Lucy in the sky with diamonds
In the course of writing this book, I've given a lot of thought to the Big Question: what does it mean to be alive? If I were in Shizuko's place, would I have the willpower to live as fully as her? Would I have the courage, or the determination, or the persistence? Could I hold someone's hand with such warmth and strength? To be honest, I'm not so sure.
People the world over turn to religion for salvation. But when religion hurts and maims, where are they to go for salvation? As I talked to Shizuko, I tried to look into her eyes now and then. Just what did she see? What lit up those eyes? If ever she gets well enough to speak unhindered, there's something I'd want to ask: "That day I came to visit, just what did you see?"
But that day is still far off. Before that comes Disneyland.
-"Ii-yu-nii-an (Diensyland)", Underground, Murakami