Pathway to Japanese Literature

Seeing the Red Sky

Characters

Shūzō

Shūichi

Kaneko

Miyo

Doctor

Miyashita

Tokyo's backstreet - the Urata family's residence

The tearoom adjoining the drawing room

The drawing room became Shūzō’s sickroom.
From behind the folding screen came occasional feeble coughs.

Kaneko (lighting a fire in the tearoom): “Your cough has started up again.”
“I’ll give you your medicine right away, so you mustn’t try to get up on your own.”

Shūzō…………….

This charcoal was such a nuisance when she hurried...
With these words, she rose from her seat.
She entered the inner room.
(From the inner room) “Oh my, I told you not to get up. Honestly, Father...”
“What’s wrong…?”
“Are you in that much pain?”
“There now, lie down gently. I’ll rub your back...”
“If you keep doing that, you’ll ruin the trip.”
“After the doctor finally gave permission...”
“What? That can’t possibly happen.”
“It’s alright.”

Shūzō: “I understand perfectly.”
“But I’m sorry for causing all of you worry.”

Kaneko: “That’s not true at all.”
“He left with a solid plan, so there’s absolutely no need for concern…”
“It’s nearly time he should be back.”
“Then we’ll finally know when you’ll be departing.”
“Everything here is ready—we need only go buy the tickets when the moment comes.”
(After a pause) “Wouldn’t a train ride at this hour be lovely…?”
“But I wonder if it wouldn’t tire you…”
“How many hours would it take? About ten…?”

Shūzō: “Since I’m bedridden anyway, I can’t look out the window—if being jostled along counts as a journey, then I suppose it’s a journey.”

Kaneko: “That’s true.
“But once you arrive there, instead of this cramped little place, you’ll be able to look out over wide-open fields and woods—it’s truly another world where you can recuperate at your leisure. I’m sure it will be ever so nice.”

Shūzō: “What? I’m not going there to recuperate.
“I’m just going there to die anyway.”

Kaneko: “Not this again…”

Shūzō: “When I was young, I came to Tokyo thinking I might make something of myself, but here I am at this age, and luck never turned my way.”
“Without even saving enough for funeral expenses—even if I slunk back home in shame, nobody would welcome me with open arms. Still, it’d sit lighter on my conscience than going on being a burden to you all like this.”

Kaneko: “Why must you be like that, Father?”
“It’s only natural for parents to grow old and lean on their children—I’m always telling Shūichi-san that very thing. But why must you feel so beholden…?”

Shūzō: “You’re quite the admirable daughter-in-law.”
“No, really.”
“Even if it’s flattery, I’m glad you say that.”
“Hey—open that shoji screen a bit.”

Kaneko: “The flies have come out again.”
“Shall I get rid of them?”
(The sound of a fly swatter striking flies)

Shūzō: “Does Shūichi truly have a reliable plan to secure the money?”

Kaneko: “He said there was one.”

Shūzō: “Where?”

Kaneko: “Well... Where could it be…?”
“I didn’t ask about that part though…”

Shūzō: Is it somewhere far away…?
“He didn’t come home last night after all…”

Kaneko: “Yes…”

Shūzō: “He didn’t have to push himself so hard…”

Kaneko……

Shūzō: “I wonder if that river can still be fished...”

Kaneko: “What shall I prepare for tonight?”

Shūzō: “How about tempura?”

Kaneko: “You suggesting something so unreasonable…
“Even though you’re still eating porridge…”
“Well then, since there are some nice eggplants, I’ll prepare a grilled eggplant dish.”
“If it’s just a little, it should be fine… I’m sure…”
“I’ll ask the doctor about it later.”

Shūzō: “I want tempura.”

Kaneko: “Soon, you'll see.”
“You’ll be able to have it soon.”
“Come now, that’s enough talk for now.”
“We can’t have you coughing again.”
“Aren’t you cold with this open here?”

Shūzō…….

Kaneko began to close it a little.

Shūzō…………….

Kaneko wondered if electricity still hadn't come...
As she thought this，she appeared in tearoom.
She touched iron kettle，checking its heat，
stirred up flames，
and blew on them while tucking back stray hairs.

The sound of the front gate opening――

Miyo (entering): “I’m home…”

“Welcome back. It must be quite cold outside by now.”
“Not particularly.”
“But it’s rather chilly, isn’t it.”
“Brother is…”

Kaneko: "Still..."
Miyo glanced toward the back room. He was asleep.
Kaneko: "Well... We were talking until just now, but..."
Miyo peered toward the back room and whispered: "I'm home..."
No response. "How are you today?"
"The cough...?"

Kaneko: “Earlier… just a little…”
“But it seems to have settled quite a bit.”

Miyo: “Always you alone handling this, Sister…”
“I feel terrible about it.”

Kaneko: “What are you saying?”
“You’re the one enduring hardships every day, you know.”
“Today I got distracted and still haven’t boiled the water.”

“It’s fine,” Miyo said. “I’ll handle the kitchen today.”

“Such a thing…” Kaneko murmured. “Then please help me.” She glanced toward the darkening window. How was Brother managing tonight?

Miyo frowned at the unlit stove. How far had he gone? Did he truly have any concrete plan?

“Father was saying the same thing and worrying too,” Kaneko offered.

“To talk about worrying—” Miyo’s voice sharpened “—when he’s the one who started all this—”

Kaneko’s eyes darted toward the back room as she made a subtle silencing gesture. “But that’s how it is, isn’t it.”

Miyo: “Brother should have known when to stop... Taking time off work only to face another foolish disaster...”

Kaneko: “Oh, he must have considered various possibilities.”

Miyo: “I understand Brother’s reasoning. He calls it ‘a child’s duty.’ He’s exhausting himself over that.”

Kaneko…………….

Miyo: “Don’t they understand? If you obey every parental demand, our lives will collapse into utter chaos…”

“That too is a matter of degree, though.”

Miyo: “That’s exactly it—it’s all about degree! What’s the point in him desperately scraping together money and taking days off work just to haul some hopeless patient from one place to another? It accomplishes nothing! Even if the patient feels satisfied, forcing healthy people to make unnecessary sacrifices is downright sinful.”
“A patient only deserves sympathy when they act like proper patients should.”
“Being someone’s parent doesn’t give them license to make selfish demands without considering their children’s burdens.”
“Letting that kind of selfishness prevail? That’s nothing but cheap sentimentality.”

“But you can’t sweepingly dismiss it all like that…”

“I’m at my limit,” Miyo said. “Working eight hours every day only to think it helps nobody – I’m completely drained.”

Kaneko adjusted her apron strings. “It does help someone.”

“Then let’s make dinner with that in mind.” Miyo strode toward the kitchen. “I’m getting hungry.”

Kaneko: “I’m truly sorry… Today my coordination was so poor…”
(Hurriedly stands up and heads to the kitchen)

Miyo (following after her)

(In the main room，Shūzō's cough could be heard.)
(Miyo entered.)

Miyo: “Father，you’ve awakened…”

Shūzō…………….

Miyo: “If you keep sticking your hands out like that，you'll get cold.”
“What are you doing? If you tell me，I’ll get it for you.”

A long silence

“Hasn’t Shūichi returned yet?”
“Not yet.”

“What is Kaneko doing?”
“Preparing dinner...”
“Don’t you know where Shūichi has gone either?”
“I don’t know.”
“It’s probably hopeless.”
“And what will you do if it doesn’t work out?”
“It couldn’t be helped.”
“Really…?”
...
“For mercy’s sake, please don’t blame Brother any further.”
“When did I ever blame him?”
“The fact that you blamed him amounts to the same thing.”

Shūzō: "I merely said that if arrangements could be made."

Miyo: "That's precisely it.
'In trying to make arrangements, Brother has been running all over the place.'
'He thinks he must make arrangements.'"

Shūzō: "I'm not saying it has to be forced."

Miyo: "Brother is straining himself trying to make arrangements.
'Therefore, if you were to return today and the arrangements still aren't settled, please tell him from your side, Father, that he doesn't need to go to such lengths.'"

Shūzō…………….

Miyo: “Please do this and give Brother some relief.”
“It’s too pitiful.”

Shūzō: “You’re excessively worried about Brother.”
“Is there no one else concerned about him?”

“There isn’t anyone else.”

Shūzō…………….

Miyo: “If Father would rest properly here with us, we could manage without overexerting ourselves.”
“Even setting aside emergency expenses, returning to the hometown now would still mean supporting two separate households.”

“That’s why I keep saying if I return home, I won’t be your burden,” said Shūzō.

“Even if you say that, it won’t work out that way,” Miyo replied. “There’s no one else who can handle things properly... It’ll all fall back on Brother anyway. First of all, whose household do you plan to stay at?”

“Then stop worrying. Sada said I should come anytime.”

“Aunt? How could that be possible? She’s going to someone else’s household, isn’t she? And Father—don’t you realize how gravely ill you are?”

Shūzō: "Enough. I understand."
"You know nothing—stop with the unnecessary comments."
"People back home don't start tallying costs like you lot do."

Miyo: "'Tallying costs,' you say……"
"That's not what I'm talking about."
"Brother still has his future ahead—I want to spare him life's hardships as much as possible."
"That all depends on Father's will now."

“It depends on my will…”
“Why, it’s entirely up to my will.”
“I’m rather thinking of lightening your burden.”

“If that’s the case, then please don’t go to the countryside and recuperate here instead.”
“I beg you, please do this.”

Shūzō…………….

Miyo: “You will do that for us, won’t you?”

Shūzō…………….

Miyo: “Do you dislike being here that much?”
“Oh, why… why are you crying…?”
“(Gently) Do you want to leave that badly?”

A long silence fell.

A voice called “Excuse me” from outside.

Kaneko went to answer.

Kaneko’s voice responded, “That is correct.”
(Pause) “No, he hasn’t returned since yesterday...”
(Pause) “Oh, is that so… I just… still… It’s a pleasure to meet you…”
“We’re always causing you trouble with our home.”
“No, it’s… Well, thanks to your kindness…”
“Please, I must apologize for the mess, but do come in for a moment…”
“You see, with a patient in the house, things simply haven’t been tidied at all…”
“Please… it’s rather improper there, so…”
(While saying this, she guided the guest into the parlor and appeared there.)

The guest was Miyashita, Shūichi’s superior at the company where he worked.

Miyashita: "Ah yes, I had heard beforehand about your patient’s condition—how is he faring now?"

Kaneko (offering a floor cushion): "Please, do have a seat."

Miyashita (sitting down): "Ah, please—let’s dispense with formal greetings… Getting straight to the matter—" (Noticing Kaneko seemed concerned about someone in the back rooms, he suddenly lowered his voice) "Getting straight to the matter—actually, regarding Mr. Urata’s unauthorized absence from the company today, I wished to make brief inquiry… Has there been some unusual occurrence?"

Kaneko: “Ah… The truth is, he left home yesterday and there’s been no word since. There are certain circumstances—he must be visiting various acquaintances here and there…”
“We naturally assumed he had informed the company of his absence, but this is most unexpected… We deeply apologize for causing you concern.”

Miyashita: “Well, that’s not an issue in itself… Given the circumstances…”
“After all, he’s been such a diligent worker until now—we wouldn’t make much of this alone…”
“The fact is…”
(After deliberation) “Rather—if you understand these circumstances—would you kindly explain them to me?”
“That might prove simpler.”

Kaneko: “Ah, well… There’s nothing in particular to speak of, but…”
“It’s merely a private family matter, so whether it’s suitable to discuss with you all or not…”

“That’s not an issue at all,” said Miyashita. “In my modest capacity, I must…how should I put this…exert myself regarding Mr. Urata’s personal circumstances, given my position. You needn’t trouble yourself over such matters.”

Kaneko formally acknowledged this. “Then please wait a moment.” She retreated into the back room, drew Miyo to the threshold, and whispered in her ear.

Miyo entered the parlor nodding.

“She is Urata’s sister.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance...”
“We’re forever indebted to you.”

“Not at all—I’ve been remiss in my attentiveness...”
“You are employed somewhere, if I’m not mistaken?”

“At a modest magazine publisher.”

“Commendable.”
“It must be rather demanding for a lady.”

“Not at all—I’m hardly accomplishing anything...”
“Regarding our present discussion—there being certain matters I would rather not disclose—after first understanding your business here, should disclosure prove necessary, I would propose doing so subsequently. How would this arrangement suit?”
“Let me assure you this implies no distrust—but considering my brother’s disposition, we feel capable of distinguishing what merits others’ awareness from what does not...”

Miyashita: “Ah, I see...”
“Then allow me to explain.”
“Oh, it’s nothing serious really. But given my professional duties, we must at least observe the formalities of an inquiry—otherwise complications might arise later...”
“To put it plainly—the fact is this.”
“This afternoon we discovered that some money from the safe has gone missing.”
“Yet while all other employees reported to work, both Mr. Urata and—more critically—the accountant have taken unauthorized absences without notice.”
“Now wait—”
“After thorough deliberation, we’ve decided to investigate both individuals... Not in the sense of criminal suspicion, you understand. Furthermore, if public disclosure becomes necessary we’ll proceed accordingly; if an internal resolution proves feasible we’ll pursue that course...”
“Regarding Mr. Urata—given my official capacity in this matter—I deemed it proper to meet him directly for clarification, hence this sudden visit...”
“Naturally I don’t believe him capable of such misconduct based on his character—though I shouldn’t say this—I rather suspect the other party bears responsibility... That’s my personal conviction.”
“There was perhaps no need to trouble you with these details—(else the performance collapses—wh-what am I saying?)—no—rather, silence would have implied distrust toward you all beginning with Mr. Urata—hence my frank disclosure.”
“Please don’t dwell on this...”
“When Mr. Urata returns, have him come to my residence immediately.”
“I assure you matters won’t be handled disadvantageously.”
“Kindly convey this message precisely.”

“Understood,” said Miyo. “Thank you for your consideration.”
“Therefore, regarding what was mentioned earlier—since it bears no relation whatsoever to such matters—we have deliberately avoided bringing it to your attention.”

Miyashita pressed further: “Yet you must have some general idea of his whereabouts.”

“I do not know that,” Miyo replied.

Miyashita: “Then…”

“I do not know that.”
“Completely…”

A long silence

“I believe he will likely return tonight, but……”
“When he returns……”

Miyashita: “Yes—in any case, I shall be waiting.”
“Ah, I must apologize for the intrusion.”

“In any case, I leave it to your discretion…”

“I couldn’t even extend proper hospitality…”

Miyashita exited—Kaneko and Miyo saw him out.

Miyo (entering): "No way..."

Kaneko (covering her face with both hands as if trying not to see something horrifying): "Why would you mention that again...?"

Miyo: “Exactly! How could we tolerate such a thing?”
“What an idiot that man is…”

Kaneko: “We’ll know soon enough when he returns home.”

Miyo: “Come now, let’s stop dwelling on that and prepare dinner.”
(Goes to the kitchen)

Kaneko (stands vacantly deep in thought)

Before long, from the kitchen, the low sound of Miyo humming a song became audible.
The voice of the song gradually rose in pitch, but its rhythm grew increasingly disordered before abruptly ceasing altogether.

Kaneko (starts heading in that direction as if remembering something.
But at that moment, she seems to hear footsteps from the front gate and pricks up her ears.)

A long silence ensued.

Miyo’s voice (from within): “Sis...”

Kaneko: “What is it…”

Miyo: “What’re we doing with this now?”

Kaneko headed to the kitchen. “This knife won’t cut properly,” she said. “Enough already… Just… You go on upstairs… I’ll finish up here… Look how red the sky’s gotten…”

Miyo: “I hate skies like this… Don’t know why, but when I see things this color… Makes me want to fight everything—even myself… Weird, isn’t it?”

Kaneko: “When I see the sunset, I somehow feel busier—it must be because it’s around dinnertime, don’t you think?”
Miyo (vacantly): “I suppose so.”

A long silence

The sound of the front door opening.

Before long, Shūichi Urata entered with a tired expression.

They must have sensed his presence.
From the kitchen, Miyo and Kaneko emerged one after the other.
The two of them stood frozen in place after exchanging glances.
In the women's eyes, anxiety surfaced vividly; their hearts trembled with some premonition.

Shūichi, as if avoiding those eyes, silently began heading toward the back room.

Miyo: “You should be resting now.”

Shūichi: “Why are you making those faces?”

Kaneko (flustered): “You’re home.”

“This isn’t a homecoming,” he said. “What’s going on?”

Kaneko looked toward Miyo.

“It’s nothing,” Miyo replied. “Brother, you’re the one acting strange—getting angry the moment you return...”
(beat) “But you came in so suddenly...”
“I thought it was someone else.”
“You must be exhausted.”

Shūichi: Isn’t dinner ready yet?

Kaneko: It’s just that today somehow... it got delayed….
“Right now I’ve had Miyo help me and am hurrying to get things ready.”
“Are you hungry?”

Shūichi—then hurry up already.
“I have to step out again…”

Kaneko: “Where are you going?”

Shūichi: “Never mind that—just hurry up already…. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. Hey, hand me the pillow.”
(Lies down)

Kaneko (while taking out the pillow): “It’ll be ready soon. Please try to stay awake until then. Shall I put something over you?”

Shūichi: “Don’t need it.”

Kaneko (while heading to the kitchen): “I was terribly worried last night.”

Miyo (after tidying up the hat and such) nonchalantly watches her brother’s face for a moment—
but she too soon disappears into the kitchen.

“Hasn’t the doctor come yet?”
“No… he still hasn’t…”

“Did someone come while I was out?”
(No response.)
(Pause) “Did no one come while I was out?”

Kaneko (hesitantly): “Yes... um... someone came.”

Shūichi: “Who was it?”

Kaneko: “It was... Mr. Miyashita.”

Shūichi: “From the company?”

Kaneko: “Yes.”

Shūichi: “What did he...”
(No response.
Pause) “Did he come all the way here?”

Kaneko appeared.
(Quietly, yet with resolute determination etched on her face, she sat beside her husband) "You see... he only came because he wanted to meet you."
"Did he take the day off from the company today?"

Shūichi: "Couldn’t he wait until tomorrow for whatever business he had?"

"Well, but perhaps he thought he might be taking another day off tomorrow."

Shūichi: "Didn’t he say anything about the business matter?"

At this moment, Miyo’s figure appeared at the threshold, listening to this conversation without meaning to.

Kaneko: “He only said to tell you to come immediately when you return home today.”

To Mr. Miyashita’s house…?

Kaneko: “Yes.”

Shūichi (sitting up): “That’s strange...”

A long silence.

Kaneko: “And you—how did that go? Did it go smoothly?”

Shūichi (does not answer for some time; after a while, weakly shakes his head)

Kaneko saw this and involuntarily widened her eyes.
Those eyes sparkled with astonishment at encountering unexpected happiness.
She swiftly turned them toward the kitchen.
Just then, she met Miyo's gaze.

Miyo rushed to her brother's side: "Brother, that's fine! That's better! Father says he doesn't need to return to his hometown anymore."
"Then we won't need any money!"
"Look, just forget about the money now."
"You really couldn't get it, could you? You haven't brought it here at all."
Her voice trembled: "There's...nothing anywhere."
"Brother, please answer me."

Shūichi: “What are you all making such a fuss about?”

Kaneko (clinging to Miyo’s shoulder): “Miyo...”
(Cries)

“What’s going on with you all...?”
(Gazing intently at their faces) “Did Miyashita come and say something?”

“It’s all right now, Sis. Go ahead and tell him.”

“Today... they say money has gone missing from the company safe... However, they say the only ones who took unauthorized leave today were the accountant and you... So... that is to say...”

“So suspicion has fallen on the two of us, then.”

“He said it’s not about suspicion or anything,” Miyo interjected. “He just wanted to ask you too, Brother.”

Shūichi: "Hmm, I see."
"Well then, I understand the situation."

Kaneko: "What kind of person... is the accountant?"

Shūichi: "Do you know Mr. Arisamura?"

Kaneko: "I don't know."
"Does he have a wife?"

“They say he has a lot of children.”

“I suppose that’s true. That’s so unfortunate, isn’t it?”

“It’s unfortunate—there are unfortunate people everywhere.”

“Brother has too much of a habit of feeling sorry for people.”

From the back room, Shūzō’s groans could be heard.

The three startle and enter the back room.

Soon, frantic voices—

Shūichi: Hey, quickly get that compress...

Kaneko: This isn’t helping.

Miyo: Father, pull yourself together. Father, it's me.

Shūichi: Kaneko, hurry...

Kaneko ran to the front entrance in disarray.

Shūichi: "Father, you'll be alright. Here, hold my hand."

Miyo: "My hand too—here, hold it tighter…"

Shūichi: "Please endure just one or two more days. I'll make sure you can return to your hometown... According to what a friend told me last night, they should deliver the money tomorrow evening or the morning after next. Once that happens, we can leave right away. The second-class train should have space—you can lie down comfortably for the journey. Is it painful? Just a little more endurance. The doctor is coming now. Once they give you the usual injection, you'll feel better again. Huh? What is it? Me? What's wrong? Money? Yes—tomorrow night or the morning after next, they'll definitely bring it."
(Pause) "Yes, right away. You don't need to worry about that. We'll send a telegram to Aunt today."

Miyo: “My hands are trembling so much... Are you cold?”
Shūichi: “Are you cold?”

A long silence.

Miyo (goes to the kitchen to get something.
Soon, she fills a metal basin with water and brings it over.

Shūichi (came out from the back upon encountering that and stopped Miyo) "Hey you—did you say something to Father today? You didn't let him hear about earlier, did you?"

Miyo: "No... he was resting soundly, so..."

Shūichi: "You didn't say anything that would displease Father, did you?"

Miyo: "No... nothing in particular..."

Shūichi: "You probably told him something like 'Don't go back to the hometown,' didn't you?"

Miyo: "I did say that."

Shūichi: "There—you see? This is what happens when you say unnecessary things. What's the use of saying anything to a patient?"

Miyo...

Shūichi: “I know you’ve been worrying about me in various ways. But I have my own plans settled, so stop meddling from the sidelines.”

Miyo: “But Father isn’t solely your father, Brother. I too have the right to tell Father ‘Do this’ or ‘Do that.’”

Shūichi: “Would you go so far as to oppose my will?”

Miyo: “Brother, you aren’t obeying Father’s wishes out of genuine desire either, are you?”

Shūichi: “How would you know such a thing?”

Miyo: “I understand.”
“I’m doubting whether you truly have conviction in this matter, Brother.”
“It’s wrong for someone being supported by Brother to make whimsical demands that only increase your burden.”
“The reason you’re trying to accept such demands is simply because you’re afraid of the very idea of a parent.”

Shūichi: “That’s where you’re wrong.”
“It doesn’t necessarily mean I’m acting out of fear.”
“It might be because I love him.”
“No—it’s because I love him.”

“Then you must make Father abandon his selfish wish even more decisively.”
“We should clearly state our intention to care for him ourselves until the end—we brother and sister.”
“However reasonable Father’s wish to die by our ancestral graves might appear at first glance—what necessity exists to drag his immobile body away from us children, who should be his greatest support, forcing such impractical measures?”
“This holds true from the perspective of logical reasoning as well.”

Shūichi: “Even if you try to make the old man see reason, it’s useless.”

Miyo: “Even so, we have no obligation to force ourselves into unreasonable things.
“That’s exactly where I object.
“Brother may call it a matter of love, but I don’t see it that way.”

Shūichi: “If you’re done, then this conversation...
“This isn’t the time for such arguments.”

Miyo: “Yes, that’s right.”
(Hurries into the back room.)

It was better not to let Shūichi regain consciousness.

The door opened, and Kaneko, followed by the doctor, entered.
They immediately proceeded to the back.

A long silence.

Doctor: “He didn’t suffer too much, did he?”

Shūichi: “Ah.”
“He was trembling violently earlier, but…”
Doctor: “In any case, let’s administer an injection.”
Shūichi: “Is that so.”

“There we are.”

A long, oppressive silence.

The doctor appears, followed by Shūichi and Miyo.

The doctor sat down，and Shūichi and Miyo sat on either side of him.
A pause.

“How does he seem?” asked Shūichi.

“He probably won’t last beyond tonight，” said the doctor.
“There’s nothing more to be done.”
“I had thought he might last a bit longer… but ultimately，it was a matter of time.”

Shūichi acknowledged this.
The patient must have regretted not being able to return to his hometown，but this too was heaven’s will.

“I will return later,” said the Doctor.

“Will he not regain consciousness?”
“Is there no treatment left to prepare for contingencies?”

The Doctor replied, “There remains only to await a miracle.”
“Having exhausted all human efforts, everything else proves futile.”

Miyo asked, “He can no longer hear us at all?”

“He likely cannot,” said the Doctor.
“Yet human voices resonate beyond mere ears—your words might still reach his faintly beating heart through unseen pathways.”
“I say this as a physician’s final obligation.”
“Now I must take my leave.”

The Doctor exited.

Shūichi and Miyo followed after him.—Soon,

Shūichi (appears, remains standing, looks toward the back)

Miyo (stands beside him, watching her brother's face)

Shūichi (wipes away tears)

Miyo (clings to her brother’s shoulder): “Brother, let us stop crying now—yes? Let us stop crying.”
“I’m not sad—look—I’m really not sad.”
“I don’t know why—but I’m not sad.”
(Having said that—she breaks into uncontrollable sobs.)

--Curtain--