Part 26: Episode 25: Loss (Ending No. 1)
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That aside, its cold
I need to do something about the temperature in my house before I get sick.
Huh? Someone sent me a text message.
In the park. Come quick.
The message is from Ryouta
I knew in the pit of stomach that something was wrong, so I hurried as fast as I could.
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Ryouta is huddled on the bench where we usually meet.
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Ryouta, whats--
Hes crying?
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Its still cold out, Ryouta. Youll catch a cold without a coat on
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Right.
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Hey, Goon
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I cant find words. I had a feeling this conversation would come, but
I dont know what to say.
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She was
a dove, but
she
she always got sick when
when it was cold
Thats not right. That
isnt supposed to happen.
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Ryouta
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Im alone now, Goon.
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You still have me, dont you?
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But I think that would be irresponsible of me.
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!
Did he just say
he loved me? Im not sure what to think
I mean, Ive spent so much time with Ryouta, I couldnt imagine him ever leaving me, but could I call my feelings for him love?
I really do care for him, though, and given how much hes meant to me all through my life
Ive never felt this way about anybirdie before, so
I think if this has to be anything, this has to be love
!
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I-I love you too, Ryouta!
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But I
How can I say this
?
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My mother was weak, but
Its not as if she had a short life, for a dove.
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So
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What are you trying to say, Ryouta
?
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!
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Were different species. We have different lifespans, too. Thats nature. But
knowing that from the start, knowing that I would end up leaving you alone, it
it just seems too irresponsible.
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That doesnt matter! It doesnt mean we cant be together. I love you, Ryouta! I want to be with you until the end!
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I know what it feels like to be left alone, now. I dont want to make you feel this pain, Goon
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No! We wont!
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Thats what life is, Ryouta!
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Its unfair, and painful, and sometimes it seems nothing good will ever happen.
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But fighting on, following our urge to seek happiness anyway
Thats what makes us alive! Thats how our ancestors lived, and died, and evolved, and brought us to where we are now!
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But we
birds werent meant to come this far. Weve advanced more than we were ever meant to.
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That doesnt matter!
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Ryouta, I love you. I want to be with you as long as I can, even if its just for a little while.
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I think you want to be with me, too. Wheres the problem?
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Goon
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Im not as healthy or as strong as you are. Im not smart, or handsome, or rich.
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You dont have to think about it so much, Ryouta. We can worry about the future when it comes. Right?
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Right.
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I dont think Ill have calmed down for a while yet, but
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Im glad I was born, if only because I got to be with you. Its like a miracle.
Life is a journey filled with loss.