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taiyou to ha ?
unmei no hanketsu
the sun and ?
the judgment of fate....
Back at the lawyer's office, as Kirino tries to light her cigarette, Nao asks "Why did you bring up her father, Isetani-sensei's name in court?" When Kirino doesn't reply & walks to the table to get a different lighter, Nao adds "Please tell me...." When the other lighter doesn't work either, Kirino finally replies "She came to tell me...." Nao looks surprised "Eh?" Kirino recalls Ami telling her "That day, my father wasn't at the hospital....but halfway through the second party, he left...." Kirino tells Nao "She said....for your sake, she wanted the truth revealed....." Nao stares at her perplexed & she continues "But, what happens now depends on you the client....think about it & then let me know...." Kirino's answer leaves Nao at a loss for words.....
At the Isetani house, Akiko says to her daughter Ami "Maybe your father had nothing to do with the surgery..." Ami quietly says "You were the one that said it....that it was possible that Dad performed the surgery that day.....that's why I tried to find out...." When Akiko says "I didn't mean for you to go find out....." Ami gets upset "You're lying! You wanted to know yourself! You were always concerned about it, but you were afraid & didn't ask Dad!" Akiko replies "No such thing...." Ami retorts "Yes! You never ask what you want to know, never say what you want to say....that's why Dad has affairs!" Akiko slaps Ami hard across her cheek. Shaken, both mother & daughter stare at each other, neither saying anything, Akiko fighting back tears, Ami, her hand on her cheek......
With his hand on his cell phone on the counter top, Nao sits alone in the restaurant, deep in thought, recalling Kirino telling him "She said....for your sake, she wanted the truth to be revealed....." Staring has his cell phone, he picks it up & is about to make a call when the phone in the house rings. Answering it "Yes?" Nao pauses & then says "uhm..."
Nao walks into a cafe, looking around. Already seated at a table, Akiko turns around & sees him. Getting up, she bows a greeting to Nao who returns the acknowledgement. Seating down, Akiko starts "I wonder, if you could stop the trial from your end....the money as it stands, I'll pay you everything myself...." When Nao merely looks at her without a word, Akiko explains in a half pleading tone "I want to go back to the life before....my job is to peacefully protect my family...like the way I've done all this while....& from now on as well...." Nao finally speaks "Will she......be happy like that?" Quietly, Akiko replies "Whether or not she's happy.....that's for me to decide.....at the very least, the girl before she met you......life at home went smoothly.....we would go shopping together during holidays.....cook together....she used to respect me....& my husband....I did not bring her up to go around with the son of an okonomiyaki restaurant.....please don't go after my husband.....for all our sakes....let's stop fighting....onegaishimasu" Akiko barely holds back tears as she bows to Nao, pleading. Nao looks at her, not saying a word....
that day.....
was my birthday.....
Nao walks along the waterfront, thinking, looking around....
turning 19....
that's was the first time I'd thought about it....
knowing the truth....
just what would that mean?
With a lighter in hand, Nao stops at a bridge, looking over the water. Turning around, he sees Ami staring at him. Finally, Ami walks up to him & takes the lighter out of his hand "This is bad..." Nao says "What's with 'you'...." speaking in casual Japanese that annoys Ami who retorts "...'you'? Haven't met in a long time & it's 'you'?" Nao takes the lighter back "Return that to me....what are you doing here?" Ami stubbornly replies "Where I am is up to me..." Nao tells her off "Stop speaking like a class monitor or something....what are you doing here?" Ami pouts "Because it's your birthday....I came to give you your present...." using an old polite form of Japanese laced with stubbornness that surprises Nao "What?" Ami mumbles under her breath before holding a bag out "Here...." Nao stares at her not taking it & Ami looks up "Here......please take it...." Finally Nao reaches out for the bag & then pausing, grabs her hand & pulls her to him, putting his arms around her & holding her. After a moment, they move apart & as they look at each other, Nao starts to smile & gets one back in return....
(-= CJ =- ~de gowasu is the same as ~desu, ~masu....not used by the younger generation these days.....)
Seated at a counter in a ramen shop, Nao opens his present "Another towel?" Ami says "Another? What do you mean another?" Nao quickly adds "Nothing.....thank you very much...." Ami asks "Have you stopped kendo?" Nao replies "I show my face at the kendo hall once in a while but I don't train anymore in college...." The cook places bowls of ramen on the counter for them "Here, sorry to keep you waiting...." Ami says "I was thinking of trying out for the same college as you...." Nao looks at her "Ah, that's right....you're taking the exam this year...." handing her a pair of chopsticks. Ami takes them "Please don't worry about me....because I want to know the truth too...." Nao looks at her "There's also happiness in not knowing...." After a pause, Ami replies "It's too late....that.....it's too late....." In silence, they start eating....
On the way back, Ami says "Well then, I'll be going....." Nao mumbles "Uhm..." & Ami turns to go, taking a few steps before stopping "Uhm...." & then goes back to Nao "When it's over....when the trial is over......can we meet again?" When Nao merely stares at her without saying a word, disappointment fills Ami but then with a smile, she says "Treat me to ramen again..." Nao asks "Just ramen will do?" Ami nods "Yes...." Nao looks at her "Yes?" using the same polite Japanese Ami used earlier & Ami retorts "What are you saying?" Nao backs off "Uhm, no...just....." Ami asks "...just what?" Nao says "I promise....win or lose.....my.....my feelings for you will never change...." giving her a nod. Touched, Ami smiles "Then, the day the verdict of the trial is out....I'll wait for you at that park....I'll wait for you..." Exchanging nods, Ami starts running off, turning around to give Nao a way. Nao watches her leave in silence....
we can no longer turn back....
going on with the trial....
even if she's dragged into it....
& gets hurt.....
because it's the road that I....
that we......
have chosen....
Waiting at the bridge with the lighter in hand, Nao turns around & sees Kirino. Catching the lighter that Nao tosses to her, Kirino sees the words "okonomiyaki shiro" written on the lighter & they exchange smiles....
Kirino gives Nao an envelope "She gave this to me....." Nao looks at the back of the envelope to see the words 'Isetani Ami' written on it "Then using this, we can go after Isetani-sensei?" Kirino looks at him with a nod "But before that, we've got to deal with Dir Minami first...." Nao nods, a look of determination on his face.....
Questioning the defendant....surgeon, Minami Etsushi...
Kirino says to Minami "A doctor with such a wealth of clinical experience, how did this blunder come about leaving a mesu behind forgotten? Could you please explain? Do you forget things easily? Or perhaps you're absent-minded by nature?" Minami replies "She was on the verge of death....& I was absorbed in performing a heart massage....." Kirino looks at him "On the verge of death? According to the defense report, Masaki Teruko's heart had stopped. However regardless of the fact that she had died, you tried to revive her by performing a heart massage...." Minami replies "That's correct..." Kirino presses on "But you just said that she was on the verge of death..." Minami looks at her & then looks away "Did I say that?" Kirino adds "At that point in time there was still a possibility of saving her?" Minami objects "No! Her heart stopped suddenly....there was no possibility of saving her...." Kirino asks "If you had judged it as impossible, then why did you perform a heart massage?" Minami retorts "A doctor's mission is to make every effort right to the very end!" At this point, the judge interrupts "Please do not argue!" Kirino pauses & then resumes her questioning "Then, there was a possibility of saving her but all methods to save her failed...." Minami, backed into a corner, spits out "No! There was no possibility of saving her!" Kirino looks at him "Whatever you're saying isn't making sense.....& that's not the truth, they're all lies aren't they...." Ikezawa stands up "That's merely your subjective opinion!" Before the judge can speak, Minami interjects "In any case! I am not the one in the wrong!" glaring at Kirino. Kirino coolly returns the stare "So who's in the wrong?" Ikezawa says "Objection!" Kirino looks into the gallery & stares at Isetani "You are lying as instructed by Isetani-sensei aren't you...." Ikezawa tries again "Leading the witness!" but Kirino ignores him & tells Minami "If it's 'yes' answer please answer 'wow'!" Ikezawa barely keeps from shouting "Objection! Insulting the witness...." The judge cautions Kirino "Counselor...." as Isetani stares on grim faced. Kirino looks at the judge & then back at Minami "Then one last question.....when you went to the Masaki home to pay your respects.....you stated that it wasn't a medical error.....that's to say....you weren't the one who cause the death because of the medical error......that's what you wanted to say...." Minami stares at Kirino as Nao, Runa, Yuko & Shiro wait for his reply. Minami looks away & then answers ".......wow...." Ikezawa stands up "Objection!" but Kirino says "I'm done...." Ikezawa persists "Leading the witness! Request that the question be struck off!" However Kirino coolly states "No more questions....." & returns to her seat, giving Nao a nod. On the witness stand, Minami glances off to the side as behind him in the gallery, Isetani gets up & leaves the courtroom....
after that...
proving that my mother's injury....
was in her chest began...
Questioning of witness.....first witness on the scene, Tadokoro Koji.....
As Tadokoro takes the witness stand, the judge instructs "Will the witness please be seated....well then, Tadokoro-san....." Nao looks around him in the gallery....
but........why........
wasn't anyone from the hospital present......
Tadokoro looks questioningly at Kirino "shinkabu?" Kirino explains "Just below the breast...." indicating the area in question. Tadokoro nods "That's correct....it's as you say...."
Questioning of witness.....Yoshida Kayo.....
On the witness stand, Mari's mother animatedly relates her testimony "....when I turned back, Sasuke was barking away....she had tumbled down the steps at the shrine & had hit her back hard....it was kekkikyou......I swear it for the sake of Teruko's family....." Kirino asks "So you confirm that she tumbled down the steps at the shrine...." Yoshida nods "Yes, yes....." Kirino announces "No more questions...." & the judge says "Counselor for the defense...the cross-examination is over...." Ikezawa stands up "I'm the counselor for the defense Ikexawa...." bowing to Yoshida who smiles nervously "Pleased to meet you...." Ikezawa looks at her "The name of the dog isn't Sasuke....it's Wasuke....." Yoshida looks puzzled "Eh?" & then draws a sharp breath as she realizes her blunder. Ikezawa tells the judge "This witness' memory isn't reliable...." Kirino interrupts "Objection!" but Ikezawa merely states "No more questions...." Seated behind Nao, Mari whispers to him "Hey....can you win like this?" Nao doesn't reply.....
certainly, as things stood.....
we were at a disadvantage.....
Questioning of witness.....nurse, Kitayama Shizuko.....
Kitayama says "I was merely following doctors orders...." Kirino asks "Then on that day, Minami-sensei called for Professor Sasaki.....what procedure was he called to perform?" Kitayama calmly replies "I don't know....." Kirino approaches her "It's not possible that you don't know.....a veteran like you....you would had some idea I'm sure....." Kitayama avoids looking at Kirino as she answers "As nurses we have our limitations.....on top of that at that moment....within those limits, we did whatever we could....." recalling the surgery. Kirino presses on "....'at that moment'....you're referring to what was going on in the operating theatre, aren't you....so surgery was performed, wasn't it.......who was the last one that held the mesu performing the surgery?!" Everyone waits expectantly for Kitayama's response but when none is forthcoming, Ikezawa stands up "Objection...." Kirino looks at him "I'm merely asking for the truth...." Kitayama finally answers "The truth is.....her heart stopped after her pulse became erratic.....I don't recall us performing any surgery.....neither Professor Sasaki nor Isetani-sensei had anything to do with it.....Masaki Teruko died from what it called karoushi.....we are not responsible for her death!" As she replies, she recalls scenes of the surgery taking place, horror on the faces of the nurses & doctors as the surgery goes terribly wrong. In the ensuing silence, Nao stares at the people around him.....
why do people....
grownups.....
not tell the truth?
the questioning of Professor Sasaki.....
that took place after that too.....
Questioning of witness.....Chuo Medical University, Professor Sasaki.....
Ikezawa questions Sasaki ".....you had a prior appointment.....had nothing to do with Masaki Teruko.....so you absolutely didn't know what had happened....." Sasaki curtly replies "I didn't know....." Ikezawa repeats "...you didn't know.....no more questions....." Kirino stares at Sasaki without saying a word. Nao looks on glumly.....
Questioning of witness.....nurse, Kikui Mayu.....
& then.....the nurse called Kikui.....
never appeared in court.....
we could have legally forced her to....
but in truth, her whereabouts was unknown.....
At Kikui's non appearance in court, the judge announces "Court is in recess for the rest of the day....." Kirino & Nao appear solemn, each deep in their own thoughts.....
nevertheless we.....
had not given up.....
At the office & library, over coffee & donuts, Kirino & Nao pour over books & reference material, gathering information for the next stage of the trial.....
we turned our efforts to the last battle....
& did a thorough investigation on Isetani-sensei......
at that moment....
the only thing that kept us going.....
was the the hope that....
the truth was standing on our side......
At the library, Kirino shows Nao a book "Isetani-sensei & Professor Sasaki were together at the same research institute at one time.....if we go on searching, I'm sure we'll find out the relationship between the both of them...."
As Kirino gets to leave the office, Nonaka says to her "I have to be at Aojima today...." As Kirino replies "Alright...." the phone rings & she answers "This is the Nonaka Lawyers' office..." Nonako looks at her "Well then, good luck...." wishing her well as he leaves. Kirino smiles & gets back to the phone call "Hello?" On the other end, Kikui replies "I know what the title of that movie is...I might regret it too 10 years later...." At the airport, Kikui's younger sister calls out to her "one-chan, we'll miss the flight!" Kikui looks at her & says to Kirino "......but I guess it's too late...." Kirino anxiously says "Wait....."
At home & on the phone, an surprised Nao goes "Eh?! Then what's going to happen to the witness' testimony today?" Yuko, Runa & Shiro look on in wonder as Nao says in disbelief "....no way....."
Questioning of witness.....Head of surgery, Isetani Keizo.....
Isetani, Ikezawa, Kitayama, Minami.....literally everyone in court wears an expression of incredulity on their faces......
that was something unexpected.....
didn't know if it would go well or not.....
but following Kirino-san's instruction.......
Yuko, Runa & Shiro clench their fists, silently urging Nao on. An official announces "All rise...bow...." In place of Kirino, Nao takes a seat at the counselor's table looking uneasy.....
Ikezawa questions Isetani ".....then not attending the next party but retuning to the hospital was because you were worried about what was happening in the private medical ward, is that correct..." When Isetani replies "Yes...." Ikezawa says "No more questions....." throwing a glance at Nao. The judge states "Then, let's start the questioning by the plaintiff...." Nao quietly replies "Yes...." & gets to his feet "I'm the plaintiff, Masaki Nao...." Nao looks towards the door & is surprised to see Ami enter. When Isetani notices Nao staring, he turns to look in the same direction & sees his own daughter in court. The judge asks "What's wrong?" & Nao starts hesitatingly "Well then....first....first I'd like to clarify something regarding Isetani-sensei's career record.....Chou Medical University's Professor Sasaki &...." Isetani preempts Nao & says "Professor Sasaki & I were at the same research institute before...." Nao looks surprised "Eh?" Isetani arrogantly says "Did you think that I would hide the relationship with Professor Sasaki?" Taken aback, Nao doesn't reply & with Ikezawa looking rather bemused, Isetani smirks "I'm not hiding anything....I've always done my duty as always....even then, I'm brought to court....accusing me as it I'm involved in all this....unfortunately I have no choice...." Nao remains silent as Ikezawa & Nao's family look looking rather apprehensive at Isetani's assault on Nao. Nao merely continues "sensei...what do you normally do when you return home?" Surprised at the question, heads turn to look at Nao as Isetani goes "Eh?" Nao says nonchalantly "My father normally takes a bath after finishing work at the restaurant....then just in his boxer shorts, he'd be glued to the TV watching baseball....what about you sensei?" Ikezawa tells Nao "This question is irrelevant...." The judge asks "What's this about?" Nao replies "I was just thinking that they'd be different from us...." Isetani laughs "Not in boxer shorts..." as Shiro grins rather sheepishly in the gallery. Nao presses on "But you do take a shower...& then relax in a shirt....." Isetani replies "I take my bath in the morning....a shower...." Nao asks "Morning shower?" Isetani replies "Morning shower..." as if playing along with Nao & turns to exchange grins with Ikezawa. Nao continues "Then you take a shower in the morning...." At this point, the judge warns Nao "This is irrelevant...." but Nao finally gets to the point "Then why did you on April 13th....the moment you returned home, you take a bath immediately? It seems that on days that you perform surgery, the way you spend your time at home differs from the usual......it'll be presented to the courts later but this is what is written in a letter from Isetani Ami addressed to my attorney...." showing the court Ami's letter to Kirino. Without thinking, Isetani glances at Ami. Nao stares at Isetani "On the days you have surgery, you have a bath the moment you return home & you smoke a cigar that you never normally smoke....it's a habit of yours....on April 13th when you returned home in the middle of the night....you did that didn't you....on April 13th, you carried out surgery, didn't you.....at 8.30pm you returned to Shoei Sogo Hospital....rushed to the operating theatre.....you operated on my mother, didn't you.....what you're hiding is the failure of that surgery isn't it....." Isetani stares ahead blankly, grim & in silence at Nao's urging statements. At that moment, the door opens & Kirino finally enters just in time to hear Nao ask Isetani "Please tell me....why did my mother die? Why did she die?" In the tense silence everyone waits anxiously for Isetani to speak. Although recalling scenes of the operation going terribly wrong, Isetani stubbornly maintains "Her heart stopped after her pulse became erratic.....that's to say she died of karoushi....."
Kirino approaches the counselor's table & says to the judge "Counselor for the plaintiff Kirino....may I continue the questioning?" At the judge's assent, Kirino says "Because of the mistaken X-rays, we were thinking that this case was a result of mistakes made....however, all this started with Isetani-sensei.....we've found out that you were there....when Masaki Teruko was brought in, you were the first one in charge of her, weren't you...." Ikezawa stands up "Objection!" but Kirino tells him "A nurse called Kikui explained everything....I'll present her statement to court afterwards....." Isetani asks "Being the first one in charge of her....so what?" Kirino replies "You used a stethoscope & checked her chest....you would have know something was wrong.....but you merely relied on the X-rays & examination results, that's why Masaki Teruko died...." Ikezawa interrupts "You're attacking the witness...." however Kirino ignores him & poses another question to Isetani "What's the fundamental rule of medical treatment? It's medical care....to listen to what the patients say & treat the illness....did you do that for Masaki Teruko? If you had done that properly from the start the neither a wrong diagnosis nor the wrong surgery would have happened!" Ikezawa states "Objection!" but Kirino continues, getting more agitated as she presses on "Just because she wasn't identified, you decided to be sloppy?" Ikezawa tries again "You're insulting the witness...." Kirino ignores him & continues her assault on Isetani "You returned to the hospital because you felt responsible didn't you! You hurried & operated on her because you wanted to save her didn't you! Don't keep quiet, answer me!" Ikezawa turns to the judge "Judge, this is not a testimony!" The judge warns Kirino "Counselor, please refrain from personal matters....." Kirino explains "All the plaintiff wants to know is the truth....." & turning back to Isetani, adds "All it takes is 5 minutes for all this to be resolved that could take years to fight out....one young boy who has lost his mother fights according to the rules of society....shouldn't you shoulder the responsibility & answer accordingly?!" Ikezawa interrupts "Digressing from the main topic!" & the judge orders Kirino "Counselor, stop your questions...." In anger & tears in her eyes Kirino glares at Isetani "The family members left behind will never forgive all of you for what you have done for the rest of their lives...." The judge warns "Counselor...." but Kirino ignores the warning & continues "Discovering the truth, you'll never be forgiven! What do you think of that?! Say something! Don't keep silent! Tell them something!!!" Kirino ends in tears & the judge finally announces "The witness' testimony is concluded....." Everyone in the court room looks grim at Kirino's outburst & the judge orders her repeatedly "Counselor, return to your seat...." Kirino walks towards where Nao is waiting, looking at her as she tries to gather her composure. Suddenly, Nao looks beyond her as does the rest of the Masaki family, Ami, Minami, Kitayama & Ikezawa. Kirino notices a presence behind her & turns around to see Isetani approach the Masaki family. Shiro stands up, not quite knowing what to expect. Isetani stares at Shiro & then in silence, bows deeply to him. Nao stares in shock as does Ami, tears of disappointment in her father falling down her face. In the gallery, Minami mouths "wow" & looks away. Isetani straightens & turning to Nao, bows deeply to him as well..........
That might have been Kirino-san's strategy....
in order to get them to bow in admittance
to the truth they wouldn't tell....
her father.....
bore tremendous responsibilities
of a large institution Shoei Sogo Hospital.....
& not only his own family.....but on his back...
he carried the responsibilities to many patients....nurses.....doctors....& their families....
Nao sits alone in the okonomiyaki restaurant in silent contemplation......
running a small okonomiyaki restaurant in town.....
he was different from us.....
he was different from us running our own business....
it wasn't because her father didn't tell the truth....
it was because he wasn't in a position to tell the truth....
maybe he was someone to be pitied.....
In court, Isetani sits alone in the gallery....Ami arrives home in tears & into the arms of her mother.......
that day.....in the end.....
the people from the hospital no longer appeared in court.....
finally when the day of the verdict arrived.....
those that showed up were only the defense lawyers......
An official orders "All rise....bow...." Everyone rises & bows in respect before taking their seats as the official continues "Case no. Heisei year 12, wa-10511..." The judge announces "The verdict for the case Heisei year 12, wa-10511 will now be announced......" as everyone sits waiting anxiously. The judge states "Sentence.... "
In a park, Kota looks at his watch, waiting anxiously with his friends & coach from the kendo club. As Kota spots Nao approaching, all of them get up & wonder, looking at Nao's rather downcast demeanor. Nao spots them waiting for him in the distance & stops. Mari runs up to him "Nao!" & sees their friends waiting for them anxiously. Finally, they see Mari pull out a banner from her bag "shouso" (case decided in one's favor) & yells across to them "Victory to okonomiyakiya-shiro!!" The boys look on in disbelief as a little smile appears on Nao's face. Nao raises his fist to them in victory & the boys whoop & yell in delight, running up towards each other. The coach tells everyone "I'll treat you to anything you want today!" as they cheer & celebrate Nao's victory noisily. Shiro, Runa, Yuko & Mari's mother Kayo arrive to see everyone in good spirits.....
In court, Ikezawa sighs "An exceptional verdict...compensation of a mere 890yen...." Kirino asks "Will you tell the defendant for me? If they're unhappy with the verdict & intend to appeal....we'll file a criminal case....." Ikezawa replies "They won't go to that extent.....at the very least, I won't....." giving her a smile as he leaves. Kirino says "otsukaresama...." & Ikezawa pauses "otsukaresan...." & goes out.....
Akiko says "...thank you very much....." & hangs up the phone. Turning to Ami, she says "That was the lawyer.....the fact that Shoei Sogo Hospital lost was because he bowed to them....although everything was denied & not admitting anything.....that had a grave impact on the judge....." Ami recalls her father bowing to Nao, apologizing without words as she listens to her mother's words. Akiko asks "Are you going out?" Ami nods & Akiko gives her a sad smile "Then, be careful....." Ami pauses at her mother's words & recalls Nao telling her "I promise.....win or lose.....my feelings for you will never change....."
In darkness, Nao sits on the bench in the park waiting for Ami as he recalls her telling him "Then on the day the verdict is out....I'll wait for you at the park....." Nao looks at his watch & sighs. Suddenly noticing someone approaching, he gets up & sees Kirino instead. Taking a seat on the bench next to Nao, she says "I got a call from her.....I also made a promise with her....I said 'win or lose...he'll get hurt....at that moment, be by his side'.....she said 'I'm sorry.....I can't keep that promise'....." Nao doesn't reply as Kirino looks at him, explaining "It'll be tough for them now....losing the lawsuit....a hospital that made an error in medical treatment.....they'll have to fight the cold hearted looks from everyone....it's not that she can't accept you....it's because right now, she just can't abandon her family....." Nao gets up from the bench & takes a few steps "I'm glad she's that sort of a girl....." Kirino tilts her head in wonder & Nao turns back to explain "She's as stubborn as I am but.....I'm glad she thinks about her family....." using Ami's polite Japanese words. Kirino looks surprised "Eh?" but Nao merely tells her "I'm fine....thank you for taking the trouble to come...." exchanging smiles.....
Walking along the waterfront, Nao asks "Kirino-san....do you still remember what you told me before? 'win or lose...nothing will be left behind.....no one will praise you that it was a good fight'.....but......but......your battle was a good fight....a very good fight....." turning to look at her with a nod & smile. Touched, tears roll down Kirino's face "Thank you.....thank you....." as Nao looks at her.....
in truth the fight was lost....
it was a lawyer called Kirino Setsu
who made this a victory....
Without a word, Nao holds out his hand & Kirino looks at him, slowing holding hers out as well, in a handshake before Kirino dissolves into tears.....
we......
at that moment I......
stayed with her......
until she stopped crying......
I stayed with her......
Nao turns & silently looks out over the water, his presence comforting Kirino......
a short time passed.....
Kirino-san came to our house.........
& told us what she heard from that nurse Kikui....
Seated around the table in the living room, Kirino relates "That day, there were more patients than usual in the emergency ward....there was a shortage of both doctors & nurses....."
Isetani says to the nurses "Unidentified?" as he treats another patient. Kikui replies "I've asked her name but she's in too much pain...." Another nurse asks "Shall I go?" & Kikui replies "Please could you?" Isetani tells the patient he's treating "There you go..." & turns to look at Masaki Teruko lying in pain in the next room. At that moment, Kitayama walks in "sensei....a patient in the private ward has taken a turn for the worse...." & turning to the nurse "Please go at once...." Acknowledging, the nurse says "Emergency equipment please...." as she runs out, Isetani following her, both of them passing Masaki Teruko on their way out.....
Kirino continues "& then, a new trainee nurse made a mistake with the X-rays...."
Kikui's younger sister Rika puts up the X-rays on the panel as Isetani walks in, not noticing the name written on the X-rays 'Mizukami Yuko'. Rika hands over some documents to Isetani "The X-rays & examination results are done....excuse me...." leaving the room. Minami walks in "Sorry I'm late...." Isetani takes the X-rays & results from the nurse "There's nothing wrong with the X-rays nor the results.....it's just a simple stomach ache....." Minami asks "A stomach ache?" Isetani nods "Yes....take care of everything......" & walks out. Without checking Teruko's condition, Minami merely instructs the nurse "Then, just put her on a drip of pain-killers....." Behind the curtains, Teruko lies alone, suffering in great pain.....
The whole family listens grim-faced as Kirino says "After that she was neglected for over 4 hours...."
Kikui comes back into the emergency ward & notices a pair of sandals on the floor & approaches Masaki Teruko.....in a panic she looks for Minami "sensei! It's serious! The patient that was brought in early this afternoon.....no 3! Please!" As Minami rushes to look in on Teruko, he inadvertently kicks her sandals under the bed as he realizes the gravity of Teruko's condition....
"Finally when they realized it, her condition had worsen...she was rushed into the operating theatre.....but they didn't notice the mistaken X-rays & Minami-sensei operated on her abdomen.....realizing that they had made a wrong diagnosis, Minami rushed to close up the incision....." As Kirino narrates, scenes of the operation take place.....
As Minami panics & says "Stethoscope!" he overturns the tray of surgical equipment all over as he frantically listens to Masaki's chest....
Kirino adds "It appears that's when the mesu was left behind.....after that he made a call to Professor Sasaki to ask for help...."
Minami mutters in horror "kikkyou..." & hurries to make a phone call "Please....it's a wrong dianosis...." The door slides open & Isetani walks in. Minami looks in surprise & Kitayama says "I called him....." Isetani asks "How's the hemorrhaging?" Kirayama curtly replies "650....." Professor Sasaki rushes up to the nurses station & asks Kikui "Where's Miniami-sensei?! Where's the operating theatre?!" Kikui shows Sasaki the way as they rush to the operating theatre....
Kirino says "Although Professor Sasaki rushed to the operating theatre....Isetani-sensei had already arrived & had started the chest surgery....."
Things go terribly wrong in the operation as Isetani accidentally cuts an artery, blood spurting out in horrendous amounts onto his face as everyone frantically struggles to get things under control......
"He didn't want to let Professor Sasaki see the mistake they had made & made him wait for over an hour....by the time he went in....."
Sasaki walks into the operating theatre to find blood & gauze all over the floor, everyone shell shocked in the aftermath of the confusion. Minami turns to look at Sasaki who in turn, stares at Isetani "Isetani...you...." Isetani grimly replies "...heart massage....."
Kirino adds ".....she had already stopped breathing.....it's most likely that during the surgery, Isetani-sensei cut an artery....that was mostly likely fatal & she died......Kikui heard your mother's last words.......just before her condition became critical, when she indicated that her back hurt, Kikui stroked her on the back....at that moment....."
Teruko takes a hold of Kikui's hand & points to her back. Kikui asks "Can you say your name? Are you alright? Your back? Does your back hurt? Can you say your name?" Kikui strokes Teruko on the back & finally, Teruko murmurs "Thank you....."
Yuko, Runa & Shiro are in tears except Nao as they listen to Kirino say "That was your mother's last words....." & recall the last time they celebrated Mother's Day. Teruko looks surprised as Yuko gives her some carnation flowers "For Mother's Day...." & Runa gives her the pair of sandals "From everyone....." Teruko accepts touched "From everyone? This? Thank you.....Nao, thank you...." Nao seated in a corner, looks on glumly without saying a word, looking at his mother's smiling face. Tears roll down everyone's faces except Nao as they all recall Teruko saying "Thank you...." repeatedly, touched with her presents. Shiro finally breaks down muttering "Thank you....." In the corner, Masaki Teruko's apron hangs along side Shiro's......
Kirino walks towards a convenience store & suddenly stops in recollection of one rainy morning. Teruko, holding an umbrella & Wasuke on a leash, greeting Kirino cheerily "Good morning! It's raining again...." Kirino looks at Teruko in her orange windbreaker & those sandals, smiling at the sight. Looking at the lighter that Nao gave her in her hand, she smiles & slowly walks on.....
knowing the truth....
just what meaning did it have?
the little stone that we threw.....
just where would it end up?
would they remember sometimes.....
a mother that died from a medical error
that was once alive.....
At Shoei Sogo Hospital, things are back to normal as Minami & Kitayama attend to patients. Isetani prepares to leave home for work. His wife wishes him "Itterasahi....." & is about to leave when Ami comes running up "Dad....you forgot this...." Smiling, both women send Isetani off "Itterashai...." Isetani replies "Ittekimasu....."
would they remember in their hearts I wonder......
In her room, Ami packs her things & pauses thinking, looking at her cell phone & the soft toy that Nao gave her.....
At the shrine where Masaki Teruko went to before, Nao write something on an ema.....
after that.....
Kirino-san went to help Nonaka-san
on that environmental problem.....
she left Tokyo....
no longer in that office
above the pachinko parlor....
The Nonaka Lawyer's office above the pachinko parlor is empty save for some furniture & a used coffee cup on the floor. Nao hangs up the ema, gives it a last look & walks away.....
okonomiyakiya-shiro is the same as always....
opened for business, doing fine.....
At the restaurant, Yuko says to some departing customers "Thank you very much!" Nao at the cash register, asks Shiro "What are you doing?" Shiro holds up some brochures "It's Hokkaido! I've decided! Come look!" as everyone gathers round, listening & laughing at Shiro's jokes.....
since mom died....
three years have passed.....
Nao comes down the stairs, ready to leave for college. Sitting down at the steps of the foyer, he puts his shoes on, tying his laces......
the boy that used to think.....
that everything about mom was disgusting....
& couldn't stand it.......
the boy that used to think that way.....
that boy was no longer around......
Nao recalls that morning his mother died, telling him "Nao.....I bought your favorite mame-daifuku...you can have it when you get back...." Nao turns to look at the aprons hanging on the wall next to him, & touches them.....
I know that even in a humble life.....
there are precious times.....
Slinging his bag on his shoulder, Nao gets up & leaves the house. Sliding the door behind him, Nao starts walking down the street. Suddenly he stops, & just like all those years ago when his mother called out to him that day she died, Nao slowly turns around & looks back......
Mom.....
my fight......
how was it?
お母さん
僕の戦いは
どうでしたか？
At the shrine hangs Nao's ema. On it, Nao's wish.......
May we meet again someday
.............Masaki Nao
