...accept it.
I bet you want to say I'm being silly. They're starting a whole new life. So much to look forward to...And yet, to have it be stolen away like this... there's no way I can accept that.
...But I know. No matter what I think about it, I have to give them my blessing. After all, I'll be the only one at the ceremony to congratulate them.
I know. I know it's wrong to think this way....but I just can't help...
Are you listening up there? If you...If you were alive...do you think you'd be able to smile and wish them well with a clear conscience?
Wedding Bouquet: (older man, young man, young woman)
And, uh...do you promise to take her in sickness and in health...Err, how's the next part go?
Aw come on, already. Do it right, Dad.
Cut me some slack. I'm not even a priest. I've never done this before...Aw, it's no use! Let's start over from the top.
(woman) Don't worry about it. How about we make it simpler? This is our ceremony. We'll do it the way we want it.
She's got a point. Ready, Dad? I promise to love her for the rest of my life.
And I promise the same.
A-All right, then. In that case...
I can kiss the bride, remember?
I was going to say that!
(woman)Hee hee!
(Father) Her smile was so sweet, I found myself grinning back. I never realized how easy smiling could be. The happiness I'm feeling at this very moment makes all of tomorrow's fears trivial in comparison. Whatever happens in the future, I'll always have this moment.
All I want to do now, from the bottom of my heart, is share this happiness with my son and new daughter. Even if the end is not that far off.
Thanks, Dad.
Yes, thank you. Father.
Hahaha. Congratulations, to both of you.
Mug: (woman)
Ice tea on a hot day. Warm cocoa for a chilly night. You always knew just what to get me. If you could pour a cup of my feelings, would you bring them to where I desire? If you could, then a drop would be enough. Bring me all my feelings for you. Fill it right up, right to the brim.
Just...be careful not to spill any on the way.
Torn picture 1 : (thoughtful young woman girl)
Where did you come from? Where are you going? I'm sure you come from some place I don't know, going some place I can't follow.
When I was twelve, I came down with a terrible fever that attacked my nervous system. I survived somehow, but lost the use of my legs. Before I was paralyzed, I'd always dream of becoming a prima ballerina. I loved dancing before an audience and basking in their praise. My parents would tell me that my smile lit up the room, kindling the fire of pride that burned so bright in my young heart.
I can't look back on this time in my life without bringing up Mao. Mao was a neighborhood boy and my best playmate. We shared our dreams, so full of hope for what the future held. Mao aspired to become a botanist.
"Do you know what genes are? They're what determine the color of flowers in the nucleus of their cells. I'm going to study genetics and engineer a flower with a color like the word's never seen before!"
I drew a picture that combined both of our dreams, it showed me as a beautiful woman, dancing in the middle of a field of Mao's flowers. His creations looked like bellflowers that were snow-white by day and that glowed blue at night. I called them lantern blossoms.
When the stars came out, they would light up, making the field a stage all my own.
"A flower that changes color depending on the time of day?" When I tried to show Mao the picture I had drawn, he pursed his lips and gave a slight frown as he thought it over.
"I admit, it sounds interesting. White by day, blue at night, was it? Maybe for the tiny window of time when the sun's going down, it could burn a dark red."
Mao had given a most wonderful addition to my idea. I considered it a present from him to me. I was so happy! My name is Akane, which means dark red in Japanese.
Mao was a pushover of a boy. He was the butt of the other kids' jokes and victim of their pranks. They'd toss his glasses in the garbage or hide them in the blackboard erasers.
However, I was the only one who'd get furious at them, while Mao would rejoice in the fact that they didn't break the lenses. He'd just wipe them clean and put them back on. The boys would think he was being cheeky and tease him all over again, but Mao refused to ever let them get to him.
Mao's head was filled with facts about flowers, so the boys' taunts registered as no more than the meaningless buzz of insects. Meanwhile, I spent all my time worrying about the bullying and helping him find his glasses. We'd eat lunch together and partner up during gym class. Still over time, it became apparent that my attentions meant less and less to Mao.
In fact, it was only when he talked about genetics, or what determined colors in flowers that he would truly come alive, and his eyes would sparkle with excitement. As far as Mao was concerned, I was little more than a mirror for him to talk to about his dreams.
Torn Picture 2:
The day of the recital at the ballet school I attended, despite my insistence that he come, Mao didn't show up. While on stage, my eyes were fixated on the audience. And being so distracted, my feet tripped up my classmates and made a mess of the performance. I went home completely dejected, only to find Mao waiting in front of my house.
"Mao, why didn't you come today?" I demanded as I ran up the steps to him. Mao replied with, "Well, you know..." What was that supposed to mean?
"More importantly, look at this." Mao showed me the inside of the white plastic bag he was holding. What was supposed to be more important?
"They're called 'Moonlight Mushrooms.' They light up at night and if I can figure out what causes that and blend it with the genes of the bellflower." Mao's dirt-smeared cheeks were flushed with excitement, it angered me like nothing ever before. Mao had ditched my recital to go hunting for mushrooms in the ravine instead. I swung my hand up and knocked the bag from Mao's grasp. Dirt flew from the bag and a rain of mushrooms fell to the ground.
Mao looked at them with the saddest expression on his face. Imagine that, Mao was more worried about some mushrooms than about me. He could marry them for all I cared.
"You look like an idiot obsessing over some pathetic mushrooms! I'm just a waste of your precious time, aren't I? Unlike me, your plants don't tell you to come to recitals, they won't make fun of you or tell you to do your homework. You only need to look after them when you want to. You only turn to your plants because you're no good with people. You may have a dream for your future, but don't step all over mine."
I know, I know. I was taking out my frustrations from my poor performance on Mao. My own dreams weren't going as well, so I was looking down on Mao's. It was a lowly thing to do. But I didn't want to apologize. I left Mao standing there as I ran inside and locked myself in my room.
I had hung up my drawing, where everybody could see it on my wall. The one of me, as an adult, dancing in the field of lantern blossoms. That drawing of Mao's and my dreams coming to reality was a treasure to me. When I tried to peel it off the wall, the picture tore.
For a moment, I felt extreme remorse. But I refused to give in, took the torn drawing and ripped it to shreds before dumping it in the garbage.
Torn Picture 3:
I was hit with the fever the night that Mao and I had our fight. I remember bits and and pieces of the dream that flooded my mind, but in the corner of every dream was the same image. It was the drawing that I had ripped to shreds. My legs in the drawing were cut off right at the ankle, in a sense, I was dancing legless.
Soon, the dream became reality. Though the fever subsided, my legs remained paralyzed. I couldn't walk, let alone dance, ever again. I spent weeks mourning in my room. Mao came again and again to check on me, but I refused to see him. Eventually, he stopped coming at all.
After a short time, I went to school bound to a wheelchair. My line of sight was so low to the ground, it felt like I'd reverted back to a little kid. Everything I saw looked different from before. The school buildings were like gray giants that threatened to crush me.
My friends were kind to me, but it felt like they were all looking down on me and sneering. I rarely lifted my head anymore. Even when I ran into Mao at school, I didn't make eye contact with him.
My sickness robbed me of everything. My dream of becoming a ballerina. My smile that people used to say brightened the room. Even Mao.
Even though I was stuck in that wheelchair, I attended school like everyone else. With my unyielding nature, I strived hard in my studies, ate meals with gusto, and led in my student council duties. Finally, my old smile returned and I found a new dream. I decided I'd aim to be a world-class sports photographer. Figuring that my wheelchair couldn't stop me from taking photos, my father had brought me a camera.
Of all the things I lost with my sickness, there was only one thing I couldn't get back. After that day, Mao and I remained strangers. The anger and hurt I felt from him were long gone, and yet there was less and less chance for conversation like before.
I would often watch Mao tending to the flowers in the school garden from my perch at the window. After all this time, it was only now that I truly understood him. It's odd how rather than when we were close, it was by watching him from afar like this, that I came to know him better.
Plants are far more delicate than I used to think. If you're the least bit irresponsible and neglect their care even a little, they take a quick turn for the worse. And because they can't speak for themselves, you have to sit for hours to watch and read what they need. Do they have enough water? Good fertilizer? Any signs of sickness? Are they thriving?
Mao was ever-patient as he looked after his plants. If there was a sickly looking sprout, he'd change its soil set and splint for it and even stay late into the night to watch over it. He'd crouch in front of the flowers that had been trampled on by thoughtless students and mull over them for hours. While the other students were laughing it up and having a good time, only Mao would have his ear tilted to the silent voices of the flowers that nobody cared to listen to.
Torn Picture 4:
When I finally spoke to Mao again, it was the day of our high school graduation. I heard from our homeroom teacher that Mao was going to college in some far-off city. It was a college where he could really pursue his study of botany. I didn't want to leave things as they were. After the ceremony, I searched the school, and found Mao by the school garden.
It'd been so long since I saw him up close and he was a lot taller than I remembered. His long, slender fingers were black with earth and his hands looked weathered. The strap of his canvas shoulder bag had been loosened to its maximum to let his bag fall to his hips. Somehow that was enough to make my heart race.
All I had to do was talk like we used to, but my mind suddenly went blank. What did I sound like when we used to talk? Was my voice high? Low? How did I choose my words? Was I curt with him? Cute? What was my timing when I smiled or got angry? I had no idea what to say.
The graduates and students were laughing and crying together. They called out to each other, their incessant flow of words echoed through the school halls and reverberated around us.
"We'll always be friends! Take care! Good luck! Goodbye! Come back to visit!"
I listened closely to borrow some of their words, but none of them were what I wanted to say.
"Mao...come down here." That was all I could finally manage to say. After a quick look of confusion, Mao kneeled before me, eyes on mine. There was that familiar scent. The smell of damp earth. Mao always smelled of earth. Long ago, I used to love napping beside him as he read. It felt like I was lying in the middle of a grassy field.
I finally felt like I was with my old Mao and was able to speak naturally.
"How's your research for the lantern blossoms going?"
"Actually, my college has fully equipped labs, so I think I'll finally be able to make some sort of progress. Genetic engineering is still a tricky field, so I probably won't be successful right away. I have a million and one things I want to test out, so I highly doubt that four years will be enough time."
Once given the chance, Mao's eyes glistened and he rattled on like the old days. His voice was lower than I remembered. He was intense and full of confidence. But there was still a bit of that old, delicate Mao in him, too.
My heart was filled with so many feelings. I thought I'd burst into tears. I hadn't even cried during the ceremony. How had I survived being apart from Mao all these years? How could I stand not hearing him? How could I breathe without taking in his scent? Why hadn't I tried to patch things up sooner? And now, Mao was going far away.
I would never be able to follow him with my legs.
Mao was like a towering tree beside me. He offered me cozy shade, quenched my thirst with dew, gave me fresh oxygen to breathe. He was a gentle, peaceful tree.
"Mao, we'll always be friends, right?"
"Yeah."
"Take care where you're going."
"Yeah."
"Good luck."
"Yeah."
"Goodbye. And...come and visit me sometime."
"....Yeah."
I'm still studying photography. And I've even landed some gigs. I click the shutter, blown away by the force and breath and energy of the athletes. As a hobby, I've begun shooting trees and flowers too. Whenever I capture the workings of life that flowers give off so powerfully, and yet can be so easy to miss if you're not careful, I swear I can smell Mao beside me.
Though the year of his graduation came, Mao did not. Rumor had it he was staying late at the lab. He was so preoccupied, he'd probably forgotten all about me. I knew deep down in his heart, he never had any intention of keeping his promise to see me again.
By that point, he and I had already started to make our own way down our own separate paths. I had left my tree called Mao and was already breathing on my own. I'd come to realization that our dreams no longer fit on a one-page drawing the way they used to.
Where did you come from? Where are you going? I'm sure you come from some place I don't know, going some place I can't follow. If during your journey you happen to encounter a lantern blossom, I want you to take a moment, stop and think about that botanist who created it.
I'm sure it will have been a young man named Mao. I believe that someday, he'll become the most amazing botanist ever.
Self Help Book: (man)
Now that I think about it, even though I wanted to change myself, somewhere inside, I was convinced these days would go on forever. Now, my time's up. What can I possibly do with so little time left?
For now though, I guess I'll apologize to my boss.
Underground Tunnels
Seven Colored Bells: ( Teenage-young girl)
I looked upon those seven girls no longer breathing. I recalled the world "deathbed." In that bright white alley, they lay there lifeless. I don't think to explore the cause behind it. Death cannot be overturned or reversed. It stays right where it is. It doesn't go anywhere.
The only reason I spilled tears was because of the wretched shape I was in. I had no memory of being loved. Especially not at first glance.
The day they were welcomed into their homes, they were given heirloom bells. It proved that they were loved like family. In all my days, I'd never been given a bell.
And yet here I was, alive, while these girls, who were supposedly loved unconditionally, were dead. It might have been poison. Perhaps even disease. Maybe I, too, would be whisked off by the cold wind of death.
Either way, I was alive.
A part of my heart scoffed, "Serves you right. Just look at the evidence. You ridiculed me, and I survived. You paid the price of cruelty with your lives. Behold! I'm alive."
But no matter how much I yelled, none of them opened their eyes. And my tears didn't stop.
As I picked up one bell after another off the floor, I swore to myself that I wouldn't grieve over them. Not after I'd endured such suffering my whole life. I had the right to mock their life and death. The sound of the bells that were not mine echoed in vain through the air like the tolling bells of a funeral.
Red Bell Anri:
Cough! Cough cough cough!
From beyond the tiny window, fitted into the side of the tiny house, a raspy cough could be heard. There was tiny bed in the room, where a tiny human child's body lay resting.
"Honey, you know you have to get some sleep."
The scolding came from a tall woman who entered the room. She'd come to put out the lantern as she rubbed the boy's back.
"No." he replied, shaking his head. "I'm not sleeping. Anri might come back home."
"Oh, sweetie..." The mother's face was troubled. It was easy to see she knew something. She knew that the 'Anri' the young boy was waiting for was not coming back.
"Anri's coming back, I know she is! She always comes home. I gave her a red bell. She's my little sister."
Ah! So evidently, Anri was the little boy's sister.
I continued to watch them in silence. Thinking about the boy, I was reminded of Anri, who was even tinier than her poor, sickly brother. Once, she came to visit her big brother. He was so pleased and overcome with love her, that he gave her a red bell. Although I was not there, I could picture the scene already.
"Well, if Anri does come, I'll be sure to wake you."
"I know the sound of Anri's bell better than anyone!"
Anri's bell was small and red, but she was no longer with us. Her red bell was only here because if had been stripped from her dead body.
As I looked up at the moon, I recalled the words 'desecrating the dead.'
What I was about to do was the epitome of spitting in the eyes of the dead. That was exactly what I was doing. I had already abandoned her corpse. And now I was adding another sin to my list.
But this was my revenge. It was the perfect thing to do. This was my revenge on her for calling me mangy. I called to the boy in a delicate voice. I rang the bell, the sign of his little sister that the boy claimed to know so well. The window opened.
"Anri?" The boy called to me.
Yes, it's me. It's me, Anri.
He stretched out his arms to embrace me.
"What happened to you? You're all scruffy," he asked. I looked nothing like the beautiful little girl he knew and sounded nothing like her either. Only the red bell remained the same. My revenge was secure.
I'm Anri. Anri, with her red bell. The youngest little sister embraced by her brother's small arms.
Blue Bell Fleur:
"I just don't get the boss these days." Behind the mill, I heard two men talking. They wore matching white uniforms smeared with soot, while smoke seeped from the mouths on their young faces. I snuck up to where their shadows touched the earth and eavesdropped from behind a pole.
"He missed the deadline again."
"And he smacked me just yesterday. Said I left the ashtray full."
"Huh, if he didn't dog us like that, he wouldn't have anything else to do."
"Heh, he said all we do anyways is smoke cigarettes."
"I just don't get him."
"Boy, you said it."
There was the banging sound of a mallet. Word had it this mill was built by the skilled, but eccentric foreman. He'd since taken on two assistants to make furniture around the clock. But the men just idled their days away, breathing out an endless stream of white smoke.
"It must be you-know-what."
"Wouldn't be surprised."
"Ask him."
"You idiot. He'll do more than just box your ears if you do. I wouldn't complain even if he ran me through the sander alive."
"Ugh, you just can't win with him."
"Boy, I'll say."
And with that, they let out white sighs.
"It's seriously been a month since Fleur went missing? Huh, I guess she's not coming back. she probably finally had it with that barbarian. But I'm gonna miss how one look at her kisser and the boss' mood would do a 180."
That was as far as I overheard. Stealthily, I did an about-face and skirted the wall of the mill. From my neck now dangled a blue bell. The symbol of the mill. Today, I had come to be the boss' Fleur.
Approaching the window, a loud voice boomed from inside.
"I told you, it's just not possible! You're not making any sense, you dimwit!"
The sound of the receiver slamming down was coupled with wood being shaved. My ears stood on end and the trembles racked my body. The words 'run through the sander alive' danced in my head. No doubt it'd hurt like mad.
I imagined it, looking down at the blue bell. Does it hurt more than death? Not having experienced either, I didn't know, but dying probably hurt more. At that thought, the trembling stopped. It must've hurt Fleur a lot.
"I can't do this anymore!"
This time, a piece of furniture flew out the window. Things were taking a turn for the worse.
I couldn't control my shivers and the blue bell let out a ring. The boss turned his wrinkled brown face in my direction and scowled. I thought he'd look right through me with his muddy gray eyes. I didn't have the beautiful body of Fleur at all. I was terrified he'd say I wasn't his lovely Fleur and would run me through the sander right then and there.
He suddenly swung his hand high. The palm of his weathered, old hand was blistered. The skin, like bark. I was sure he'd strike me, but instead his hand came up to cup my face.
His rough and powerful hand stroked my head so softly.
"You scrawny little thing." His gruff voice was more like a groan. The way it trembled struck my heart.
Didn't he doubt me? Didn't he see right through me? Should I really let him continue stroking my head like this?
I was speechless as he took me in his arms effortlessly.
"Boys, get in here!" He yelled behind the mill.
"Quit your grumbling and get back to work! If you don't want me to wax your heads, then polish me some new wood! And step on it!"
Despite being yelled at, the two men had twinkles in their eyes.
"The boss' Fleur is back!"
They hollered, hands in the air. Unable to speak, the blue bell spoke for me with a trinkle. At that moment, I had won over her name.
I am Fleur. Fleur, with her blue bell. Petted by a hardheaded boss, I am a furniture maker's beloved daughter.
Work Datebook: (nervous young man)
I'm sorry.
I hope you get this, Mom. I wanted to apologize to you for so long. This might not ever reach you, but I'm sorry for what I did. It's all my fault. It was a lie, so please smile and say it's okay. If we survive this, I'll apologize in person, so please forgive me.
I'm going home now, but this is a memo for when the end comes. If someone else sees this, please tell my mom for me if you can. I'm sorry for being selfish about this, but please. I don't want to die. I don't want to die yet.
Radio: (woman)
Good evening.
Thank you for the many entertaining episodes. I'm truly sad I'll never get to hear your voice again. I loved your show and looked forward to it every week. It always cheered me up. I know you'll never get the chance to read this, but I wanted to send you one last 'thanks.'
From your biggest fan, thank you very much.
Dam
Compass: (little brother and big brother)
Hey, where're you going?
I'm gonna go explore the dam.
Huh? But Mom said we can't go out today.
What? Why not?
I dunno, but...something about how now that we can understand each other, we uh...gotta be together as family.
You idiot. There's a lot more on your mind that you're not saying. Wait...how come I even know what you're thinking?
'Cuz. It's like I said...this is something big.
Well, I don't get it. Either way, I'm going.
But..wait!
Don't tell me you wanna come with me?!
I do!
I'll be honest with you. You're stupid and a bother. But today, I can tell you're really serious.
I am! And I will keep up!
Secret map: (big brother and little brother)
Come on! Hurry up or I'm leaving you behind!
Ah! Sorry.
What are you scribbling there?
It's a map. I wouldn't want us getting lost.
You numbskull! I know this place like the back of my hand. I'd never lose my way here.
But...I need it.
What, you planning on coming here again on your own?
I could! After all, I take after you.
Huh. You're braver than I thought.
Just give me a second to draw this. When I'm done, I'll let you borrow it. It'll be our secret map.
Gah! I told you. I don't need that.
But Papa's always saying better safe than sorry.
Yeah, yeah. If you take after anybody, it's Mom or Dad.
So...?
Just forget about it. Let's go, and don't fall behind!
Glittering stone: (little brother and big brother)
Wow..!
What'd I tell ya? Great view, huh?
Yeah, it's amazing...!
I was saving the best for last. Hey...W-What's the matter?
...Hic...Nngh...
What are you crying about? Weirdo.
Sniff...hic...I'm sorry...
Quit it. You're making me feel weird, too.
...I don't want this to be the last time.
What are you talking about?
Mommy told me this is the last time. But, I don't want that. I wanna come here again with you.
What are you babbling about? I-I get it, so stop crying. ...Fine. Have this.
Ooh...Where'd you get this stone? It's so pretty...
I found it here. Pretty cool, huh? Let's find more here next time.
Next time? Honest?
Cross my heart, hope to die. You keep this one so you know what to look for on our next trip.
Okay!
And don't talk about this being the last time ever again.
Okay...But Mom said-
I promised we'd come again. And real men don't break their promises!
Right...thanks!
Cookie Tin: (big brother)
Hey, you hungry? I brought us something to eat...What gives? You're asleep?
You gotta be kidding me. You're still such a baby.
Next time, I'll bring you somewhere even cooler! But it's real dangerous, so you might get cold feet and quit halfway.
...Come on.
...Are you seriously sleeping?
...Hey. Don't think I'm gonna carry you home!
Huh, the things I do for you.
...Wake up already.
There's no way this'll be our last time here.
...I-It..It can't be.
...Don't be like this.
Come on, if we're going home...you gotta wake up and walk there yourself.
Worn Out Collar: (girl dog)
Oh, why won't he come home? I'm tired of watching the door. He'd usually make me some food and we'd eat together by now. I didn't even make a mess today. I didn't chew on the carpet or anything.
Come home soon. Pet me, and call my name. And then please hold me. I've been waiting like such a good boy...
Pendant: (dying man)
I can't die yet. There's so much I want to say to you. I have to get home. I promised. I promised...I'd come home safe to see your smiling face. But now that might never be possible.
So at least, could I get one more shot? One more chance to make amends? One more chance to see you so I can say I'm sorry? Sorry for committing so many sins that I'll never reach the place you will.
...For not being able to keep my promise.
Did this seriously need a second part oh my god
Observatory
Grandpa's Note/Mysterious Blue Stone: (Not a memory item but baawwww this is what the note says)
By the time you read this, I'll already be gone.
Before, I didn't really care if I was dead or alive. I never considered myself worthy of living. And yet, I knew not even death could atone for my sins. You have no idea how hard it was for me to even write you this letter.
It's strange, really...for having wasted so much of my life...now that the end is finally in sight, I never dreamed I'd feel like this. Only the time I spent with you gave meaning to my worthless life. Only now do I regret that I didn't open my heart to you more. Why is it, as I say goodbye, that I'm brimming with so many things I wish I could have said to you? Please forgive this foolish old man.
Head east of here and you will reach a tall red tower. I can't promise, but there you might find other survivors besides yourself. When I am gone, you must go east. Now go...And Seto...thank you...for everything.
Subway Station
Paper Crane: (A conversation between mother and daughter.)
Hee hee hee!
So, dear, what do you want to play next?
Um...Um...I know!
Hide-and-go-seek!
You really do love playing hide-and-go-seek, don't you?
Yep! And I like apples and running races, too!
Oh really? But you always come in last place in races.
Yeah, but I still like them! And! And! I love Mommy best!
And Mommy loves you, too.
Hee hee!
Ha ha ha!
Toy:
Don't let in any strangers while I'm gone.
Okay.
Don't worry. Mommy will be back very soon. I promise. Has Mommy ever broken a promise to you?
Promise.
That's right. I promise.
...Mommy?
Yes, sweetie?
Come back home quick, okay?
Mother's Shoe:
Huh, what's going on? Another earthquake! O-Oh dear! I have to get back to her.
Oh no! AHHHHHHHH!
I have...I have to get home...Hold on...I-I'll be there soon....
Torn letter: (young woman's voice)
I'd always meant to see you, but now it's too late. The world is over, but might wake up again.
But it doesn't matter. You'll never find this. And even if you do, what will the awakened world be like? Will the stars still be in the sky? Will the moon still shine down on us?
Underground Shopping Center
Dictionary: (intelligent sounding man)
I flip hundreds of pages to no avail.
Oh, how do I possibly express this feeling of remorse? Nothing fitting comes to mind. It seems no word in this book could possibly do it justice. No, it's something more than that...These familiar pages only offer empty promises. Words themselves hold no true meaning anymore...Much like my unfulfilled dreams. I no longer have any need for impressive words. This simple one will do.
'Tomorrow'...doesn't even exist.
Game Cartridge: (teenage boy)
I named my character 'AAAA.'
At the time I didn't really care, but halfway through the game, when I thought about changing it, I realized that I was actually pretty attached to it. Despite your bizarre moniker, you still saved the princess and had the king hailing you and your stupid name. Come on 'AAAA.' Are you really going to vanish like this? Are you okay with ending it all without even saving the world, stuck with that name?
I'm sorry, 'AAAA.' I should have thought up a better name for you.
Cracked Milk Bottle: (a tired older man)
If we worked without ambition, spent our days with time on our tails, never thought we were happy and will now disappear without leaving any memory, then what...just what...was the point of us?
Cellphone: (a cheerful teenage girl)
Oops, its already recording! Okay, um...I'm on my way out to say goodbye to this world. I might not make it very far, but even if I only make it one step, so long as time permits me, I want to see this world with my own two eyes. I want to leave proof here that I existed in the world. So, if there's anybody listening to this, please remember me. Remember that I was alive.
Dang, that was pretty gloomy...I should've left it on a more positive note. Ack! I'm almost out of t-
Amusement Park Dog Collar: (male dog)
It was a gloomy, overcast day. Even though it was threatening to rain, you took me on a longer walk than usual. When I looked up at you, you seemed so sad. When we got home, you dropped to your knees and hugged me tight. I wagged my tail, hoping to cheer you up, but the sorrow never left your face. And then, suddenly, tears started falling from your eyes. I licked them for you. They were salty. You stood up and waved your hand. I barked in reply.
And as you slowly turned and walked away, tears began streaming from my eyes as well. I licked them, too. They were salty.
Class Picture: (regretful man)
To live free of regrets. That was my greatest goal in life. And I've followed through with it so far. I have lived my life without regrets. I did well in school and I joined a prosperous company. I never had financial problems. I could afford whatever I wanted. Sickness never visited my door. I never even had to reason to go to the hospital. Truth be told, it was an all-around good life. At least, it was supposed to be. Yet here I am in sorrow. As I inch ever nearer to death I realize I have no one to share it with.
...I'm scared.
Soda Bottle/Ramune bottle: (young boy)
Whenever I drank one, I always wondered how they got that little marble inside the bottle. When I put the bottle to my lips and turned it upside down, the marble would block the soda. But without the marble, I guess there'd be no point to the drink. I wanted it out, but it was stuck in there good. I could only touch it with my tongue.
This is probably one of those things they call 'completely out of reach.' A wish never granted. This may have been my first lesson in that.
Deflated balloon: (young boy)
That was a lot of fun, Mommy. Now let's go back home to Daddy. Something about the clouds looks so menacing and smoky gray. The black crows have begun to caw. We have to hurry home. Mommy in my right hand and my balloon in my left.
What happened? What's going on? Where'd my mommy go? Does anybody know? Anybody? My balloon and me. Alone and afraid. The butterflies flew and I lost myself as I chased them. Alone and afraid, I stuffed them in my pocket.
I stop where I am. I stare at my trembling hands with eyes red from crying. I really am all alone now. So let's go home. We'll tell Daddy all about today. Even the cawing crows have left.
Broken Bomb Detonator: (bitter young man)
I was planning to kiss this world goodbye, but I guess I'll be going first. I don't even have to flip this switch for the world to say adios. If you're holding this detonator now, why not try pushing the button? I bet this ruined world will only rot further into decay. If you're tired of looking for survivors, go ahead and push the button.
Think I'm bluffing? Just try me.
Dirty Shoe: (sad man)
I scaled that hill in these dirty shoes. But if this is what reality holds, I'd rather have never known. I'd be happy climbing this hill, never knowing anything. No real summit...An endless mound of earth.
Nothing. Nothing at all. No hill. Nothing ever there. Not even my birth. No value. No reason to live. No reason to even die. This prayer without answer from a god who never even existed.
Hotel
Ring pillow: (cheerful young woman and older man)
Father?
Everything worked out at the hotel. They said we can hold the wedding there.
Really? That's wonderful! I'm so happy.
What's that?
A ring pillow. Your son brought it over and told me to use it in the ceremony.
I'm sorry, but...it just looks so familiar to me...
Hee hee! Oh you. Don't tell me you've forgotten.
Wait a second...is that the same one we used?
None other. It's the same one you used on your wedding day. See? Here's your initials embroidered on it.
Well, I'll be.
It's funny...Who'd have ever guessed I'd have your wife's initials?
...I'm so sorry it had to end up like this.
Please, don't say things like that. There's nothing to apologize for. I really am happy. When it comes down to it, I'm getting a whole new family.
A new family, huh...
Father, I just want to thank you so much.
What for?
For raising such a fine son. And..for accepting me. I just know we'll be happy.
Key to the Chapel: (cheerful young man and older man)
We got the green light, Dad. They said we were free to use it.
Is that so?
Yeah, look. They even gave me the key to the chapel.
...This is okay with you?
I know the hotel staff already said they wanted to spend their last moments on their own. And I doubt we'll have any guests...
Well, I expected as much, but all the same...
Trust me, it'll be fine. Just you, me and her. The three of us is all we need. Oh, I almost forgot! Sorry to ask you this, Dad, but could you tell her that we can hold the ceremony?
You want me to do it?
You know how it goes. It's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding. It's a tradition. I'm sorry to pull this on you, but I'd really appreciate it.
...All right, then.
Thanks, Dad...Heh, I owe you one.
You little rascal. Now you're making me blush.
Dad's Ring: (older man)
Listen, sweetheart. Tonight, I feel there's so much I need to talk to you about. It's strange, isn't it? For all we know, I could be joining you as soon as tomorrow.
Today, our son's getting married. His fiancee is too good for the fool. She's got a big heart and a good head on her shoulders. Like father, like son, they say. Actually, she reminds me a little of you.
They both seem happy. Just like we were at their age. But even so, I really am an awful parent. I just can't...accept it.
I bet you want to say I'm being silly. They're starting a whole new life. So much to look forward to...And yet, to have it be stolen away like this... there's no way I can accept that.
...But I know. No matter what I think about it, I have to give them my blessing. After all, I'll be the only one at the ceremony to congratulate them.
I know. I know it's wrong to think this way....but I just can't help...
Are you listening up there? If you...If you were alive...do you think you'd be able to smile and wish them well with a clear conscience?
Wedding Bouquet: (older man, young man, young woman)
And, uh...do you promise to take her in sickness and in health...Err, how's the next part go?
Aw come on, already. Do it right, Dad.
Cut me some slack. I'm not even a priest. I've never done this before...Aw, it's no use! Let's start over from the top.
(woman) Don't worry about it. How about we make it simpler? This is our ceremony. We'll do it the way we want it.
She's got a point. Ready, Dad? I promise to love her for the rest of my life.
And I promise the same.
A-All right, then. In that case...
I can kiss the bride, remember?
I was going to say that!
(woman)Hee hee!
(Father) Her smile was so sweet, I found myself grinning back. I never realized how easy smiling could be. The happiness I'm feeling at this very moment makes all of tomorrow's fears trivial in comparison. Whatever happens in the future, I'll always have this moment.
All I want to do now, from the bottom of my heart, is share this happiness with my son and new daughter. Even if the end is not that far off.
Thanks, Dad.
Yes, thank you. Father.
Hahaha. Congratulations, to both of you.
Mug: (woman)
Ice tea on a hot day. Warm cocoa for a chilly night. You always knew just what to get me. If you could pour a cup of my feelings, would you bring them to where I desire? If you could, then a drop would be enough. Bring me all my feelings for you. Fill it right up, right to the brim.
Just...be careful not to spill any on the way.
Torn picture 1 : (thoughtful young woman girl)
Where did you come from? Where are you going? I'm sure you come from some place I don't know, going some place I can't follow.
When I was twelve, I came down with a terrible fever that attacked my nervous system. I survived somehow, but lost the use of my legs. Before I was paralyzed, I'd always dream of becoming a prima ballerina. I loved dancing before an audience and basking in their praise. My parents would tell me that my smile lit up the room, kindling the fire of pride that burned so bright in my young heart.
I can't look back on this time in my life without bringing up Mao. Mao was a neighborhood boy and my best playmate. We shared our dreams, so full of hope for what the future held. Mao aspired to become a botanist.
"Do you know what genes are? They're what determine the color of flowers in the nucleus of their cells. I'm going to study genetics and engineer a flower with a color like the word's never seen before!"
I drew a picture that combined both of our dreams, it showed me as a beautiful woman, dancing in the middle of a field of Mao's flowers. His creations looked like bellflowers that were snow-white by day and that glowed blue at night. I called them lantern blossoms.
When the stars came out, they would light up, making the field a stage all my own.
"A flower that changes color depending on the time of day?" When I tried to show Mao the picture I had drawn, he pursed his lips and gave a slight frown as he thought it over.
"I admit, it sounds interesting. White by day, blue at night, was it? Maybe for the tiny window of time when the sun's going down, it could burn a dark red."
Mao had given a most wonderful addition to my idea. I considered it a present from him to me. I was so happy! My name is Akane, which means dark red in Japanese.
Mao was a pushover of a boy. He was the butt of the other kids' jokes and victim of their pranks. They'd toss his glasses in the garbage or hide them in the blackboard erasers.
However, I was the only one who'd get furious at them, while Mao would rejoice in the fact that they didn't break the lenses. He'd just wipe them clean and put them back on. The boys would think he was being cheeky and tease him all over again, but Mao refused to ever let them get to him.
Mao's head was filled with facts about flowers, so the boys' taunts registered as no more than the meaningless buzz of insects. Meanwhile, I spent all my time worrying about the bullying and helping him find his glasses. We'd eat lunch together and partner up during gym class. Still over time, it became apparent that my attentions meant less and less to Mao.
In fact, it was only when he talked about genetics, or what determined colors in flowers that he would truly come alive, and his eyes would sparkle with excitement. As far as Mao was concerned, I was little more than a mirror for him to talk to about his dreams.
Torn Picture 2:
The day of the recital at the ballet school I attended, despite my insistence that he come, Mao didn't show up. While on stage, my eyes were fixated on the audience. And being so distracted, my feet tripped up my classmates and made a mess of the performance. I went home completely dejected, only to find Mao waiting in front of my house.
"Mao, why didn't you come today?" I demanded as I ran up the steps to him. Mao replied with, "Well, you know..." What was that supposed to mean?
"More importantly, look at this." Mao showed me the inside of the white plastic bag he was holding. What was supposed to be more important?
"They're called 'Moonlight Mushrooms.' They light up at night and if I can figure out what causes that and blend it with the genes of the bellflower." Mao's dirt-smeared cheeks were flushed with excitement, it angered me like nothing ever before. Mao had ditched my recital to go hunting for mushrooms in the ravine instead. I swung my hand up and knocked the bag from Mao's grasp. Dirt flew from the bag and a rain of mushrooms fell to the ground.
Mao looked at them with the saddest expression on his face. Imagine that, Mao was more worried about some mushrooms than about me. He could marry them for all I cared.
"You look like an idiot obsessing over some pathetic mushrooms! I'm just a waste of your precious time, aren't I? Unlike me, your plants don't tell you to come to recitals, they won't make fun of you or tell you to do your homework. You only need to look after them when you want to. You only turn to your plants because you're no good with people. You may have a dream for your future, but don't step all over mine."
I know, I know. I was taking out my frustrations from my poor performance on Mao. My own dreams weren't going as well, so I was looking down on Mao's. It was a lowly thing to do. But I didn't want to apologize. I left Mao standing there as I ran inside and locked myself in my room.
I had hung up my drawing, where everybody could see it on my wall. The one of me, as an adult, dancing in the field of lantern blossoms. That drawing of Mao's and my dreams coming to reality was a treasure to me. When I tried to peel it off the wall, the picture tore.
For a moment, I felt extreme remorse. But I refused to give in, took the torn drawing and ripped it to shreds before dumping it in the garbage.
Torn Picture 3:
I was hit with the fever the night that Mao and I had our fight. I remember bits and and pieces of the dream that flooded my mind, but in the corner of every dream was the same image. It was the drawing that I had ripped to shreds. My legs in the drawing were cut off right at the ankle, in a sense, I was dancing legless.
Soon, the dream became reality. Though the fever subsided, my legs remained paralyzed. I couldn't walk, let alone dance, ever again. I spent weeks mourning in my room. Mao came again and again to check on me, but I refused to see him. Eventually, he stopped coming at all.
After a short time, I went to school bound to a wheelchair. My line of sight was so low to the ground, it felt like I'd reverted back to a little kid. Everything I saw looked different from before. The school buildings were like gray giants that threatened to crush me.
My friends were kind to me, but it felt like they were all looking down on me and sneering. I rarely lifted my head anymore. Even when I ran into Mao at school, I didn't make eye contact with him.
My sickness robbed me of everything. My dream of becoming a ballerina. My smile that people used to say brightened the room. Even Mao.
Even though I was stuck in that wheelchair, I attended school like everyone else. With my unyielding nature, I strived hard in my studies, ate meals with gusto, and led in my student council duties. Finally, my old smile returned and I found a new dream. I decided I'd aim to be a world-class sports photographer. Figuring that my wheelchair couldn't stop me from taking photos, my father had brought me a camera.
Of all the things I lost with my sickness, there was only one thing I couldn't get back. After that day, Mao and I remained strangers. The anger and hurt I felt from him were long gone, and yet there was less and less chance for conversation like before.
I would often watch Mao tending to the flowers in the school garden from my perch at the window. After all this time, it was only now that I truly understood him. It's odd how rather than when we were close, it was by watching him from afar like this, that I came to know him better.
Plants are far more delicate than I used to think. If you're the least bit irresponsible and neglect their care even a little, they take a quick turn for the worse. And because they can't speak for themselves, you have to sit for hours to watch and read what they need. Do they have enough water? Good fertilizer? Any signs of sickness? Are they thriving?
Mao was ever-patient as he looked after his plants. If there was a sickly looking sprout, he'd change its soil set and splint for it and even stay late into the night to watch over it. He'd crouch in front of the flowers that had been trampled on by thoughtless students and mull over them for hours. While the other students were laughing it up and having a good time, only Mao would have his ear tilted to the silent voices of the flowers that nobody cared to listen to.
Torn Picture 4:
When I finally spoke to Mao again, it was the day of our high school graduation. I heard from our homeroom teacher that Mao was going to college in some far-off city. It was a college where he could really pursue his study of botany. I didn't want to leave things as they were. After the ceremony, I searched the school, and found Mao by the school garden.
It'd been so long since I saw him up close and he was a lot taller than I remembered. His long, slender fingers were black with earth and his hands looked weathered. The strap of his canvas shoulder bag had been loosened to its maximum to let his bag fall to his hips. Somehow that was enough to make my heart race.
All I had to do was talk like we used to, but my mind suddenly went blank. What did I sound like when we used to talk? Was my voice high? Low? How did I choose my words? Was I curt with him? Cute? What was my timing when I smiled or got angry? I had no idea what to say.
The graduates and students were laughing and crying together. They called out to each other, their incessant flow of words echoed through the school halls and reverberated around us.
"We'll always be friends! Take care! Good luck! Goodbye! Come back to visit!"
I listened closely to borrow some of their words, but none of them were what I wanted to say.
"Mao...come down here." That was all I could finally manage to say. After a quick look of confusion, Mao kneeled before me, eyes on mine. There was that familiar scent. The smell of damp earth. Mao always smelled of earth. Long ago, I used to love napping beside him as he read. It felt like I was lying in the middle of a grassy field.
I finally felt like I was with my old Mao and was able to speak naturally.
"How's your research for the lantern blossoms going?"
"Actually, my college has fully equipped labs, so I think I'll finally be able to make some sort of progress. Genetic engineering is still a tricky field, so I probably won't be successful right away. I have a million and one things I want to test out, so I highly doubt that four years will be enough time."
Once given the chance, Mao's eyes glistened and he rattled on like the old days. His voice was lower than I remembered. He was intense and full of confidence. But there was still a bit of that old, delicate Mao in him, too.
My heart was filled with so many feelings. I thought I'd burst into tears. I hadn't even cried during the ceremony. How had I survived being apart from Mao all these years? How could I stand not hearing him? How could I breathe without taking in his scent? Why hadn't I tried to patch things up sooner? And now, Mao was going far away.
I would never be able to follow him with my legs.
Mao was like a towering tree beside me. He offered me cozy shade, quenched my thirst with dew, gave me fresh oxygen to breathe. He was a gentle, peaceful tree.
"Mao, we'll always be friends, right?"
"Yeah."
"Take care where you're going."
"Yeah."
"Good luck."
"Yeah."
"Goodbye. And...come and visit me sometime."
"....Yeah."
I'm still studying photography. And I've even landed some gigs. I click the shutter, blown away by the force and breath and energy of the athletes. As a hobby, I've begun shooting trees and flowers too. Whenever I capture the workings of life that flowers give off so powerfully, and yet can be so easy to miss if you're not careful, I swear I can smell Mao beside me.
Though the year of his graduation came, Mao did not. Rumor had it he was staying late at the lab. He was so preoccupied, he'd probably forgotten all about me. I knew deep down in his heart, he never had any intention of keeping his promise to see me again.
By that point, he and I had already started to make our own way down our own separate paths. I had left my tree called Mao and was already breathing on my own. I'd come to realization that our dreams no longer fit on a one-page drawing the way they used to.
Where did you come from? Where are you going? I'm sure you come from some place I don't know, going some place I can't follow. If during your journey you happen to encounter a lantern blossom, I want you to take a moment, stop and think about that botanist who created it.
I'm sure it will have been a young man named Mao. I believe that someday, he'll become the most amazing botanist ever.
Self Help Book: (man)
Now that I think about it, even though I wanted to change myself, somewhere inside, I was convinced these days would go on forever. Now, my time's up. What can I possibly do with so little time left?
For now though, I guess I'll apologize to my boss.
Underground Tunnels
Seven Colored Bells: ( Teenage-young girl)
I looked upon those seven girls no longer breathing. I recalled the world "deathbed." In that bright white alley, they lay there lifeless. I don't think to explore the cause behind it. Death cannot be overturned or reversed. It stays right where it is. It doesn't go anywhere.
The only reason I spilled tears was because of the wretched shape I was in. I had no memory of being loved. Especially not at first glance.
The day they were welcomed into their homes, they were given heirloom bells. It proved that they were loved like family. In all my days, I'd never been given a bell.
And yet here I was, alive, while these girls, who were supposedly loved unconditionally, were dead. It might have been poison. Perhaps even disease. Maybe I, too, would be whisked off by the cold wind of death.
Either way, I was alive.
A part of my heart scoffed, "Serves you right. Just look at the evidence. You ridiculed me, and I survived. You paid the price of cruelty with your lives. Behold! I'm alive."
But no matter how much I yelled, none of them opened their eyes. And my tears didn't stop.
As I picked up one bell after another off the floor, I swore to myself that I wouldn't grieve over them. Not after I'd endured such suffering my whole life. I had the right to mock their life and death. The sound of the bells that were not mine echoed in vain through the air like the tolling bells of a funeral.
Red Bell Anri:
Cough! Cough cough cough!
From beyond the tiny window, fitted into the side of the tiny house, a raspy cough could be heard. There was tiny bed in the room, where a tiny human child's body lay resting.
"Honey, you know you have to get some sleep."
The scolding came from a tall woman who entered the room. She'd come to put out the lantern as she rubbed the boy's back.
"No." he replied, shaking his head. "I'm not sleeping. Anri might come back home."
"Oh, sweetie..." The mother's face was troubled. It was easy to see she knew something. She knew that the 'Anri' the young boy was waiting for was not coming back.
"Anri's coming back, I know she is! She always comes home. I gave her a red bell. She's my little sister."
Ah! So evidently, Anri was the little boy's sister.
I continued to watch them in silence. Thinking about the boy, I was reminded of Anri, who was even tinier than her poor, sickly brother. Once, she came to visit her big brother. He was so pleased and overcome with love her, that he gave her a red bell. Although I was not there, I could picture the scene already.
"Well, if Anri does come, I'll be sure to wake you."
"I know the sound of Anri's bell better than anyone!"
Anri's bell was small and red, but she was no longer with us. Her red bell was only here because if had been stripped from her dead body.
As I looked up at the moon, I recalled the words 'desecrating the dead.'
What I was about to do was the epitome of spitting in the eyes of the dead. That was exactly what I was doing. I had already abandoned her corpse. And now I was adding another sin to my list.
But this was my revenge. It was the perfect thing to do. This was my revenge on her for calling me mangy. I called to the boy in a delicate voice. I rang the bell, the sign of his little sister that the boy claimed to know so well. The window opened.
"Anri?" The boy called to me.
Yes, it's me. It's me, Anri.
He stretched out his arms to embrace me.
"What happened to you? You're all scruffy," he asked. I looked nothing like the beautiful little girl he knew and sounded nothing like her either. Only the red bell remained the same. My revenge was secure.
I'm Anri. Anri, with her red bell. The youngest little sister embraced by her brother's small arms.
Blue Bell Fleur:
"I just don't get the boss these days." Behind the mill, I heard two men talking. They wore matching white uniforms smeared with soot, while smoke seeped from the mouths on their young faces. I snuck up to where their shadows touched the earth and eavesdropped from behind a pole.
"He missed the deadline again."
"And he smacked me just yesterday. Said I left the ashtray full."
"Huh, if he didn't dog us like that, he wouldn't have anything else to do."
"Heh, he said all we do anyways is smoke cigarettes."
"I just don't get him."
"Boy, you said it."
There was the banging sound of a mallet. Word had it this mill was built by the skilled, but eccentric foreman. He'd since taken on two assistants to make furniture around the clock. But the men just idled their days away, breathing out an endless stream of white smoke.
"It must be you-know-what."
"Wouldn't be surprised."
"Ask him."
"You idiot. He'll do more than just box your ears if you do. I wouldn't complain even if he ran me through the sander alive."
"Ugh, you just can't win with him."
"Boy, I'll say."
And with that, they let out white sighs.
"It's seriously been a month since Fleur went missing? Huh, I guess she's not coming back. she probably finally had it with that barbarian. But I'm gonna miss how one look at her kisser and the boss' mood would do a 180."
That was as far as I overheard. Stealthily, I did an about-face and skirted the wall of the mill. From my neck now dangled a blue bell. The symbol of the mill. Today, I had come to be the boss' Fleur.
Approaching the window, a loud voice boomed from inside.
"I told you, it's just not possible! You're not making any sense, you dimwit!"
The sound of the receiver slamming down was coupled with wood being shaved. My ears stood on end and the trembles racked my body. The words 'run through the sander alive' danced in my head. No doubt it'd hurt like mad.
I imagined it, looking down at the blue bell. Does it hurt more than death? Not having experienced either, I didn't know, but dying probably hurt more. At that thought, the trembling stopped. It must've hurt Fleur a lot.
"I can't do this anymore!"
This time, a piece of furniture flew out the window. Things were taking a turn for the worse.
I couldn't control my shivers and the blue bell let out a ring. The boss turned his wrinkled brown face in my direction and scowled. I thought he'd look right through me with his muddy gray eyes. I didn't have the beautiful body of Fleur at all. I was terrified he'd say I wasn't his lovely Fleur and would run me through the sander right then and there.
He suddenly swung his hand high. The palm of his weathered, old hand was blistered. The skin, like bark. I was sure he'd strike me, but instead his hand came up to cup my face.
His rough and powerful hand stroked my head so softly.
"You scrawny little thing." His gruff voice was more like a groan. The way it trembled struck my heart.
Didn't he doubt me? Didn't he see right through me? Should I really let him continue stroking my head like this?
I was speechless as he took me in his arms effortlessly.
"Boys, get in here!" He yelled behind the mill.
"Quit your grumbling and get back to work! If you don't want me to wax your heads, then polish me some new wood! And step on it!"
Despite being yelled at, the two men had twinkles in their eyes.
"The boss' Fleur is back!"
They hollered, hands in the air. Unable to speak, the blue bell spoke for me with a trinkle. At that moment, I had won over her name.
I am Fleur. Fleur, with her blue bell. Petted by a hardheaded boss, I am a furniture maker's beloved daughter.
Work Datebook: (nervous young man)
I'm sorry.
I hope you get this, Mom. I wanted to apologize to you for so long. This might not ever reach you, but I'm sorry for what I did. It's all my fault. It was a lie, so please smile and say it's okay. If we survive this, I'll apologize in person, so please forgive me.
I'm going home now, but this is a memo for when the end comes. If someone else sees this, please tell my mom for me if you can. I'm sorry for being selfish about this, but please. I don't want to die. I don't want to die yet.
Radio: (woman)
Good evening.
Thank you for the many entertaining episodes. I'm truly sad I'll never get to hear your voice again. I loved your show and looked forward to it every week. It always cheered me up. I know you'll never get the chance to read this, but I wanted to send you one last 'thanks.'
From your biggest fan, thank you very much.
Dam
Compass: (little brother and big brother)
Hey, where're you going?
I'm gonna go explore the dam.
Huh? But Mom said we can't go out today.
What? Why not?
I dunno, but...something about how now that we can understand each other, we uh...gotta be together as family.
You idiot. There's a lot more on your mind that you're not saying. Wait...how come I even know what you're thinking?
'Cuz. It's like I said...this is something big.
Well, I don't get it. Either way, I'm going.
But..wait!
Don't tell me you wanna come with me?!
I do!
I'll be honest with you. You're stupid and a bother. But today, I can tell you're really serious.
I am! And I will keep up!
Secret map: (big brother and little brother)
Come on! Hurry up or I'm leaving you behind!
Ah! Sorry.
What are you scribbling there?
It's a map. I wouldn't want us getting lost.
You numbskull! I know this place like the back of my hand. I'd never lose my way here.
But...I need it.
What, you planning on coming here again on your own?
I could! After all, I take after you.
Huh. You're braver than I thought.
Just give me a second to draw this. When I'm done, I'll let you borrow it. It'll be our secret map.
Gah! I told you. I don't need that.
But Papa's always saying better safe than sorry.
Yeah, yeah. If you take after anybody, it's Mom or Dad.
So...?
Just forget about it. Let's go, and don't fall behind!
Glittering stone: (little brother and big brother)
Wow..!
What'd I tell ya? Great view, huh?
Yeah, it's amazing...!
I was saving the best for last. Hey...W-What's the matter?
...Hic...Nngh...
What are you crying about? Weirdo.
Sniff...hic...I'm sorry...
Quit it. You're making me feel weird, too.
...I don't want this to be the last time.
What are you talking about?
Mommy told me this is the last time. But, I don't want that. I wanna come here again with you.
What are you babbling about? I-I get it, so stop crying. ...Fine. Have this.
Ooh...Where'd you get this stone? It's so pretty...
I found it here. Pretty cool, huh? Let's find more here next time.
Next time? Honest?
Cross my heart, hope to die. You keep this one so you know what to look for on our next trip.
Okay!
And don't talk about this being the last time ever again.
Okay...But Mom said-
I promised we'd come again. And real men don't break their promises!
Right...thanks!
Cookie Tin: (big brother)
Hey, you hungry? I brought us something to eat...What gives? You're asleep?
You gotta be kidding me. You're still such a baby.
Next time, I'll bring you somewhere even cooler! But it's real dangerous, so you might get cold feet and quit halfway.
...Come on.
...Are you seriously sleeping?
...Hey. Don't think I'm gonna carry you home!
Huh, the things I do for you.
...Wake up already.
There's no way this'll be our last time here.
...I-It..It can't be.
...Don't be like this.
Come on, if we're going home...you gotta wake up and walk there yourself.
Worn Out Collar: (girl dog)
Oh, why won't he come home? I'm tired of watching the door. He'd usually make me some food and we'd eat together by now. I didn't even make a mess today. I didn't chew on the carpet or anything.
Come home soon. Pet me, and call my name. And then please hold me. I've been waiting like such a good boy...
Pendant: (dying man)
I can't die yet. There's so much I want to say to you. I have to get home. I promised. I promised...I'd come home safe to see your smiling face. But now that might never be possible.
So at least, could I get one more shot? One more chance to make amends? One more chance to see you so I can say I'm sorry? Sorry for committing so many sins that I'll never reach the place you will.
...For not being able to keep my promise.
Did this seriously need a second part oh my god