The Silent Days

The wind is humming gently today.

It’s summer, so this kind of soft wind feels pleasant.

Today I walked through the neighborhood to buy some stationery for my upcoming art competition.

The streets were quiet, just like always.

The same road.

The same buildings.

The same old places where we used to meet.

But you’re not here anymore.

At the stationery shop, I saw Shio.

She was choosing a pencil set.

For a moment I thought about talking to her… but I didn’t have the courage.

So I simply walked past her.

A few minutes later she left the shop, and only then did I go inside.

Old man Yama noticed me immediately.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“You look depressed again today.”

You know what I told him?

“I’m not depressed. My face just looks a little tired.”

Even I know that answer sounded stupid.

But for the first time… I managed to respond to someone without you standing beside me.

While picking up the stationery I needed, something on the shelf caught my eye.

Your favorite art supplies.

I wanted to buy them.

But I didn’t have enough money.

Old man Yama must have noticed the look on my face, because he smiled and said,

“Take them. It’s a gift.”

You know I’m terrible at coloring.

You always told me to practice.

Even though I prefer drawing with pen and pencil, after you said that… I started practicing day and night.

When I left the shop, memories of us

suddenly came back to me.

But I didn’t cry.

If you think I’ll cry for you, that won’t happen.

Later I went to the park where we used to meet.

Then I returned home.

At home, my parents always say the same thing.

“Forget her.”

They tell me to focus on my studies instead of art.

Just like you used to tell me.

But something strange happened again.

For a moment… I imagined my parents were still alive.

Funny, isn’t it?

I lost them many years ago.

When I entered my room, I saw the notebook we used to communicate with.

After reading your writing again and again… I finally understood what you meant that day.

A small tear slipped down my face.

But let’s forget about that.

Do you remember the challenge you gave me?

You told me to win every art competition.

And to score number one in every exam, just like you.

You probably won’t believe this…

But I completed every challenge you gave me.

Don’t worry.

These tears aren’t because I’m sad.

It’s just—

No.

Let’s skip that part.

I finished the painting I wanted to show you.

But your parents won’t let me come near you anymore.

They told me to stay away.

You once told me to draw the thing I loved the most.

So I drew you.

Sorry if the coloring looks bad.

And sorry for dropping tears on this diary again.

I also met Hakari today.

Don’t worry about her.

She’s doing fine.

I tried to talk to her.

But she slapped me and said she never wanted to see my face again.

So I respected her wish.

But before leaving, I wanted to give her the painting.

I gathered my courage and showed it to her.

She tore it into pieces and threw it in the trash.

Don’t be angry at her.

I probably deserve it.

So please don’t worry about me.

And please rest well.

Wait for me.

I’ll come to you soon.

The doctor said I only have one month left.

So can you wait for me… just one month?

You once told me I should write stories because I was good at it.

So I did.

I published many books.

And all of them became bestsellers.

Do you know what name I always write?

Written by

Atsuya Katsuro & Aoi Shikanji

I’m not the same person you used to know anymore.

No one bullies me now.

No one mocks me.

No one humiliates me.

Not anymore.

Whenever I see the moon… I remember your face.

I’ll stop writing for now.

I have to meet a publisher and a director.

Another one of my stories is going to become a movie.

So I have to go.

Don’t be sad.

I’ll write again after I come back.

So please wait for me.

And before I end this letter…

There’s something I want to tell you.

I love you, Aoi.

Because for me, this world…

These days without you…

are nothing but

The Silent Days.