Lonely Rock for the Blind.

Page 290

Nekoyashiki Haru reached into the bag and took out flowers.

Those were yellow chrysanthemums and a carnation.

Now, even if it's not in season, you can still buy flowers from other seasons, although they're much more expensive... but...

The fourth autumn wind blows.

"I think... I remember what Auntie looks like."

"Eh?"

Having just finished cleaning, Ichiji Nigatsu looked at Nekoyashiki Haru.

Ijichi Hoshika also silently looked at Nekoyashiki Haru.

A gentle, warm smile.

Nekoyashiki Haru put down the bucket, gently stepped forward, and then reached out her hand.

"Um...may I touch the tombstone?"

"Ok!"

Ijichi Nijika nodded vigorously, then took Nekoyashiki Haru's hand and slowly placed it at the base of the tombstone.

"... "

With her left hand, Nekoyashiki Haru slowly placed the two kinds of flowers in front of the tombstone.

Then, he slowly moved his right hand up the bottom.

【Ichichi】

"... "

Nekoyashiki Haru bit her lip.

"I...remember now..."

The blurry image completely disappeared.

She smiled gently at herself.

as well as…

Nekoyashiki Haru turned around.

"And I remember exactly what you all looked like before."

"!"

Ijichi Seika and Ijichi Nijika both opened their eyes wide at the same time.

Nekoyashiki Haru stood up.

Facing the tombstone, the boy spoke.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Ichichi... I accidentally lost my sight, but I won't regret it."

Nekoyashiki Haru gently covered her chest.

“I’m back now, back to Shimokitazawa, back to Nijika and Hoshika’s side, just like before, and… I’ve been with Nijika’s band all along. Hmm, Nijika has formed a band, even though she said before that she would never be in a band.”

Ichi Nijika was slightly taken aback, then stepped forward.

"That's right, I formed a band, and everyone in the band is such a nice person! Although I used to say I hated bands, in the end... I still ended up on the same path as my sister."

Ichi Hoshika's lips trembled.

Ah...I see.

Something seemed to have disappeared from sight.

Ichi Seika pursed her lips.

The three of us... are just like before...

Together again...

That's why Haru... that's why Nijika...

Ichi Hoshika walks towards the tombstone.

"I'm sorry, Mom, I didn't pursue my dream, even though you seemed to like me the way I was... But I have a new goal now."

"The manager of livehouse [Starry Sky], but I've already told you all this, well... I hope you won't hate it if I say it again."

Ijichi Hoshika shook her head.

"In short, I'm doing pretty well now."

"Me too... I'm very happy with my life now."

"Ichi Nijika said."

"I have no complaints whatsoever."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said, looking down."

"That's it, don't worry!"

Ichi Nijika smiled.

"Don't worry about us at all!"

Then he took out the flowers and placed them in front of the tombstone.

"Yes...we'll support each other and move forward together, don't worry."

Ijichi Hoshika nodded, and then placed the flowers in front of the tombstone.

The three stood quietly in front of the tombstone, their eyes closed and smiles on their faces.

After an unknown amount of time, Ichiji Hoshika opened her eyes.

"Okay, let's go."

"Ichi Hoshika said."

"I've said everything that needed to be said."

"…Um."

Ichi Nijika nodded as well.

Nekoyashiki Haru raised her head, and then suddenly thought of something.

I've heard that the dead become stars in the sky, and because they want to watch over their loved ones on Earth in the darkness, they shine with all their might, and that's how the stars became so bright!

"...Would you like to look at the stars tonight?"

"Huh? You?"

Ijichi Hoshika turned her head in confusion to look at Nekoyashiki Haru.

"You can just watch."

Nekoyashiki Haru shook her head.

"There must be a brightest star, right?"

"Ok?"

Ichi Hoshika tilted her head.

Ichi Nijika opened her eyes wide and then nodded vigorously.

"Actually...it's always been there!"

"Is that so...that's good."

Nekoyashiki Haru laughed.