Notes: I hope this format is a little more readable, I'll try to do this with more of my translations from now on. It's a little modified from the one I found at ()… as follows: <> represents sound effects, signs, and titles. <> without anything in between still indicates a new page. [] represents a short cultural or linguistic note that can be put in without really disrupting the flow of the story {} represents both asides and unspoken thoughts. A new line indicates a new speech bubble (which sometimes results in line breaks in mid-sentence, but I'm hoping it will be a little easier to follow along with anyway); a skipped line indicates a new frame. Kodomo no Omocha 10 Obana Miho Ribon Mascot Comics/ Shuueisha 1999 Translation copyright Emily Horner, Fall 2000 ehorne2@po-box.mcgill.ca http://takumashii.tripod.com Kurata Sana : An energetic 7th-grade girl who's active in the world of acting Hayama Akito : A lone wolf who opens his heart to Sana Kurata Misako : Sana's mom, a novelist Sasaki Tsuyoshi : Hayama's friend, scary when he gets angry Hayama Fuyuki : Hayama's father Matsui Fuuka : Sana's friend, who used to live in Osaka Kamura Naozumi : A very popular pretty boy actor Sagami Rei : Sana's manager Sana is an actress in seventh grade. When she was in elementary school, her mom Misako published an essay revealing the secrets of her birth. Her classmate Hayama was the one who supported her in the midst of all the uproar. However, things didn't go well between Hayama and Sana so easily. Right after entering middle school, Sana went to shoot a movie on location, and didn't come to school. Meanwhile, her best friend Fuuka became Hayama's girlfriend. After that, Komori, a boy in Hayama's class, disappeared. Hayama went to look for him, and brought him back, but he was severely hurt because he got stabbed in the arm. He managed to survive, but his right hand was still paralyzed. While he was in the hospital, Fuuka realized how important Sana was to Hayama, and they broke up. Hayama and Sana could finally be together. However, Hayama had to go to Los Angeles because his father got transferred. Sana was very depressed from the shock, and her smile disappeared. Even when she thinks that she's smiling, she doesn't smile at all. The same kind of thing happened to Sana when she was seven years old, and she got better thanks to the kind words of Naozumi, who she met by coincidence…but… Naozumi : I wonder if Sana-chan thought that there was maybe something fated between us. I've always felt it was true. Hayama : You've… Hayama : Always… Hayama : Made me sick… <> Sana : Uh-oh, I think there's a fight brewing. Naozumi : Do you want to solve this with violence? Because, to tell you the truth… Naozumi : When it comes to physical strength, I'd lose even to Sana-chan! {Although I did win by cheating!} Hayama : {That's nothing to be proud of…} Naozumi : Anyway, don't go home yet. I know what happened in the past, but nothing's been resolved yet, and you're the cause this time. I think it would be very childish for you to go home now. <> Naozumi : Come out to the yard, I want to talk to you. Naozumi : For some reason, Naozumi : Hayama-kun, you still have a lot of enmity towards me. Naozumi : I've always felt that there was something fated between me and Sana-chan, Naozumi : But I already understand well that she doesn't feel the same way. Naozumi : Still, because you still treated me like a rival, it made me want to provoke you. <> Naozumi : I'm not your enemy any more. Naozumi : Now I'm just 'Sana-chan's ally.' I thought that would make me your ally as well. Naozumi : So, well, Let's be friends, OK? Naozumi : You really don't trust me, do you? Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it. Naozumi : This Los Angeles transfer was pretty sudden, wasn't it? Hayama : Yeah. Naozumi : Maybe if you said you wouldn't go to L.A. … Hayama : But lying wouldn't resolve anything. <> Naozumi : But why do you have to go anyway? Hayama : My dad really wants me to go with him, no matter what. He says if I want to stay there by myself, I'll have to go to work for money to eat, and I can't do that. Naozumi : Man…must be rough having parents sometimes… Hayama : {Come to think of it, he's always been by himself,} {In adult society…} Naozumi : I know, why don't you become an actor too? My manager saw you before at the rehab center, and said, --That kid looks like he could be an actor. Naozumi : And then you could live by yourself! Hayama : Don't joke around. <> Naozumi : I guess you don't really have the personality for it… So then, it's a question of whether to break things off with your family. Naozumi : Anyway, you have to think about making Sana-chan feel better. Since you're the reason she's acting this way, it's up to you to gently show your love for her. Naozumi : Like whispering sweet words of love to her, Or showing a sweet smile. And then she'll think, 'Oh, he loves me!' Naozumi : But you wouldn't be good at that either. --Nao, it's time to go! Naozumi : Oh, work… Naozumi : Sorry, I've gotta go for today. I'll try thinking of some more things, so hang in there. <> Sana : So I met Naozumi-kun when I was seven… That seems kind of strange… Misako : Really… Sana : First thinking that he was a girl, and then forgetting all about it…I don't understand. Misako : It's true that he could easily be mistaken for a girl. Sana : I guess. Sana : Oh, Hayama! I'm glad you didn't go home. Sana : What did you talk about with Naozumi-kun? Hayama : Lots of things. Misako : Would you look at Sana's homework? I'm a little busy. <> Sana : You've really gotten good at writing with your left hand, haven't you? Hayama : Yeah, I've pretty much gotten used to it. Sana : What about your right hand? Can you feel anything yet? Hayama : No, no change. Sana : Oh… Hayama : {Whispering sweet words of love…} Hayama : Chocolate. Cake. Sana : What? {You want some chocolate cake?} Hayama : Never mind. Hayama : {Showing a sweet smile} <> Sana : Why are you staring at me like that? You wanna fight? Hayama : No… {Maybe I've got the same sickness as her…} Hayama : {It wasn't any use, Kamura-kun.} Sana : Hey, Hayama… Hayama : What? Sana : Um… Sana : Kiss me? <> [Argh, this is a silly pun in Japanese which I can't translate at all but will attempt to explain…'chuu suru' is slang for 'to kiss,' from the 'chuu' sound a kiss makes, but 'chuu' is also the sound a mouse makes…] Sana : Wow, you can even turn into a mouse? But, that's not what I meant! Hayama : I can't do something like that when you tell me to. Sana : What's with you, anyway? When I don't want you to do anything, the second I don't pay attention, you try and do something perverted! Hayama : That's not very nice. {But it is true} Sana : But when I tell you to, you don't! Sana : Fine, I don't care if you never do it again! <> Sana : Hey, can you turn into a mouse again? Hayama : I can't do it twice. Sana : Why not? Sana : Heh heh heh… Hayama : Smile. Sana : Huh? I am smiling, it's funny. Hayama : No, you're not. <> Sana : Everybody says that, even you. You're all weird. It's starting to irritate me. Hayama : Then you should get mad! Hayama : You always look like this when you get mad! Sana : I feel sleepy again… Hayama : Huh? Hayama : Watch out! <> Rei : What's going on? I heard a loud crash… Hayama : She suddenly got sleepy and fell from her chair. She might've hit her head. Rei : Oh! Rei : Sana-chan? She's all right, just sleeping. Hayama : {I knew it all along, but…} <> Hayama : {My right hand really is useless…} Hayama : {I couldn't support her at all.} Sana : Good morning {Although it's really night} <> Hayama : Right…I've been thinking that… I'd go home once I talked to you… Sana : About what? Hayama : I… Well, I… Hayama : The first time I heard about my dad going to LA, I thought about you, and I didn't want to go. I didn't want to leave you. Hayama : But I thought about it honestly later, And I was a little happy about it. Hayama : My dad used to go away and leave us with relatives for long periods of time. It wasn't a natural family where we'd all live together. Hayama : I was glad that my dad wanted us to go together, but then things got really complicated. <> Hayama : But, bit by bit, my dad seemed to be more stubborn and selfish, And now I really don't want to go. Hayama : Sana, I don't want to go. Sana : That's not true. You want to go. Hayama : No! It's not a matter of wanting to go. Hayama : No matter what I want, I can't change it. Hayama : You understand that, don't you? From now on, even if painful things happen, don't run away, because we'll get through them together. You said so yourself. Sana : I did? <> Hayama : I don't know what I should do any more. I just want us to react to this situation together. I want to talk to you about it, and you… Sana : I don't want to talk about it any more. Hayama : Then what the hell am I supposed to do? Rei : Should we stop them? Sana : Instead, let's talk about going to Dream Land. Hayama : I'm not done talking to you! Sana : I don't want to talk about that! Misako : Hmm… Hayama : Get a hold on yourself! You can't do anything like this! Sana : No, leave me alone! Hayama : Sana! Sana : Stop it, go home! <> Misako : I'm sorry. I think you were a bit harsh, Hayama-kun. Hayama : Sana… Rei : Understand that she is delicate right now… Hayama : But we can't even talk honestly? She's just running away. Rei : Sometimes it's necessary to run away. Sana-chan's tired from trying too hard. Rei : I don't think she's said anything about it, but… Sensei says that she probably blames herself for what happened to your right hand. Rei : She probably thinks that if she'd been able to stop you at the station, None of this would have happened. <> Rei : And yet, she thought that she just had to try her hardest, and get through things by herself, just like always. Sana : Please make it better, mother! Rei : And so there were lots of things weighing on her mind even before she'd ever heard of you going to LA. But she had been forcing herself to be just as cheerful as ever. Rei : Well, the last time, it took her fifteen days to get better, So let's just wait and see, and hope, and not get too upset. Well, that's what Sensei told me, anyway. <> Hayama : It looks like my rehab's going to take longer than usual today. Rei : So you can't come? I see. There's a doctor here today… No, we haven't told Sana-chan he's a doctor, just that he's Sensei's friend. Hayama : I'll come again tomorrow after karate. Rei : All right. Hayama : {A doctor? I guess she really is sick.} Naozumi : Oh, Hayama-kun isn't coming? There was something I wanted to give him. Misako : Those flowers? Naozumi : No, these are for Sana-chan. Well, I don't have much time today, so I'll have to excuse myself. <> Sana : Oh, Naozumi-kun! Sana : Leaving already? Don't go, I'll make some tea. Naozumi : All right, I'll stay a little while. Hayama : Um, Sensei, do you know a lot about psychology? --I studied it a little when I was a student, why? Hayama : I wanted to ask about…an illness of the heart. --Is there something you're worried about? Hayama : No, it's not me, it's a friend. <> --There are many kinds of mental illness, but there's no one set way to cure them. So I can't just say, 'do this.' Hayama : Oh… You need a doctor? --It seems that way. Anyway, even if you do as the doctor says… --In the end it comes down to the support of those around you… And the efforts of the person in question. Sana : So, I got a job offer, but Rei-kun refused. He said that he heard enough about it to know it wasn't a very good job. What do you think? Naozumi : I think it's nice that you can take it easy. Isn't Hayama-kun coming today? Sana : I don't care if he comes. <> Naozumi : What happened? Misako : They had some kind of ridiculous squabble yesterday. Naozumi : Her body seems healthy enough. Misako : At first glance, yes. But I'm worried because she hasn't had much of an appetite for several days now. There are times, too, when she sleeps as if dead, so it really does seem different from before… Naozumi : I see… Naozumi : Sana-chan… Naozumi : Starting the day after tomorrow, I'm going to Egypt for 10 days. Sana : Egypt? Naozumi : Yeah, as a special reporter exploring Egypt's mysteries. Naozumi : I've been to LA for work, too, but it's really close. I just fell asleep and when I woke up we were there. Naozumi : And besides, you can always use the telephone. <> Naozumi : So it's all right… To be separated for a little while… Isn't it? Sana : {Naozumi-kun…} {You haven't changed at all.} {You're still so kind.} Naozumi : Can I come tomorrow too? We won't see each other for ten days, after all. Sana : Sure, come! --Hello, Kurata residence. <> --Yes, well, Sana-chan is… Fuuka : At work? --Yes, that's it. Fuuka : OK, it's nothing important. Misako : Who was that? --A friend of hers, "Matsui-san." Misako : {I want to take care not to imprudently spread around information about Sana's illness. I haven't said anything to anyone except for the doctor, my household, Hayama-kun, and Kamura-kun.} Misako : {I do not know at all whether this is a good thing or a bad thing for Sana-chan in the state she's in now.} Misako : {It might be the wrong thing to let her rest gently and take her time. However, I cannot resort to desperate measures with the possibility of failure…} Misako : {In case they fail and her heart is entirely shattered.} Misako : {I knew one person whose heart, once broken, was entirely impossible to get back. This person, one of my classmates in middle school, lives even now in a far-away world. If you ask other people the reason why she became like that, it seems like such a trifling thing.} <> Misako : Sana, the phone. It's from Hayama-kun. Sana : Hayama… Sana : Who's that? Misako : Hayama-kun, of course! Your boyfriend! Sana : Oh. Right. Sana : Hayama. Misako : {That startled me.} Sana : Hello? No, not really. How did rehab go? Oh. Hayama : I've got karate tomorrow, but I'll come after that. Sana : Are you sure? You don't have to come every day if you don't want to. Hayama : It's no big deal. <> Sana : We're kinda strange, aren't we? Hayama : No, you're the only strange one. Sana : How'd we get like this? Hayama : Probably because of all this talk about going to LA. Sana : Right. Sana : I thought I'd have new relationships and it'd be all right… Sana : Things used to be much more natural between us… Hayama : Sana? Sana : Are we making a mistake? <> Hayama : I don't understand what you're saying. Sana : Neither do I. Hayama : You're tired. I'll see you tomorrow…before karate. Hayama : 'Bye. Sana : OK. Hayama : {Why? Why, why, why, why, why? What's she saying?} Hayama : {It's like it's not even her! It makes me so mad!} Sana : {Hayama…I don't know what he means to me any more. I just can't think things through clearly.} <> Sana : {Maybe there's nothing certain in the world at all.} Sana : {No matter how many walls you get over, there are still more there. That's all I know.} Sana : {I can't even remember how I got over them.} Sana : {I just feel more depressed. Come and save me again, blue-eyed…} <> Sana : Who's there? Rei : Sana-chan? Rei : You're kidding, right? It's Hayama-kun. Sana : I don't know him. Continue with my homework, mom. Misako : Sana? It's Hayama-kun, he's come to see you. Sana : I don't know him. Mom, my homework… Hayama : Um… <> Hayama : Can you leave us alone? Misako : Not right now. Sana : No… Misako : Hayama-kun, wait! Hayama : Come with me! <> [End of chapter] Misako : Hayama-kun! Misako : Stop him! Hayama : Don't you know who I am? Hayama : Could you just stop joking around? Sana : I'm scared… Sana : There's a scary person here! <> Hayama : Are you being serious? Get a grip on yourself! Sana : I'm scared! Rei : There you are! Are you OK, Sana-chan? Hayama : Don't get in my way! <> Rei : Hayama-kun, calm down! Hayama : Sana! Don't run away! Misako : Hayama-kun! Misako : Please don't be so reckless, Hayama-kun. Hayama : Everybody's been trying to tenderly protect her, But I can't do that! Hayama : She's just spoiled! That's why she's sick! Why do you keep spoiling her? <> Hayama : And so what if I act recklessly and her heart breaks? If it breaks, it can get fixed! Misako : And what if it can't get fixed!? This isn't a "thing" you're talking about! Don't irresponsibly talk about things you're not sure about! Misako : Well…I understand why you're angry… Misako : I think that it's probably only temporary when she says that she's forgotten you. She's very confused now. Perhaps the idea that she would feel better if she could only forget about you became strong enough to take over. Misako : Please don't be too impatient, and just tenderly protect her. Don't you have karate now? You should go. Hayama : {Don't get too impatient, she says…} <> Hayama : {But I don't have much more time.} Hayama : {'I don't know him.'} Hayama : {Tenderly protect her…I wonder if I can.} Hayama : {I bet that he'd be able to…} Hayama : {'I'm not your enemy.'} {I wonder if he's serious.} {Maybe he'll come today too…} {No, I've gotta think about what'll make Sana better instead.} Rei : Where's Hayama-kun? Misako : I sent him off to karate. He said he'd come again afterwards. What about Sana? Rei : She's asleep. Rei : I wonder if she's really forgotten about Hayama-kun… Misako : She really has, for now…but I don't know… It's possible that when she wakes up she'll remember him again. Misako : {I really don't understand. It's completely different from the time when she was seven.} {It doesn't seem to be a problem that will be cured if Hayama-kun doesn't go to Los Angeles.} Well, I'll talk to Iwasaki-san (the psychologist) again. --Sensei, there's a phone call for you asking about the manuscript. Misako : All right, I've made up my mind to postpone the publication of "My daughter and I 2." Rei : Are you sure? Misako : I can't help it, my daughter's most important. Naozumi : Hello. I'm sorry to disturb you again. Misako : Are you going to Egypt tomorrow? Naozumi : Yes, I have a little work to do. Where's Sana-chan? Misako : I think she'll be up soon. Sana : Naozumi-kun… Sana : I had a dream about you. You looked like you were 7 and you had wings on your back. Naozumi : Oh, what would you like me to bring you from Egypt? Naozumi : The folk instruments are really interesting. Sana : {Gentle…blue eyes…} Naozumi : She's forgotten about Hayama-kun? Misako : It seems that way… Although I hope it's temporary… <> Hayama : {This isn't taking my mind off of things at all.} Hayama : {'Who is it?'} --Why are you sighing like that, Hayama? If you're worried about something, we can talk about it. Hayama : {My girlfriend's heart is sick, and she doesn't have any expression at all, and on top of that she seems to have even forgotten who I am…} Hayama : {Would be really hard to say…} {And I think he'd be surprised just to hear I had a girlfriend.} <> --You've been doing quite well. You want to join in today? I'll be your partner. Hayama : {It's no good…my right hand's just getting in the way.} <> Sana : Whoever catches him first, wins. Sana : Here, Maron-chan! Naozumi : He's really attached to you, isn't he? Sana : Not as much as mom. Naozumi : Wow, he's cute…I wish I had a pet… Naozumi : Hayama-kun's late, isn't he? What time does karate finish? Sana : Huh? Naozumi : {She's really forgotten about him?} Sana : Hey, Naozumi-kun… Sana : After you go to Egypt, you'll come right back, right? Naozumi : Yeah, after about 10 days. Naozumi : They're going to let me be like a reporter… I'm glad I won't have to deal with the desert in the summer. <> Sana : Maybe I should go to Egypt with you. Naozumi : What? Sana : Or would that be a bad idea? Naozumi : It's just that we're leaving tomorrow, and… There's lots of stuff, like plane tickets, that would need to be arranged…but it's not just that. Naozumi : Why do you want to go to Egypt with me, anyway? Sana : Maybe I should've gone out with you instead… Naozumi : What? Don't say that kind of thing! {Don't be opportunistic, Nao! Sana-chan's sick!} Sana : That time when you told me that you loved me…I should've answered you… <> Naozumi : Sana-chan… Sana : You're so kind… Sana : If you'd told me that you'd stay close by me, then you would have. Naozumi : Then… <> Naozumi : You want to go out with me? Sana : Yeah. Naozumi : What do you mean by 'Yeah,' Sana-chan? Do you… Love me? Sana : Yeah, I love you. <> Naozumi : I love you. I probably always will. Naozumi : But I hate the Sana-chan who just said she loves me! <> --Then you can't do anything about your feelings! Rei : Maeda-san! He's a little drunk. Misako : You're not supposed to get caught when you eavesdrop! Naozumi : Sana-chan, it's Hayama-kun! Naozumi : The one you love is Akito Hayama, the former (and possibly present) bad guy! You couldn't have completely forgotten about him! <> Naozumi : When you got this on the quiz show, You looked really happy… Who did you want to go with? Naozumi : It wasn't me, was it? It was Hayama-kun. Sana : {'Yay, I'm lucky, I can go with Hayama-kun!'} Sana : {Hayama…} That's right… <> Sana : That's right… Sana : Hayama… Naozumi : Right. Good. Naozumi : I'm going home now. See you later. Sana : Naozumi… Sana : I'm sorry… <> Naozumi : It's all right. Naozumi : Just show me a happy face the next time I see you. Hayama : {I can't do it after all. How can I do karate when I can't even make a fist?} Hayama : {Whenever I felt like this…} <> Hayama : {When I saw her smiling face, I would cheer up, and I'd feel like I could do it again…} Hayama : {I wonder if she still won't recognize me.} Hayama : Kamura!? <> Naozumi : You're late! Hayama : Hey, are you crying? What happened? Naozumi : Ask Sagami-san. Naozumi : Oh, that's right, I meant to give these to you… Naozumi : They say stuff like… Counseling is about letting the other person talk… And making them sure of their own feelings… Naozumi : I hope that if you read them they'll be useful. Hayama : Oh… Naozumi : I'm going to Egypt tomorrow. Hayama : What? Naozumi : I'm going to be a man… And men can't cry. <> Naozumi : I think that no one but you can help Sana-chan… Please, do what you can. Naozumi : {It's hard to leave on a note like that…} Naozumi : {So maybe I'll say one thing to tease him…} Hayama-kun, have you seen the 'three stars' on Sana-chan's bottom yet? 'Bye… Hayama : Hey! {How does he know about that?} --Wait, Nao! <> --Hayama-kun, do you have any interest in the world of acting? Hayama : None at all. --I see. --Oh, Nao only knows about that from a baby picture. Sana : Hayama… Hayama : Hi… {Thank goodness, it was only temporary.} <> Sana : Hayama, I… Hayama : I heard about if from Mr.Sunglasses. Sana : I hurt Naozumi-kun again…what should I do? Hayama : I think he'll be all right. He's much stronger than I am. Sana : Hayama, there's something wrong with me. Sana : Hayama… <> Sana : I'm strange… Sana : What's wrong with me? Sana : What can I do? <> Hayama : Say anything. Sana : Like what? Hayama : Like your wishes. Your complaints. Anything. Sana : Wishes? Hayama : Yeah. Sana : I want your right hand to get better… <> Hayama : OK, I'll try really hard at rehab. What else? Sana : I want to go to Dream Land with you. Hayama : OK, let's go. For a whole week, if you want. Hayama : What else? You can tell me anything, Sana. Sana : I still haven't completely resolved things with Fuuka… Sana : I still feel like I've done something wrong, and things can't be like they were before. And I didn't like it, but… <> Sana : I was sure that I could withstand anything at all… If you were there with me… Sana : But now you're going, and everything in front of me just seems so dark… Hayama : {She was really worried all this time…and I never realized it…} Hayama : I'm not going to go. I'm always going to stay here. <> Sana : That's impossible. If you were the only one who stayed behind, your dad… Hayama : Even if it's impossible, I'll stay. Hayama : So, please get better. For me. Sana : I don't understand… I feel like I'm acting normal, Hayama… Misako : {It seems that she herself has realized there's something wrong with her, although she hasn't yet realized her own expressionlessness. Sana's getting a little weaker, and I can just try to watch over her. What happens next… is all up to the two of them.} <> [End of Chapter] <3rd Term> Tsuyoshi : They sent off your school records? Hayama : Yeah. <> Fuuka : You really are moving, huh? --Hayama-kun! Aya : It'll be lonely, but it's not a lifelong separation. Fuuka : Yeah, America's close! It only takes 10 hours to get there! Tsuyoshi : Right! Fuuka : What's up with Sana? Is she busy with work? Hayama : {'If it's a friend you trust absolutely, you can tell them about Sana's illness.} <> Hayama : Tsuyoshi, Sugita, and Fuuka. Fuuka : What? Hayama : Come with me. Tsuyoshi : "Mermaid sickness"? Hayama : No, "Doll sickness." ['mermaid' and 'doll' sound alike in Japanese.] Aya : Gosh, I thought Sana-chan was just really busy with school over winter break! Tsuyoshi : But her body's healthy, right? We should go cheer her up! Aya : Yeah, with a comedy act or something! Fuuka : Let's all go and see her! <> Sana : Hi everybody…it's been a while. Fuuka : You've lost weight, haven't you? Sana : I have? I haven't been feeling too well. Misako : {Sana is much more seriously ill than I had thought. I had her take many tests, suspecting that it might be a physical disease, but the results proved that what's wrong with her comes not from her body, but her heart.} <> Misako : {And her heart is affecting her body, making her lose her appetite. Even when she does eat, she often only vomits it back up again…and of course, she herself does not realize what's wrong with her own body…} Sana : It's weird, I feel really weak. What's wrong, mom? Misako : {I've lost the will to watch patiently over her.} Fuuka : I can't believe Sana didn't even have an expression! Aya : I was surprised at how thin she was! What should we do? Fuuka : Well, first of all… Fuuka : They say if you eat good things, you'll feel cheerful! Tsuyoshi : But she'll just throw up… Fuuka : She can eat them even if she throws up! Aya : Right, right! Her feelings are what's important! <> Misako : {I don't know what to do any more.} Hello again! Fuuka : Isn't it good? Sana : Yeah, it's good. Hayama : I'm hungry, can I have some too? Misako : {These friends of Sana's, these children, somehow give me a great deal of hope.} Hayama : Are you OK? Sana : Yeah, I'm having fun. Everyone's excited. Hayama : Good. Misako : {And as for Hayama-kun, I feel as if I could rely on him more than any doctors, or counseling, or medicine.} <> --He seems like a very kind boy. Misako : Well, yes… {Although he's become kind very suddenly.} Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun, have you…packed, and stuff like that? Hayama : Yeah, though I'm just pretending to go. Tsuyoshi : Pretending? Hayama : I can't just leave her like that. Tsuyoshi : Akito-kun, then… Hayama : I won't go until she's better, Even if it means being disowned by my family. <> Tsuyoshi : I hope she gets better… Tsuyoshi : Oh, I mean, she'll get better! Don't worry about it so much, OK? Hayama : OK. Sana : {What's happening to me, anyway? It's weird…} Sana : {I know that there's nothing I can do about Hayama moving to LA, and I know I'm just making a big deal about a lot of things that don't matter so much…And Hayama's being so nice to me, too. Why can't I just cheer up?} <> Sana : {Some people say I'm sick, but…I used to be strong…or was I weak? What was I like when I was a kid? I feel like there's always been something weak crying out inside of me..} {Don't go, I'm scared, don't go…} <> Sana : {Don't leave me all alone!} Hayama : Sana : Hayama : You're crying…did you have a nightmare? Sana : I don't know. I don't remember. <> Hayama : Here you go. "Cherry bliss with whipped cream." Sana : What? Hayama : They're popular. I stood in line to get them. Sana : You did? Sana : Mmm, they're good. Hayama : I looked into going to Dream Land… Sana : Really? Hayama : Yeah. We'll have to leave early because it's pretty far. Sana : {I'm glad. Hayama's so kind.} Sana : I'm sorry…they're good, but… Hayama : The bathroom? <> --I'm sorry for bothering you again. Misako : Iwasaki-sensei, please come in. {This person is a famous psychologist…} Misako : {He's published many books and publications, but I knew him from before that.} --How is Sana-chan? Misako : She's been throwing up everything she eats. She's asleep now. Rei : Iwasaki-sensei, may I speak with you for a moment before you see her? --Yes, what is it? Rei : You see, Sana-chan… Rei : When Kurata-sensei's essay was published, she was very scared about being separated from her… --Yes, I suspected as much. Rei : Now, too, the thing she fears most, amidst all her worries, is Hayama going to Los Angeles. <> Rei : And I thought again that what she's very afraid of is being separated from the people she cares about. I would think that if anyone would understand that being physically separated doesn't mean the hearts being separated, she would. --Well, it may be that she cannot fully trust in the bonds between people. Hayama : That's not her problem. --I was only speaking of possibilities. <> --Speaking of her unconscious, or rather subconscious… --I think it's possible that she believes, not so much in her head as in her body, that the bonds between people are very easily broken. --For instance, something that happened when she was a baby, that she no longer remembers, May have been carved somewhere in the back of her mind. --In her case, she may have a very painful experience of her birth… Misako : So you're saying that the conditions under which she was born are affecting her even now? --It is a possibility. <> --The reappearance of her fear of abandonment… Hayama : Stop it. Hayama : Stop talking about this meaningless stuff! Rei : Hayama-kun! Hayama : I don't care about that! Even if it's true, what does it have to do with now? Just tell me what I should do! <> --All right, let's think of that together. Rei : It's getting late, Hayama. Don't you think you should go home? Hayama : I'll come again tomorrow. --He seemed like such a nice young man. Misako : What you just saw was his true personality. He's only nice to Sana. --I see… Sana : Is Hayama here? Misako : You don't need to get up. Sana : It's all right, I'll get up. <> Sana : What about school? Hayama : It's Sunday. Sana : It is? Sana : Hey, Hayama… Hayama : What? Sana : I've been thinking… Sana : It's because we're children that we have to be apart because your dad's getting transferred, isn't it? Hayama : Yeah… <> Sana : I wish we could grow up faster… Hayama : What are you doing? Sana : Wanna see what it feels like to be grown up? Hayama : I'd already tried sake and smoking by the time I graduated from kindergarten. Sana : Eww, it smells like sake. Hayama : Of course it does. <> Sana : Yuck! That wasn't good at all! Sana : I definitely won't know what it feels like to be an adult by drinking that! Hayama : I don't understand you. We don't have any tobacco at my house anyway. Hayama : But just doing adult things… Hayama : Doesn't make you an adult. <> Hayama : Hey, what are you doing? Sana : It's all right, come on! No problem! Hayama : {There is definitely a problem!} Hayama : Stop joking around. Sana : I'm being serious. Sana : Let's be adults, Hayama. <> Sana : {Let's become adults.} <> Sana : {Soon…} Sana : Hee hee hee… Hayama : Hey… <> Hayama : Why do you giggle no matter where I touch you? Sana : Because I'm really ticklish! Hayama : Let's just stop this. Your heart's not in it. Sana : Sorry… Sana : I'm just really embarrassed. Sana : What's wrong? Hayama : Nothing. Hayama : {It would be hard to only have one hand even for someone with experience…} <> Sana : Hayama, how do they do the massage for rehabilitation? Hayama : Like this. Sana : Like this? Rei : Sana-chan? I brought you some tea! Sana : Rei-kun? That's OK, we don't need any tea! Wait! Rei : WHAT!?!?!?!? <> Rei : Hayama, you perverted little brat! Sana : Rei-kun! Misako : What's going on? Misako : Oh my. Misako : Is this…before? After? Hayama : A failed attempt. Sana : Don't be too hard on Hayama, mom! I took my clothes off first and invited him into my bed. Misako : That's my daughter! Rei : Sensei! Misako : That was a joke. Misako : Put your clothes on, you'll catch a cold. <> Misako : "Trying to become adults"? Misako : You can't become an adult just by doing adult things! Sana : I just wanted to try and find out! Things might have changed somehow! Misako : {How simplistic! Almost like myself, perhaps..} Misako : Do you at least have condoms? Sana : No, but… Hayama : There are other kinds of birth control… Misako : So you have some knowledge, at least… But what would you do if you had a baby? <> Sana : I guess I'd abandon it. Misako : That's a good one! Misako : But it's not something to laugh about! Sana : {But you were just laughing!} Misako : Hayama-kun, how old are you now, 13? Hayama : Yeah. Misako : I'm not mad at you. But you must surely know about people who've had children at 14. So I'm saying this in the hopes that you'll understand. Misako : If you want to have a long and happy life together in the future, you have to think of sex as something serious. <> Misako : That's all I wanted to say. Misako : Do you understand? Hayama : Yes, ma'am. Misako : Good answer. Sana? Sana : But we can't be happy for a long time together! Hayama : Sana! Hayama : Hey, wait! Sana : I guess I've failed at the 'war to become an adult.' Hayama : {It was a war?} Sana : I wonder when I'll be an adult… Maybe at the coming-of-age ceremony… [At age 20] Sana : That's a long way off… <> Hayama : Don't cry. Didn't I tell you I wouldn't go? Sana : But that's impossible, Hayama. Sana : You have to go with your father. I understand that. Sana : I understand it, but… Sana : I'm sleepy… <> Sana : Hayama? Hayama : What? <> Sana : Will you listen to my wish? Hayama : Sure, you can tell me anything. Rei : Sensei, I don't think we should leave those two alone. Misako : I don't think you need to worry so much about them. Hayama : Far away? Sana : Yeah…leave, just the two of us. Sana : Set out for somewhere far away and make a new beginning. Singing a song, even. <> Hayama : I don't have any money. Sana : Me neither… Sana : But I've got my secret savings there! And I've got a checkbook, too! Sana : And look at this, it's the 'elopement bible'! [She's holding one of Obana Miho's other manga, 'setsunai ne.'] Sana : Well, what do you think? Hayama : Are you serious? <> Hayama : All right, then. <> Fuyuki : Akito, are you making progress with packing? Hayama : Yeah. Fuyuki : Where are you going? Hayama : To take out the trash. Fuyuki : Hey, Akito! You have to use a transparent trash bag! [In urban areas in Japan, there are rules about what you can and can't throw away.] Rei : Sensei! <> Misako : What is it now? Rei : This… Misako : What is this? Sana really isn't here? Rei : She's not here! I thought she was just sleeping! [End of chapter] Natsumi : Eloping? No way! Fuyuki : B-b-but it seems to be true. Anyway, I'm going to K-k-kurata-san's house. Natsumi : Calm down, dad! Fuyuki : You s-s-stay here, please. Hayama : You ate a little lunch. Do you feel all right? Sana : Yeah, pretty well. I brought some medicine. <> Sana : We'll be there in the morning, right? Hayama : Right. Sana : This is fun. I should've bought some snacks. --Are you two middle schoolers? Hayama : Yes, that's right. --What about school tomorrow? Sana : We have the day off for the principal's birthday. --I see. Where are you going? Sana : To my granma's house. --Is that your friend? Hayama : I'm her cousin. --Oh. Are the two of you all right? <> Sana : Yeah, we've been there a few times, so we're fine. --Well, take care. Sana : Yes, thank you very much. Hayama : I don't think he suspects anything. Sana : We've gotta start thinking about things. Hayama : Yeah…a place to stay, a place to work… Sana : We can think about tomorrow, tomorrow! Hayama : Right. Sana : Let's go to sleep. <> Sana : {I don't want to think about anything… We're together right now…} Fuyuki : I see… Misako : You didn't even know that they were dating, did you? Fuyuki : Not at all…or anything about the trouble Sana-chan was in… I'm very sorry for letting something like this happen. Misako : It's nothing that you should be apologizing for. Misako : The important think right now is to find out where they are. Sagami has gone to the station to look for them. <> Rei : It's this girl. Have you seen her? --Nope. Hey, isn't that the girl that picked you up? --Well, I'll ask around. Rei : Thanks, Gen-san. Rei : I'm going to check at another station. Call my cell phone if you find out anything. Misako : I'm worried right now because Sana isn't in her normal state. If she was, then I would feel all right just not making a fuss and leaving her alone. <> Fuyuki : Leaving her alone? If she was well? Misako : Yes. I would be worried, of course. Misako : But even if those children have done something this stupid, I don't think they're quite that stupid. Misako : I think they're just trying to prepare to be apart, somewhere in their hearts. Misako : I'm sure they've gone somewhere to make memories, And I'm sure they'll come back safely even if we leave them alone. <> Misako : Even if I knew where they were, I wouldn't try to bring them back. Misako : Anyway, Hayama-san… Fuyuki : Yes? Misako : I don't want to intrude into someone else's business…but let me do so a little anyway… Misako : Do you really have to take Hayama to Los Angeles? Sana : OK, I've taken out all my money. Let's go! Hayama : Yeah. Hayama : Hey, are you OK? Your face doesn't look too good. Sana : I'm fine. Oh, I see it! Wow, it's amazing! <> Sana : Anyway, let's have fun here. We'll think about everything else later! Hayama : OK. Sana : It's empty, 'cause it's a weekday! Let's get premium tickets! Hayama : {I'm glad we could come…she seems happy.} Hayama : {I wonder if her expression will return if she enjoys herself…} --Hey, doesn't she look like Kurata Sana-chan? --You think so? Sana-chan looks much cuter. Sana : Come on, Hayama! Hayama : Coming. <> Sana : This makes me think of the time in 6th grade, When I went to Ribbon Land. Sana : I wonder how Mariko-chan (younger sister) is doing. Hayama : Yeah… Sana : This is fun, but…I'm kind of sleepy… Hayama : Go to sleep, then. Sana : Wake me up soon… Hayama : {I was being too optimistic to think that she might get better.} Hayama : {I wonder if it's all right, if I keep taking her with me…} Sana : Oh, that's right, I brought a camera. Want to take some pictures of us together? They can be developed in an hour. Hayama : Pictures? {Might be better not to…they'll show her expression…} Sana : Don't you want to? Hayama : No, that's not it. Hayama : {Well, I guess it's OK.} Sana : Cheese! Sana : We did everything! Hayama : Yeah. Sana : I'm really satisfied! Hayama : Yeah? <> Hayama : What'll we do, Sana? Sana : First of all, let's look for a place to stay. Hayama : Right. Sana : There aren't many hotels around here, but we could see if there's a room open. It looks like Century Plaza's the closest. Hayama : You want to stay somewhere expensive? Sana : Well, the other places are far away… Hayama : OK, we'll do whatever you like. Sana : Let's try here. Sana : Yes, I'm afraid that we don't have a reservation, because we came here suddenly… --Who's the person with you? Sana : My little brother. --I see. <> --Show them to a room, Haneda-sama. Hayama : {Will this be all right, I wonder?} Sana : We did it! My makeup guy said that I could pass for 20. Hayama : Not 20…16 or 17, at most. Sana : What? It was my disguise that got us in here! <> Hayama : You should go to sleep, you must be tired. Sana : I will. Oh, I have to clean off my makeup first. Hayama : Don't bother with that. Sana : It's bad for my skin. Sana : You're probably hungry, Hayama, you can order room service. Hayama : OK. Hayama : {I haven't seen these pictures that just got developed yet…she thought she was smiling, but she doesn't have any expression at all. 'She seems to have realized there's something wrong with her…but don't push her too far, or her heart might break.' I better not show these to her…} <> Hayama : Sana! Sana : I'm all right…just a little tired… Hayama : You're not all right! Do you have a fever? Sana : Who are you calling? Hayama : An ambulance! You need to get to a hospital! <> Sana : No…if you do that, this will all be over… Hayama : Then what the hell am I supposed to do? Sana : I'm sorry…if I have some medicine and rest, I'll be fine. Sana : Wait just a little… {I understand that Hayama and I…} Sana : {Aren't going to get anywhere like this…but I want to stay with him just a little longer…} Hayama : {Somebody tell me what I should do! Everything's all screwed up inside my head!} <123> Hayama : {It isn't doing a bit of good just to 'tenderly protect her' like her mom said!} Sana : Hayama? I feel a little better. Sana : Are you asleep? Sana : What are you doing over there? Sana : {These pictures…I forgot to look at them before.} <> Sana : Huh? {I was smiling in this one.} Sana : {And this one too…I was really smiling.} Hayama : When you look in the mirror and see yourself smiling, it's an illusion. Hayama : You're sick, you know…at heart… <> Sana : Huh? Hayama : You shouldn't be so surprised. It was in the books I got from Kamura… Hayama : There are tons of people who could go to a hospital and get diagnosed, but who just stay sick at heart and don't go to see a doctor. Hayama : That might have been the way it was for me, too. Sana : Hayama? Sana : Why are you suddenly talking about all these things I don't understand? Hayama : That might even be the way it is for everybody in the world, at some point… It's just that the way you show it is unusual. Hayama : You've been looking like this all along. <> Hayama : Get better, already. Sana : I don't understand… Hayama : You're sick. You don't show any expression at all, but you never realized it. Sana : No, I'm just feeling a little bad. Why do you look so scary all of a sudden…and talking about all these things I don't understand… Hayama : This is as much as I can take. Hayama : If you break…then I'll have to take responsibility and be broken with you. <> Sana : That's scary…why are you talking about being broken? Hayama : You can't get better until you realize you're sick! Sana : Why would I be sick at heart? I'm not that fragile. Hayama : You are. Look at yourself. Sana : We went to all the trouble of running away together, let's talk about something more fun. Hayama : Don't run away. Sana : {I'm scared…he was always so nice, and suddenly…} Hayama : Don't run away! Sana : No, let me go! Hayama : That won't help anything! Sana : You're going to Los Angeles anyway, you could've at least let me have some fun until the end! <> Hayama : Stop it! Hayama : You don't understand anything! Hayama : Do you think you're the only one who's going to be lonely when I go? Acting lonely, and getting sick like this—is it some kind of joke? Hayama : I'm going to be just as lonely when I have to leave you! <> Hayama : Lonelier, even… Hayama : I'm the one who's going to go to pieces when I leave you! <> Sana : {Hayama's crying…} Hayama : When you weren't here, I was so lonely I thought I would die! But now, I feel like I have the strength to go on… Hayama : I thought that things would be OK, even if we were apart… Hayama : Don't do this to me! Smile! <> Hayama : Smile, say that 'Los Angeles is really close'! <> Sana : I'm sorry…I'm sorry, Hayama… Sana : I'm sorry… Sana : {I didn't think about Hayama's feelings at all, just about my own sadness.} Sana : {Hayama always acts aloof, but those tears he just showed me…and his true feelings… We're really the same.} <> Sana : {And Hayama was really thinking about me…} Thank you, Hayama…I'm sorry…I'm sorry… <> Sana : Huh? Sana : Huh, Hayama? Where are we? <> Sana : So, we ran away together? That's weird, I don't remember any of it. Hayama : {Is she better now?} Sana : Thanks, Hayama…for going along with my selfishness… Sana : Anyway, think we should go home soon? Hayama : Yeah. Sana : This is the end of our elopement! Sana : Huh? <> Sana : Mom! What are you doing here? Misako : I got here before you. Sana : How'd you know we were here? Misako : I knew pretty quickly. --The tickets here are gone! Misako : That must be where they're going. Misako : Then I found out that the money in your account was gone, so we phoned all the post offices in the area of Dream Land… And went to all the hotels in the area as well… Misako : Please let them spend the night if they come, and contact me. Sana : {I kind of feel disappointed and relieved…adults have been protecting us all along…} <> Sana : I'm sorry, mom. Let's go home. Misako : Sana-chan, your expression…has come back a little? Misako : Did something happen? Fuyuki : Akito… Misako : Let's go to my room for now. The lecture can wait until after we get home. Fuyuki : Did you do anything indecent to Sana-chan? Hayama : No. Misako : Hayama-kun, her face seems better…did something happen? Hayama : Umm… Misako : All right, I'll let you tell me after we get back. <> Misako : Hayama-kun, your father has found a very good doctor to operate on you in Los Angeles. It's because of him that he decided to transfer. Hayama : Huh? Fuyuki : Kurata-san, I don't think you should talk about that yet. Misako : No, it's best to talk about it right away. Hayama : But there are good doctors in Japan too… Fuyuki : This man I've found, Dr. Barns…his rehabilitation institution is amazing. Fuyuki : He's apparently a big karate maniac. He's at a very high level, and even uses karate in rehabilitation. He also sponsors a public karate tournament. Fuyuki : When I heard about him on an earlier business trip, I thought, this is the one! And so, I chased after him. Hayama : Chased after him? Fuyuki : He's very famous and busy, so I had to go to the medical plaza every day to try and see him. Misako : He even skipped work and sat outside his house. <> Sana : If that's how it is, then you should go right away! Fuyuki : Well, we haven't exactly made any formal plans yet… Fuyuki : But I've sent off all the necessary documents, so now it's just a matter of waiting for a reply. [comic] Fuyuki : Doctor, this is Hayama! Please take a look at my son! -- Fuyuki : Don't just smile, give me an answer! [/comic] Rei : But what if you're not accepted? Fuyuki : It's all right, I phoned them yesterday and they said it was OK. I just need an official reply from the doctor. Fuyuki : I was thinking of telling you then, Akito. I want you to have the best surgery available… Fuyuki : I want to let you do karate again. Sana : That's great, Hayama! Really great! <> Sana : You really have to go… Because your hand might get better… That's great… Two days later, the official reply from Dr.Barns arrived at the Hayama household. Apparently, Dr.Barns was aware of Hayama-san's enthusiasm. Sana's blurry memories of the time she was ill returned, and she is facing head-on the pain that comes when you have to look at the weakness inside yourself that makes you avert your eyes. Even when her expression comes back, it's still necessary to rehabilitate her heart. <> After the psychologist, Iwasaki-san, had heard the details of the story from Sana and Hayama-kun, he said that he wanted to write about them in his book, as a case study of 'the boy, A' and 'the girl, S.' Because I had no desire to write their story myself, I said that it would be all right as long as they remained anonymous. In it, he wrote that Sana felt a strong "maternal love" and "romantic love of a young girl" towards Hayama-kun, but when she was sick she lost that "maternal love" and the need to be supported grew stronger in her…and perhaps, when she saw Hayama-kun's tears and true feelings, she was able to take that back and change her own situation. That's a very interesting theory, just as I would expect from Iwasaki- san, but it doesn't matter to either of them. Sana : I feel like I've been off balance. Lots of things have happened… I've fallen in love and had my heart broken… Sana : But I still didn't really know how to be in a relationship… I kind of understand that it's not about depending on someone else… <> Sana : I guess I thought too hard and crossed the limit in my head of what I could think about, and it threw me off balance. Sana : So it might actually be a good opportunity, for us to be apart… Sana : So that I can take some time to think about myself… Hayama : Don't think too hard. And so, the girl, S, and the boy, A… <> Resolved to be apart… --Passengers of Los Angeles flight JAL 062, please… Tsuyoshi : It's already departure time… Aya : Don't cry, Tsuyoshi-kun! Fuuka : He can cry if he wants! Aya : Not even Sana-chan cried! <> Aya : But anyway, I'm glad Sana-chan is better. Tsuyoshi : Yeah, she's much more cheerful now. Fuuka : {It still doesn't look like she's genuinely cheerful to me… She's still getting counseling…} Aya : Oh, they're going! Fuuka : Take care. Aya : Is it true you're going to have the operation right after you get there? Hayama : Well, three days later. Tsuyoshi : Good luck, Akito-kun. Sana : Good luck with the rehabilitation. Fuyuki : Thanks for coming to see us off. Hayama : 'Bye. <> Sana : Hayama! Sana : I'm going to stay a virgin! Sana : So you'd better not cheat on me! <> Sana : And…I'm going to work really hard at everything! Sana : So you have to work hard too! <> Sana : {Our hearts are connected…We'll be able to do our best.} <> [End of chapter] Hello. I am Kurata Misako, a slightly mischievous novelist. Single, with a daughter. Lately, my head has been full with thinking about my daughter. Since Sana's boyfriend Hayama-kun left for America, her friends have been coming over every day for study sessions. They care about her a lot. Fuuka : Yeah, you can do it! Aya : Let's all go into eighth grade together, Sana-chan! Sana : Yeah, I hope I can! Sana's expression has completely returned, and she no longer needs counseling. <> However, the "sad sake" song that she sings worries me somewhat. It seems that there are still somet things she just overcome. Rei : Sing something more cheerful, Sana-chan! Hayama-kun's operation was a great success. His bandages have come off and he's starting rehabilitation again. Sana : Yeah, he calls me about once or twice a week. Dr. Barns is a really interesting person. He's also enjoying learning English. He seems to be doing well. Sana : Fuuka, have you called that friend of yours in Osaka? Fuuka : Yeah, he called me, too. Sana : Really? I'm Sagami Rei, Sana-chan's manager. Formerly homeless, with a girlfriend. We only see each other sometimes, but don't worry about it. <> I cancelled pretty much all of Sana-chan's job offers, and so there were some people saying "That kid's done for," but I'm not worried about it any more. Right now she's just doing one job, on the radio, one that she couldn't turn down. It's "Talk about your troubles room," aimed at people her own age. Sana : This week, too, we'll get right to people's troubles! I thought that she would live less conspicuously for a while, but… Sana : This one is from C-prefecture, and her pen name is "The Dancing Pink Penguin"! I wonder how much trouble she could really be in with a pen name like that! Sana-chan's talks, where she cried and got mad and worried along with her listeners, were really well received. The program's time slot was expanded, and it became very popular. Sana-chan wouldn't think of stopping it, and she's even started to bring her talks home. Sana : This is Sana's worry hotline, working overtime! --Is it really Sana-chan? Sana : The one and only! Rei : You can't tell people your phone number! They'll call you all the time, and there are weirdos out there too… Sana : Yeah…but I can tell it to people who'll understand, right? People who really have a lot of troubles… <> Fuuka : That sounds pretty tough, tell me if there's something I can do to help out. Sana : Something to help out? So Fuuka-chan helped out too, and the "fantastic duo's talks" were also really successful. Sana : This is Sana and Fuuka's trouble talkline! First up is the pen name "Don Tacos," who's worried about love! Fuuka : But then she'd really end up hating you, Don Tacos! Sana : You don't have to be that harsh, Fuuka! But I think so too, a little bit. Sana : Thanks, Fuuka, you're a big help. Fuuka : That's fine, I'm really having fun. Sana : We did get one saying we were hypocrites… Fuuka : Can't help it, though. If they're that twisted, they can worry as much as they like. The friendship between them has become a lot deeper. <> Sana : {Thank you, Fuuka!} Sana : Oh, that's Maeda-san's car. I wonder if Naozumi-kun's here. Naozumi : It's been a while! Naozumi : That program is really interesting, but are you really all right, getting caught up in other people's problems like that? Sana : Yeah, I'm all right. Sana : It makes me happy to cheer up people who are down. I'd like to always do it. Naozumi : {She really is better…} Sana : I'm really sorry about what happened… When I was sick… Naozumi : Huh? <> Naozumi : What was it? I forget things really quickly. Sana : But you remember well what happened when you were little. Naozumi : Well, yeah… Naozumi : When I was little, my dream was to work with you. And that dream's come true now. I'm happy. Sana : Happy? Naozumi : Yeah, I'm happy. Naozumi : Because I still have lots of dreams, and it's a lot of work to make them come true, but it's fun, so I'm happy. <> Naozumi : And if you're happy too, Sana-chan, I'm even happier. Sana : Mom…I wonder if these people don't have someone close they can talk to… Mom : They might not, or they might have one without realizing it. Sana : And that's why they write these letters. Sana : {They mainly talk about problems with love and friendship, but there are some pretty severe ones in there too, and then all I can do is listen…} <> Sana : {There are so many people having hard times…} Hello? This is Sana's worry hotline, working overtime! You're surprised? Yeah, it's the real one. Sana : No, no, you definitely don't want to do that! Don't die! Sana : Yeah, I understand. I'm weak at times too. {Everybody's worried about something…} --No way…even you? Sana : Yeah, sure! {And they're fighting desperately…} --OK, I'll hang in there a little longer. Thanks for listening, Sana-chan. Sana : It was nothing. I'll call you again. Sana : And now, to start studying! Rei : Oh, she's singing a brighter song. <> Misako : Would you like some tea, Sana? Sana : Sure! Sana : I'm happy, Mom. Misako : Oh? Why? Sana : I've been worried about things too, but I'm OK. That's because I've got a lot of really good people around me. Sana : {People who always care about me and support me. Sometimes that feels so natural that I take it for granted.} There's you of course, Mom. Misako : Oh, really? Sana : And Rei-kun, and Shimura-san, and my friends. They're all really good people. And that's why I've been happy lately. <> Misako : It might be that good people gather around other good people. And besides…aren't most of those 'good people' the ones that you cared about first? Even myself…there were times when I was pretty depressed, but you always made me feel calmer. Misako : You were all alone right after you were born, but you've lived twelve years and met up with many people. Misako : It's you, yourself, who has gathered all these good people around you. You should believe in yourself a bit more. <> Sana : Thank you, Mom! Sana : Mom, I've got it! I've got it! Misako : Got what? Sana : Something inside me's going "gura-gura," "don-doko." Rei : Sana-cha… Sana : Rei-kun! After my exams are finished, I want to take on more work! Kurata Sana is ready! Oh, I'm going to borrow the fax machine in your room. <> Rei : Sensei, that was a really cheerful song that Sana-chan was just singing. Misako : I think she's grown even more. Sana : I'm happy…I'm really happy! <> Sana : {I wish that happiness would fall on top of everybody.} Hayama : What's with the fax you just sent me? Hayama : Why are you so happy? Sana : Try and guess. Hayama : Oh, it's morning over here. <> After that, I became a 7th-grader, and I started other jobs while still continuing the radio program. That spring, Hayama's right hand finally moved a little. (So they can take off the brace that was on it before). He's still going to need lots of rehabilitation. Sana : He said he was going to send me a fax of some letters he wrote with his right hand! Aya : Ai shiteru? ["I love you"] [the first letters of the Japanese syllabary, equivalent to "ABC" in English.] Rei : Sana-chan, we're going to the TV station! Sana : Coming! Both of us are really busy every day… <> So we don't call or fax each other as much as we used to. I guess that can't be helped, since we're living totally different lives. I'm a little lonely, but knowing how hard he's working gives me the incentive to try hard too. Then, many months and days went by with us apart… <> *Horizontally written text is in English --The winner of the junior division has been decided! --Akito Hayama, 15 years old, Japanese. --I heard he was one of Dr. Barns's patients. --Where was he hurt? --You really can't see it. --Congratulations on your victory! This is your first one, isn't it? Hayama : Yeah, I'm glad I could participate. In Japan, middle school students aren't allowed to compete. --How do you feel about your victory? Hayama : It's only the junior division, so of course I won. Everyone else was weak. <> --Can't you say something more humble? Hayama : It's thanks to all of you. --Good job, Akito! --Can I take a photo? Hayama : For some minor magazine, right? --Go ahead and take it! --You're really strong and cool, Akito! I'd like to be in a competition some day, do you think I can? Hayama : You can, if you get stronger! (in Japanese: "maybe.") <> <9th grade, November> Misako : Is Sana still asleep? Rei : Yeah, the shooting on location last night was really tough. Sana : I'm Kurata Sana, 14 years old. As always, every day is filled with television, radio, and school. Misako : I wonder whatever happened with her and Hayama-kun. Rei : Hmm…I don't think he's called her lately… Misako : {This might just be natural…} Misako : {I just remembered moving away when I was a child…there was a girl in my neighborhood, I can't remember her name, but her nickname was Chi-chan…and I cried buckets when I had to leave, but I truly believed that I'd see her again…} Misako : {But in the end I never did, and I doubt I ever will again. Our paths in life diverged when I left…} <> Misako : {And that might happen to them, as well… Months and days change a person's heart. Painful memories become mellow, and we forget things…we feel some warmth towards the people we're close to, but in the end we go into our own worlds…} Misako : Kurata speaking. Oh, it's been a while. Sana : It's from Hayama? Sana : Hi, how are you? Did you get my birthday card? You're coming here for high school? Think you can? Yeah, I guess you have less to worry about than I do! What, you're coming to look at the high school tomorrow? Sana : You don't need to come and look at Jinbou high, you already know it! You should just say you miss me! Tomorrow? You're getting here tomorrow? Just for one night? OK, I'll come and see you! Sana : Listen, mom! Hayama's… Misako : I heard it all. Sana : Oh, right! <> Misako : Oh my…where does that child get all that energy? It's something I'd like to learn from. Misako : It's so nice to be young! Shimura : Yes it is, Mi-chan…err, Sensei… Misako : Chi-chan? Shimura : {I haven't been hiding it, I just completely forgot about you, Mi-chan!} Sana : {I knew that we could support each other even if we were apart. We haven't even had one chance to see each other in two years…but we'll see each other tomorrow!} Hayama : Hi! Japan is really cold! Sana : That doesn't suit you at all! Tsuyoshi : You should speak Japanese in Japan! Sana : {Our reunion was so natural, it was like we'd never been apart. I was really happy.} <> Hayama : Are you still doing TV and stuff? Sana : Yeah, but I'm not skipping school. Hayama : Is our house open, Tsuyoshi? Tsuyoshi : Yeah, the people who were renting it left. Sana : {You're a bit too cold, though!} Hayama : This is a minor zine from over there. Tsuyoshi : Wow, you really are in it! Sana : And there's an article, too. Sana : {I bet Hayama sent this magazine…} --Kazuyuki, you have some air mail. Sana : {But it's going to be hard to get it to move perfectly.} Hayama : I can do things like karate, and there's more than a 0% chance I'll get better. Sana : {But he didn't seem gloomy about it at all.} Hayama : And besides, I can at least do this. Hayama : You haven't grown at all. All the girls there are like this. Tsuyoshi : He knew that was going to happen… Sana : How rude, I have too grown! <> Sana : You haven't changed a bit! Sana : This house makes me nostalgic, too. But it's really dusty, you'll have to clean it. Sana : Hayama… Hayama : I missed you… <> Sana : So did I. Hayama : You should've said so earlier. Sana : Same for you. Sana : Oh, that's my cell phone. Can you hold on? Hayama : No. Sana : Hey, I told you to hold on! <> Sana : Hi, this is Sana's worry hotline, working overtime! Hello? Who is it? Let's see, Gatcha-kun? M-chan? Blue-chan? Oh, M-chan! How are you? Sana : You haven't been feeling better? How come? Sana : No, wait, I'm coming! Can I meet you somewhere? We'll talk right away. Sana : Oh, Fuuka? Is your gymnastics lesson over? Yeah, M-chan's still feeling depressed… Sana : Sorry, Hayama. I'm going to see this girl. Some awful things have happened to her, and she's really lonely. Rei-kun told me not to get involved too much, but I really want to see her. Hayama : Can I come too? Sana : Yeah! <> Sana : Sorry, you came all this way… But you'll be able to come here for high school. Hayama : Yeah. Sana : And then we'll always be able to see each other. Hayama : Yeah. Sana : Are you sulking? Hayama : No, I'm not. Sana : Really? Hayama : Yeah. It's good that you're acting like yourself. Sana : You know, this kind of work, making people happy, goes much better when the person who's doing it is happy. Sana : And you are essential to my happiness. <> Sana : Are you embarrassed? Well, so am I! Sana : {We'll support each other, through strength and weakness…There are many things supporting me.} Sana : {I think there will still be times in the future when I feel blue, but I'll definitely be able to get through them…worrying when I have to, and then getting through them.} <> Sana : {And if I'm able to cheer up even one person who needs to be cheered up, then that's good enough.} Fuuka : Where's M-chan waiting? Sana : At a coffee shop right up ahead. Oh, that's my phone! Is it her? Sana : Hi, this is Sana! --Please listen to my problem. Sana : Who's this? Only three people know my number now… --Let's see, I don't really have a problem, so… Oh, yeah, I do! How do I get the girlfriend that I just met for the first time in a long while to act more sexy? <> Hayama : Hey, don't get so mad, it was just an American joke! Sana : The radio show gets a lot of prank calls, it makes me so mad! Hayama : (English) Oh, I didn't know it, sorry! Sana : Apologize in Japanese! Tsuyoshi : They haven't seen each other in so long, and still, all they do is fight… Aya : Cut it out, you two. Fuuka : I think that's just their style. --Sana-chan!? Sana : Uh-oh, can't get caught now! Sana : That's M-chan, there, in the orange T-shirt. <> Sana : Hi, it's Sana! Cheer up, OK? Let's all try our best!