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WhiteAuthor: Akutagawa Ryūnosuke
| Original Title | 白 |
|---|---|
| Author | 芥川 竜之介 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | On a tranquil spring day, a loyal white dog named White witnesses a harrowing scene: his dearest friend, Black, ensnared by a dog catcher. Paralyzed by fear, White flees, abandoning Black to his fate. Returning home, he discovers an inexplicable transformation—his once-snowy fur has turned jet black. Horrified, he is rejected by his beloved owners, who mistake him for a stray. Cast out, White wanders Tokyo, tormented by his reflection and guilt over Black’s demise. Yet amid despair, he finds purpose, rescuing a puppy from cruel children and later saving lives in daring acts of bravery—snatching a child from an oncoming train, battling a serpent, and guiding lost travelers. Newspapers hail the mysterious black hero, unaware of his true identity. Haunted by shame and longing for redemption, White grapples with his altered form and the crushing weight of abandonment. His journey weaves sacrifice and courage, culminating in a poignant return to his home under the autumn moon—where a final, bittersweet revelation awaits. A tale of identity, loyalty, and the shadows that both haunt and transform us. |
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