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The next morning, Shuji & Kyoko sit down to have breakfast "Itakadakimasu..." Kyoko says "Somehow...this is great isn't it..." Shuji replies "What is?" "You're embarrassed! From just now..." "You shouldn't make fun of others..." Kyoko grins, muttering to herself "I'm also feeling a little embarrassed..." Shuji grins, not saying anything, concentrating on his food. Kyoko asks "When will we see each other again?" "Eh? When..." Kyoko suddenly remembers "I guess it's a little odd for someone in hospital to be asking this..." "...tomorrow..." replies Shuji after a moment of silence, taking a mouthful of food. "Tomorrow? Not today?" Shuji laughs "You saying that...doesn't that put your friends in a spot?" "Hm?" "Never mind...ah, dressing..." replies Shuji, getting up going to the fridge "I'll be terribly busy today & tomorrow but after that, I can take a long break..." "You're kidding..." "Really...vacation..." "Vacation?" "Refreshing break...isn't it something, I've been with Hot Lip 5 years so I can take off..." "No way!" "Isn't that great..." "That's fantastic!" "Are you really happy?" "Really happy!" "Really?" "Really..." "Then let's see your heart's desire..." "Haven't got any..." laughs Kyoko & Shuji leans forward, putting his forehead to hers...
In the hospital, Kyoko asks her mother "Mom, did you buy the lip gloss for me?" "Yes, yes...wait a minute..." replies Kuniko, rummaging into a plastic bag. Kyoko laughs "Give me, give me...that's it..."
As Satoru & Takumi walk into the empty Hot Lip salon, Takumi says "The cards notifying the closure of the salon have all been sent out..." "Really? Thanks..." They walk inside to see Shuji sitting on the floor eating. Takumi says "Shuji was the one who did most of the work..." "I see..." says Satoru as they pick up their things. "Otsukare..." Satoru asks "What are you going to do now? Shuji..." Shuji replies "Eh? Now?" "Of course it's not the 3 of us going out for a drink...work..." Shuji says "Oh...I haven't thought about it yet..."
Kyoko tries on the lip gloss & asks her mom "How is it?" Kuniko smiles "Yes, yes...a real beauty! Look exactly like me when I was young..." Kyoko gives her mom a look "...never mind...Shuji will be here soon..." "Eh? What time will he be coming?" "Tomorrow..." "...tomorrow & you're putting on lipstick now?" "Not that...practice, simulation, rehearsal..." "Really conscientious huh..." "Oh yes...mom?" "What?" "Did you hear from oni-chan?" "What about?" "Sachi & the baby..." "Uhm...ah..." "Did you properly congratulate him?" "Masao will take care of things, don't worry..." Kyoko doesn't look happy with her mother's evasive answer but merely nods...
Lying in bed at night, alone, Kyoko's voiceover comes on...
That day, because of the faint pain in my body...
& the intense throbbing in my heart, I had trouble falling asleep...
illness makes one's heart throb too...
even at 27, it beats...like this...
Shuji comes to the hospital to visit Kyoko...
Kyoko touches the ribbon she's got in her hair & asks her mother "How is it...put on another one?" At that moment the door slides open & Kyoko grins "Hello!" Shuji walks in "What's that you've got on?" "It's strange?...It's strange he says..." Kyoko says to Kuniko. Kuniko laughs "How disappointing...Shuji, stay a while? I need to take care of these..." taking a bag of laundry. Shuji says "Please..." & Kuniko walks out "Thanks..." Both of them wait for Kuniko to walk out & then Shuji sits on the bed "What've you got on?" touching the ribbon on her hair. Kyoko laughs "Weird?" Shuji says "Should be..." & then frantically stands up when he hears the door slide open & Kuniko walking in. Kuniko gets something from the cupboard & then says "Take your time..." walking out. Shuji laughs relieved "Take our time...absolutely not..." sitting down on the bed again. Kyoko grabs him from behind "Caught you..." "Oi...she'll come back again..." "But I was waiting...it was so long...24 hours & then 3 & a half..." "Same here..." "Say it again..." "Hm? Love you..." "Ah, that's not what you said..." "Love you..." "Wrong again..." Shuji turns around & taking Kyoko's hand "...I really wanted to see you..." Kyoko laughs, leaning on Shuji. Shuji says "What?" Kyoko says "...have a weakness for physical contact huh...that's too much love huh..." Embarrassed, Shuji pulls away "...wait, wait...whatever you're thinking you're just saying it all out..." Kyoko grins "Sorry...ah, I have something I want to discuss with you..." "Discuss with me?"
"Celebration for Sachi & me?" Masao says in surprise, looking at Shuji. Shuji nods "Yes...she spoke to me about it, that's what she wants to do...Kyoko wants...ah...Kyoko-san too...if she gets permission to stay out, then wouldn't it be ok..." Masao says "...it's ok, just calling her Kyoko..." Sachi says "...but somehow...I...then I'm the only one that doesn't feel right about this..." Shuji looks at her "Sachi...if Kyoko hears that, won't she feel sad?" "Eh?" "...well, it's a happy occasion for you...I think she'll feel happy for you too...she's that sort of person..." Masao says "I wonder......I guess that's true..." Sachi looks surprised "Eh?" Masao says "Let's celebrate!"
At the Machida house, Shuji & Masao are decorating the living room with paper streamers. Shuji says "The length is enough?" Masao grabs the streamers "You're stepping on them, stepping on them!" Shuji moves away "Sorry...but like this, it's like a kindergarten, is it ok?" Masao says "What!? What are you complaining about?" Kuniko brings in a pot of food "Don't fight! If you guys don't hurry up she'll be home soon!" From the garage they hear Kyoko calling "I'm home!" Masao quickly runs to see Kyoko, breaking the streamers Shuji's holding on to. Shuji mutters "Unbelievable! Both brother & sister are the same..."
"Sachi, oni-chan...congratulations!" Kyoko gives them some flowers. Masao hands them over to Sachi "This is a little embarrassing...thank you..." Everyone looks around at each other a little awkwardly until Shuji prods Kyoko to start clapping. Kyoko says "Let's have a toast...everyone, take your glass..." Masao moans "You're making it like a ceremony..." "Never mind...then, here's to Sachi's & oni-chan having a healthy baby & getting married! Cheers!" "Cheers!"
Yoshio says "Masao!" Masao comes by with some futons "Yes?" "Blankets..." "ok, I'll get them..." Kuniko calls "Sachi!" "Yes?" replies Sachi, washing the dishes. "Go take a bath..." "ah, ok..." & then to Kyoko who's helping her wipe the dishes "let's bath together?" Kyoko replies "That's indecent..." "What? Where?" says Sachi, laughing...
In the living room, Shuji's keeping the decorations & Kuniko asks "Shuji, what about you?" "Eh? Oh, I'll go home after I finish with these..." Kyoko looks a little sad hearing his reply but then Kuniko asks Shuji "If it's ok, stay over?" Sachi adds "Yes, yes! Since I'm staying over, you stay over too..." Kuniko calls out "Otochan...there's extra futons right? Ah, he can't hear..." Sachi runs out "I'll go ask..." "Be careful..." "Yes..." Sachi comes running back "There's extra futons, he said..." Kuniko says "Really? Then..." & looks at Shuji. Shuji gives Kyoko a glance & then replies "In that case, I accept your offer..." Thrilled, Kyoko says "Really? Will this house do? It's kind of broken down...don't know when the last time the futons were put out in the sun..." Kuniko laughs "Excuse me! I sun them properly all the time..." Kyoko grins "Sorry..."
Coming out from under the water, Shuji looks at the tiles in the bathroom muttering to himself "What's that?" & takes a closer look "Isn't that a dog..." He suddenly hears Kuniko talk to him from outside "Shuji..." Flustered, Shuji replies "Ah, yes..." "Masao's pajamas...it's washed..." "Thanks..."
Kuniko's in the living room folding the laundry when Shuji walks in "Sorry...I used the bath before you...this fits perfectly..." Kuniko smiles "Ah...there's beer in the fridge..." getting up but Shuji tells her "It's ok, I'll get it myself..." Kuniko looks at him "Shuji..." "Eh?" replies Shuji, walking back to the living room. Kuniko says "Sorry..." "What for?" "Everyone's staying over...because of her illness...Masao too...usually 27 & 33 year olds, already adults...still sticking close to the family like this..." Shuji, folding his own clothes reply "...but I think what we did today...was really nice..." "Instead of celebrating for Sachi & Masao, it feels like we were doing it more for Kyoko's sake...you had that intention too, didn't you?" "No...after talking to her about it, she said she wanted to do this..." "Thank you...Shuji...I told you sometime before didn't I..." "What about?" "Her illness..." Shuji nods "Yes..." "You didn't run away from her then...thank you very much..." Shuji mutters "...running away...please don't say that..." "...but, things turning out like this...I'm really sorry......please bear with it..." Shuji looks at Kuniko, her head bowed down...
In her bedroom, Kyoko says to Shuji who's on the floor next to her "Does your back hurt?" "Huh?" "The floor..." "It's ok, I put more mattresses just now..." "Sorry, we don't have a guest room..." "Idiot...that's fine, I'm happy..." "Hah!" "But to tell you the truth, this isn't the place I want to be..." Shuji hints looking over at her. Kyoko pretends to be disappointed "What..." Shuji laughs "I'm serious..." Smiling, Kyoko says "Shuji..." "Hm?" "Thank you for today...I was really happy..." "Uhm..." "I..." "What?" "...getting sick & then being in a wheelchair...I gave up on a lot of things...but I've also got a lot of things too..." "What things?" Kyoko looks at Shuji "Come over & help me up?" Shuji gets up & lifts Kyoko so she sits up on the bed, leaning against him "What?" "After I got sick, no matter when, I could always feel death...but everything's invaluable...it may be common things...like beautiful scenery...or a wonderful breeze...or the candle light wavering on the Christmas cake that my parents gave me...but just like there's a God, I got something fantastic at the end..." "What?" Kyoko turns around to look at Shuji, pointing her finger at him "Shuji...my life's special..." Shuji laughs "Idiot..." but looks away. Kyoko says "Just talking about the end of one's life...feel like crying?" Shuji sighs & says softly "I'm ok...say what you feel like..." Kyoko smiles "...I can say anything to you..."
Next morning, Shuji returns home to find a red Ferrari parked outside his apartment. As he parks his bike, he hears a car horn & turning, sees Satoru inside the Ferrari "Shuji!" Shuji mutters to himself "Who's that?"
Satoru picks up some instant cup noodles from the mess in Shuji's apartment muttering "Are you eating properly?" Shuji opens up a bottle of coffee "Ah, sorry, date's expired..." dumping it into the trash bag. Satoru says "Doesn't matter..." picking up an empty bottle "Are you looking after yourself?" Shuji grabs the bottle from him "Never you mind..." Satoru tells him "The salon I'm at are looking for hairstylists, come over?" Shuji mutters "Didn't I say so already? I don't feel like working..." going to the bathroom & taking out his laundry. Satoru follows him "You haven't done any magazine assignments lately..." Shuji replies, irritation mounting "Forget it...leave me alone..." walking back into the living room. Satoru continues "You cut someone's ear didn't you...a customer's..." "Huh?" "...just before Hot Lip closed...it's a private matter & rather confusing but I heard from Takumi...I've seen quite a few people recently...well, like this is also a tough job...just being a little absent minded & everything goes wrong...becoming a dropout..." Shuji mutters "...if that's so, what's wrong with that?" Satoru retorts "What's wrong with you, giving up on yourself?!" Shuji flings back in anger "It's none of your business!...leave me alone...I'm sorry but I don't want to see you right now...leave...hurry up!" Satoru says "ok, I understand..." & starts walking out but suddenly takes a magazine out of his bag "Ah...if you have time, take a look at this..." Shuji takes the magazine from him "What is it?" "My new hair design...wanted to hear your opinion...bye..." Shuji stares at Satoru leaving his apartment & then looks at the magazine in his hand. In a fit of anger, Shuji flings the magazine towards the front door...
In the hospital, Masao spreads travel brochures on the bed telling Kyoko "This one is Spain, this one England...there's one for Australia too where you can carry koala bears...& then they pee on you..." Kyoko says "Oni-chan..." but Masao cuts her off "Ah, you said you wanted to got to 'puropangasu' (propane gas)..." Kyoko looks at Masao with total incomprehension "Huh?" Masao takes out the pamphlet "Ah, purobansu (Provence), purobansu..." "Oni-chan..." "Money? Don't worry about money...I can take some time off from the store & go with you...even that brown curly haired guy can come along together too..." "Who's that brown curly haired guy?" "Your darling..." "What are you saying...idiot..." "But being here's boring..." Kyoko doesn't say anything & Masao asks "You worried about your health?" Kyoko nods "Uhm...but I do hate being here too..." "Then leave the hospital, go some place you want to go..." "Oni-chan...where I want to go..." "Where? Where?" "I want to go to the library in my Vita..." "Huh?" "Like normal..." "Going by Omotesandou...drinking horrible coffee at the horrible canteen...eating the nabe mom makes for dinner by the kotatsu (foot warmer with a Japanese quilt over it)..." "That sounds miserly..." "It may be miserly but that's my life...that's my happiness...you are around...Dad's around...Mom's around...& Sachi's around too...meeting him at the library...driving the red Vita, meeting him on the 246 (Omotesandou)...I want to go back to those places..." Masao remains silent & Kyoko takes the brochures "Sorry about these...oni-chan..." Masao looks at her "I understand...I understand, leave everything to me..."
Amid scenes of Shuji moving things into a house, Masao, Sachi, Kuniko, Miyama inside getting the house ready, Shuji's voiceover comes on...
for Kyoko coming out of the hospital & me, Masao rented a house...
for Kyoko's happiness...everyone was thinking this...
& then we couldn't help but do something...
...feeling afraid of the "remaining" time left,
we looked for things to do, gathered together...
for Kyoko's sake, couldn't help but do something...
Kyoko spends the day out of the streets with Shuji, taking pictures of a man playing the saxophone, kids playing, dogs running. As she takes a snapshot of her red Vita, Shuji comes up to her "Photos?" "Uhm..." Shuji hands her a drink "Here..." "Thank you...haven't been out for a while..." "What shall we do now?" "Uhm...go to the library & poke fun at Sachi, go to the café & have tea, & then have ramen at Ichiban...ah, want to go to the amusement park too..." "That's the same as usual..." "Yes, the same as usual is best..." When Shuji makes a face & nods, Kyoko takes her camera "Ah, stop, stop..." wanting to take a picture of Shuji. Shuji laughs "Don't, don't...it's a waste..." Kyoko laughs, fiddling with her camera. Shuji looks at her "Are you alright?" "Huh?" "Physically..." Kyoko nods "Uhm..." "Don't overdo it...in front of me..." Kyoko nods, looking at him. Shuji adds "...physically......or emotionally..." "Then I've got a favor to ask..." "Huh?" "Kiss me here..." "I said not to force it..." "Kiss me..." Shuji looks around to see if anyone's looking, then quickly gives Kyoko a kiss. Kyoko grins...
The door slides open & Kyoko enters their new home together with Shuji. Thrilled, Kyoko says "Wow..." "So, you like it?" "This is where we're going to live together from now on?" "Yes..." "Thank you..." The doorbell rings & Shuji gets up "Who can it be...wait a second..." "Uhm..." Shuji runs to the front door "Coming!"
Shuji slides the door open to see Masao "What's wrong?" "Nothing...just this..." Masao opens his jacket revealing a cute little Inu puppy. Shuji seeing it "Oh...scared me..." "Don't like dogs?" "No, it's ok..." "then great...he's called Jon..." "Jon?" "Shhh! Told you before didn't I, that we had a dog before...it's gotten attached to my relatives' place, wouldn't stop whining & didn't like it..." Shuji laughs "...you're not making sense..." "this is a new one..." "Really?" "Then...hide it, hide it..." Shuji puts the puppy into his jacket & goes into the living room calling to Kyoko "Hey..." "Hm?" Shuji bends over "My stomach hurts..." "What?" Shuji opens his jacket & Kyoko smiles in delight "A dog! A dog!" Masao looks at Shuji handing the puppy to Kyoko, saying "Not a dog...you should say 'oni-chan!' & then after that 'what's with the dog?'..." Kyoko asks "What's with the dog?" Masao tells her "It's a present from Dad, Mom, me & Sachi...being discharged from the hospital..." Shuji grins, nodding thanks to Masao as Kyoko, overjoyed with the puppy says "You're a present...adorable..."
Kyoko takes a picture of the puppy "Look over here, over here...Jon, over here, don't move..." The doorbell rings & Kyoko looks up in surprise "Ah?" & then says to the puppy "Wait a bit..." & then goes to the front door "Coming!" Sliding the door open, she sees Satoru standing outside "Hi..." Kyoko nods a greeting "Good afternoon..."
Shuji walks by Hot Lip & peeps into the empty salon. Suddenly he hears his name being called "Shuji..." & turns to see Takumi walking up towards him "What are you doing?" "Oh, I went shopping in Shibuya...what about you?" "I'm working at a new place just up ahead...Espa..." "Espa? I see..." Takumi walks up to the old salon "But Hot Lip's gone now...Shuji, I'm now an assistant, want to work on my skills...since you're what I aim to be like..." "What are you saying..." "...might be impossible but..." "No, you'll become good...well, I've got to go, hang in there..." Takumi watches as Shuji starts to walk away & suddenly calls out "Shuji..." Shuji turns around "Huh?" "...it might be tough on Kyoko...but for her sake, you've got to do your best too..." Shuji looks at him without saying anything, then smiles, turns around & walks on...
Shuji's in the garden working on a kennel for the puppy when Kyoko calls out "Is it ok without milk?" "Huh?" "Milk..." "Yes..." Kyoko comes by the side of the house with a drink "...kept you waiting..." "Thank you..." As Kyoko puts the drink on a little table, she says "Shuji..." "Hm?" "Hot Lip's closed?" When Shuji doesn't reply, Kyoko continues "Satoru came by...I heard everything from him..." "Sorry, keeping it from you...didn't want you to worry..." Kyoko takes an envelope by the telephone & shows it to Shuji "This...he left it here...seems like it's Kyoichi Fujita Spring Collection design..." Shuji takes it from her, interest peaked "Kyoichi Fujita?" "Uhm...he asked if you wanted to work on the hair designs...you like Kyoichi Fujita, don't you..." Shuji looks at the documents without saying anything & then gives them back to Kyoko "...but I don't want to..." "Why?" "What do you mean why...well, all I want to do is to be with you..." Shuji gets up & goes back to working on the kennel. Kyoko tells him "I don't like that..." Shuji looks at her as she says again "I don't like it like that..." Shuji asks "Why?" "Shuji, go work on the collection...don't quit for my sake...you working & doing your best is my reason for living...I want to see your hair designs...Shuji..." Shuji looks at Kyoko "...uhm...I...please understand my feelings too...right now, I can't work...working on other people's hair or the collection...doesn't mean anything..."
Coming out after finishing his bath, Shuji whispers to Jon in the hallway "Good night..." & walks into the living room. Seeing Kyoko sitting up, Shuji says "Still awake?" When Kyoko doesn't reply, he asks "What's wrong?" "I'm scared..." "Hm?" "I'm afraid of the night...I think 'am I really going to die'...if only it was day all the time...but I want to go on living..." Shuji looks at her, not understanding "Huh?" Kyoko explains "Actually...actually I'm terribly afraid...not just a little afraid...but I want to go on living...I may have to take loads of painkillers but...I want to go on living...you said so before didn't you...that no matter what sort of life one had, one had the strength to carry on living..." Shuji quietly nods "Uhm..." Kyoko looks at him "Shuji...go on living too...if you don't, then it will become hopeless for the both of us...right now, the both of us are running away...don't you feel that?" Shuji doesn't reply & Kyoko adds "The both of us have dreams don't we..." Shuji looks at her, listening in silence. Kyoko continues "Working in a little salon by the beach...you can't give up your scissors...I want to see your show..." At long last, Shuji nods "I understand..." "Really?" "Yes..." Shuji goes over to Kyoko & helps her into bed, arranging her pillow & pulling the covers over her. Lying down next to her, Shuji says "In exchange for that...then we'll do your best together..." "Together..." "Uhm...from now on...both of us go on living..." Kyoko whispers "Hey..." "Hm?" "It's strange...the fear's receding..." "Receding?" "Like waves receding..." Shuji sighs & then says "Go to sleep..." Kyoko nods "Uhm...speaking of which...I thought about this a long time ago..." "Hm?" "Women...before they are born, they are held in the arms of God...after that, when they are born, they are held in their mother's arms...when they grow up, they are held by men..." Shuji smiles, listening. Kyoko closes her eyes & says "...& after that...when they die...they go back into the arms of God again..." Shuji quietly says "God has it good..." Kyoko tells him "I'm sure God's very much like you..." Shuji smiles. Kyoko says "Hey..." "Hm?" "ok if I fall asleep..." "Yes...I'll be here like this until you fall asleep..." "Like this forever..." Shuji nods. Kyoko whispers "Goodnight..." Shuji watches Kyoko fall asleep "Goodnight..."
Over scenes of Kyoko doing housework, Shuji's voiceover comes on...
After that, Kyoko wanted to have a share in the responsibilities...
when I was out working, she did whatever she could in the house...
Shuji & Kyoko go out by the beach with Jon...
For a short while, a peaceful & happy life continued but...
In the garden, Kyoko brings food for the puppy "Jon, time to eat..." Inside, Kuniko comes into the kitchen & notices Jon. Picking him up, she says "What's wrong? All alone..." Carrying him, she walks towards the garden & sees Kyoko slumped over in the wheelchair. Putting Jon down, she rushes towards Kyoko "Kyoko! Kyoko!"
eventually, she collapsed...
in the end, she had to go back to the hospital...
At his work place, Shuji receives a call on his cell phone & rides his bike to the hospital & entering the room, sees Kyoko greeting him with a big smile "Shuji..." Shuji says "Hello..." to Kuniko who replies "Good afternoon..." & then Shuji asks Kyoko "How are you..." Cheerfully, Kyoko replies "I'm fine..."
Kyoko was always so strong...
she told me 'just needed some intravenous liquids,
nothing had changed'...
Shuji goes up to the rooftop of the hospital, has a cigarette...
Out of respect for her smile...
I just had to believe that...
As Sachi slices some lemons in the room, Kyoko comments "Wow...really smells of lemon..." Sachi sniffs "Really?...it's true what they say about wanting to eat sour things when one gets morning sickness..." Kyoko looks at the fruit basket by the chest of drawers "If you'd like, you can take that with you..." Sachi says "Really? Then..." "...except the melon..." "I understand...miser!" Sachi looks at the fruit basket & then notices some red wool coming out of the drawers. As she pulls it out, Kyoko anxiously says "It's ok, leave that alone..." Sachi opens the drawer & takes out a pair of knitted baby socks as Kyoko moans "Ah...you found them..." Sachi brings them over to her "What are these? Money pouches?" "What? Look carefully..." Sachi looks at them "Ah...socks! They're tiny! For the baby?" Kyoko nods "Uhm...somehow I feel that it's going to be a girl...see, your face hasn't changed..." Sachi puts her hand on her cheek, smiling "That so..." Kyoko looks up at Sachi "Sachi, have the baby in that house...have the baby in that house...as cheerful as sunflowers blooming..." Tears well up in Sachi's eyes as she listens in silence. Kyoko asks "Can I touch your stomach?" "Eh? But it's only 3 months, it's not moving yet..." "But it's there...can I touch?" Sachi stands next to Kyoko "Uhm..." Kyoko puts her hand out & carefully touches Sachi, speaking to the baby "How big are you now I wonder...hello...it's Kyoko one-chan..." Fighting back tears, Sachi retorts "More like obachan (auntie)..." "Doesn't matter..." & then to the baby "Are you feeling ok? Can you hear me?" Sachi holds out the little socks to Kyoko "Kyoko, these aren't the same size...what to do? They're a little awkward..." Kyoko looks up at Sachi "Sachi..." Sachi sniffs "The stitches are kind of uneven too...but they're really cute...thank you...when did you do them? I had no idea at all..." "Hey, Sachi..." Sachi completely falls apart, crying & as Kyoko tries to console her, Kyoko's voiceover comes on...
After that, in that room filled with the smell of lemon,
Sachi started crying as if a dam had broken, uncontrollable...
I was only concerned that the baby would be scared...
Hey...your mother's a crybaby...but a very kind, very good person...
Kyoko puts photographs she & Shuji had taken into an album. As she flips the pages & sees those behind empty, her expression changes. Suddenly she hears running footsteps out in the corridor & a nurse saying "Wait a minute! Don't run!" Shuji's voice replies "Sorry!" The door slides open & Shuji says "I'm back..." Kyoko smiles "I thought it was you..." "How come?" "The sound of your footsteps..." "Really?" "Made them angry again?" "Leave me alone...photos?" "Ah, these are the ones we took the other day, look, look..." "Ah, before that, let me have a drink..." "There's lots in the fridge, a lot of people came..." "There's everything in this fridge, just like Doraemon's pocket...ah! Pudding!" Shuji takes it out with a big grin "ok if I have this?"
Shuji lies on the extra bed next to Kyoko looking at the photo album "Sure took a lot...wow, this is nice..." "Isn't it..." "Looks tender & loving..." A knock on the door & as it slides open, a nurse says "Machida-san, lights out..." Shuji replies "ok..." & as the lights go out, he stretches tiredly, cracks his fingers muttering "Ouch..." With a worried look on her face, Kyoko turns to look at Shuji & then reaches out to hold his hand. Shuji says "Hm? What's wrong?" "Shuji...my own feelings hurt...here & there, all over...it hurts..." Shuji stares at her & then says "Can I come over?" Kyoko nods & Shuji goes over & lies next to Kyoko "What's wrong?" Quietly, Kyoko tells him "Sachi came by today..." "Uhm...ah, everything ok with the baby?" Kyoko nods "Uhm...& I gave her the socks..." "Oh?" "...I want to see so much......Sachi's baby..." Shuji nods, not saying anything. "Shuji..." "Uhm?" "How many more times can I call you...like this...'Shuji'...my feelings of wanting to go on living...what should I do?" Shuji holds Kyoko closer to him "I'll take that on for you..." "Can you carry on living? Live my part for me too?" "Yes...or would you rather we die together?" "You still think about that?" "Doesn't matter..." Kyoko shakes her head "I want you to go on living...I want you to go on living my part for me too..." When Shuji doesn't reply, she looks up at him "ok?" & Shuji agrees "ok..."
Later, Shuji goes up to the rooftop of the hospital & looks out onto the night scene below, smoking a cigarette, fighting back tears...
Kuniko draws open the curtains & bright sunlight streams into the room "Wow...weather looks wonderful...Shuji's great, such good weather on the day of the show..." "But he's late, I wonder if everything's ok..." At that moment, they hear running footsteps & mother & daughter look at each other, smiling "He's here..." The door slides open & Shuji says "Morning..." & then seeing Kuniko, greets her properly "Good morning..." "Sorry, coming here specially..." "It's ok..." Shuji asks Kyoko "Are you ok?" Kyoko, although looking rather weak, replies with a smile "I'm fine..." "Then today at 6, I'll wait for you at the venue..." "Uhm..." "Then I'm off..."
Shuji rides off to the site of the show & entering the backstage greets some people "Good morning..." As he walks to the front of the stage, looking at people working, Mayumi calls him "Shuji..." "Hi..." Mayumi teases Shuji "Where's the invited guest going to be? Here?" Satoru adds playfully "Need flower decorations as well?" & then laughs at him "You're embarrassed!" Shuji retorts, laughing "I'm not embarrassed! What!"
As Kyoko puts on lipstick, getting ready, Masao paces "Not ready yet?" "Sachi's not here yet..." Masao mutters "What is she doing?" walking out to look for her. He sees Sachi running up "Sorry, sorry...I'm late..." As they come back into Kyoko's room, Masao says "She's here..." & Sachi apologizing "Sorry, sorry..." Masao asks "Are you done Kyoko?" When Kyoko doesn't reply, Masao runs forward "Kyoko...Kyoko..." Kyoko's eyes closed, in pain, doesn't reply. Sachi frantically says "I'll call the doctor..."
Lying flat on a bed, looking extremely pale, Kyoko finally opens her eyes. Anxiously, Masao calls her name "Kyoko..." Kyoko says weakly "Oni-chan...please...let me go...it's our dream...Shuji's & my last dream..."
Backstage at the show, Shuji works frantically on a model "ok, go..." "Shuji, next one..." & another model sits down in front of Shuji. Out front as the models parade on the catwalk, Sachi removes the barrier reserved for Kyoko as Masao wheels her in...
Doing some last minute touches as the models go on stage, Takumi suddenly says to Shuji "Damn! Shuji! The clips are still in her hair!" "Hah? What are you saying?" Shuji walks behind the stage & peeps out to the front. Turning back he mutters "You've got to be kidding!" & then nonchalantly, Shuji strides out onto the catwalk & walks up to the model, removing the clips on her hair. As he walks off, he notices a clip on another model & turns back to fix her hair as well. At that moment, he notices Kyoko in the audience. With a hint of a smile, he fixes the model's hair & receiving a round of applause, Shuji walks backstage. Takumi apologizes "Shuji, I'm really sorry..." "Quit messing around!"
Watching the show but getting weaker with each passing moment, Kyoko finally collapses onto Masao. Frantically, Masao & Sachi try to wake her...
The show ends & all the models come up on stage amid cheers & applause. Shuji comes up on stage & is handed a bouquet of flowers. At that moment, he glances over to where Kyoko's suppose to be & is surprised not to see her there. Takumi comes up behind him & whispers to Shuji "Kyoko's collapsed..." "Huh?" "Kyoko's collapsed!" Frantically, Shuji runs off stage, tossing aside the flowers & runs in a panic down the back of the building to see Kyoko being placed in an ambulance "Kyoko!" Masao & Sachi tell him "Shuji! Go on ahead, we're right behind you..." Shuji leaps into the ambulance shouting "Kyoko!"
As the ambulance rushes to the hospital, Shuji tries to get Kyoko to respond, repeatedly calling her name "Kyoko...Kyoko..." Finally, Kyoko opens her eyes, murmuring weakly "Shuji..." Shuji tells her "It's ok, everything's ok..." "...was great...the collection..." Shuji asks the attendant "Can I take this off?" & then takes of the oxygen mask from Kyoko's face, grabbing her hand "Hm?" Kyoko whispers softly "...was great...the collection..." "Really?" In tears but with a smile, Kyoko tells him "...sorry...for everything...thank you..." Shuji nods as he looks at her. Kyoko closes her eyes & Shuji calls her "Kyoko...Kyoko..." but she doesn't open her eyes again. Shuji puts the mask back on her but knows it's the end. Over scenes of the ambulance speeding to the hospital, Masao consoling Sachi, Kyoko's hospital bed empty with her wheelchair beside it, Shuji's voiceover comes on...
Her tears were warm...& that...was her last smile...
...& I...so that I wouldn't ever ever forget....
with all my might, I clicked the shutter in my heart.....
as if burning it into my eyes...
as if burning it into my mind...
as if burning it into my heart...
as if burning it into the rest of my life...
At the Machida house, funeral preparations are taking place. A man helping out with the funeral tells Masao & Yoshio "...after this we'll be arranging the flowers accordingly..." "Thank you very much..."
Kuniko comes in with a carton "This is tea for the guests..." Sachi asks "What about refreshments?" "I've just asked Tanabe-obachan..." "Oh...somehow, there seems to be a lot that needs to be done..." "Yes...but it's good...keeps one distracted...ah, is Kyoko alone?" "No...Takumi & Shuji are..." "Oh I see..." At that moment, Shuji comes in "Uhm..." "Shuji, anything...?" Shuji asks "Is it alright if I do her makeup for her?" Kuniko says "Ah...yes...please..." Shuji nods & goes back to Kyoko's room...
Shuji slides the door shut & walks over to Kyoko who's lying on a futon, a white cloth covering her face. Shuji sits down next to her & after a pause, removes the cloth to reveal Kyoko's face. At that moment, there's a knock on the door & Shuji answers "Yes..." The door slides open & Takumi walks in bringing in a box. Shuji says "Thank you... as Takumi opens the box, taking out cosmetics. Shuji tells him "Foundation please..." Takumi hands him the foundation & Shuji pours some out onto his hand, taking a sponge, he reaches out over Kyoko's forehead. After a pause, he starts dabbing foundation on her face & starts doing her makeup in silence. Finally, Shuji says "Lipstick..." & Takumi hands over the lipstick to him. Takumi, face wet with tears, watches Shuji put color on Kyoko's lips. Done, Shuji mutters "Looks overly cute?" Takumi sniffs "No...looks like a young lady..." "Ah, blush..." says Shuji but Takumi, overcome with tears, mutters "Sorry...I...toilet..." & leaves the room. Shuji, left alone says "What..." & then reaches for the blush. At that moment, there's a knock on the door & Kuniko enters "Ah...you've made her beautiful..." Kuniko holds up the pair of red shoes Shuji bought for Kyoko "I thought I'd let her wear these too...hope that she can walk in heaven..." Shuji doesn't say anything, both of them merely stare at Kyoko. From outside, Masao calls "Mom..." Kuniko gets up "Yes..." & goes out leaving Shuji alone with Kyoko again. Shuji murmurs "That's a relief..." Shuji lightly puts some blush onto Kyoko's cheeks, tears welling up in his eyes "Ah...I forgot...this, this..." taking a comb from the makeup box. He gently combs her hair into place & then says "How is it?...what about shadow?...or more lip gloss so it shines a bit more..." With tears rolling down his face, Shuji says "You like that don't you..." Taking out a brush & putting his hand on her forehead, he pauses, unable to stop the tears, crying "Why are you this cold?...hey Miss...don't ignore me...say something...smile!...I've made you beautiful...smile!...Kyoko........."
Over scenes of the funeral, Shuji's voiceover comes on...
The day Kyoko was cremated...was a cloudless bright day...
There was no wind either...an ideal day for an outing...
Miyama approaches Takumi "Have you got a light?" & Takumi obligingly digs into his pockets, producing a lighter & lighting Miyama's cigarette. Shuji stands alone on some stairs, looking around...
The sky was a clear blue...quiet...
&...her bones were as white as sand...
a little bitter...
The ceremony done, Shuji walks out with Takumi. "Shuji, I'm going..." Shuji shakes his hand "Thank you..." Turning around, Shuji notices Masao waiting for him "Uhm..." Masao hesitates & then suddenly bows to Shuji "Thank you...thanks to you, she was really happy..." Shuji says "Uhm...I've got a favor to ask..." "What is it?" "...can I have that dog?" As Shuji walks to his bike & rides off, his voiceover comes on...
If there's a world after death, it could be in someone's heart...
You are in my heart, living in there forever...
Kyoko...did I...love you like I should have......?
A little girl walks up the stairs into a cozy looking place by the sea. She opens the door & looks up to see a bell hung up in the corner ring. Looking in, she sees the place Kyoko & Shuji dreamt about. Not seeing anyone, she walks up & sits in one of the chairs, looking at the many photos taken by Kyoko all stuck on the wall, pictures of Jon, her red Vita & many others. Looking around, the little girl sees the bookshelf in a corner, table & chair, the Dream Catcher hanging on the glass window. Shuji walks up the stairs carrying a surfboard & as he walks in, is surprised to see the little girl in the salon "Welcome..." With a sweet smile, she greets him "Hello" "Hello...ah, I'll just change & be right back, please wait a bit..."
Showered & changed, Shuji comes up to the girl "Sorry...what shall we do..." The little girl hesitates "...Uhm..." Shuji touches the clips on the girl's pigtails "...let's take these off first?" "Uhm..." "They're cute..." "This is the first time at a hair salon..." "You're kidding...by any chance, this is a secret even from mom?" "Uhm..." Shuji stands up, looking at her hair "It's really long...what's that?" pointing to the picture in the girl's hand. "Can I see?" "Uhm..." Shuji takes it from her "Which side..." & then says "This one?" "Uhm..." Shuji looks at the picture & touches the girl's head "ok..." Delighted, the girl says "Can I?" "Yes...let's make you beautiful..." The girl nods & Shuji gets started. Taking another look at the picture, he says to the girl "ok?" "Uhm..."
Halfway through the haircut, the little girl asks "Hey...where are these places?" Shuji smiles "Where I wonder......in my heart..." The little girl turns to look at him "In your heart?" Shuji says "Don't move..." & quickly she turns back towards the mirror "Ah...ok..." Shuji smiles, continuing cutting her hair...
Done, the little girl says "Thank you..." "You like it?" "Like this I'll be popular with the boys!" Shuji pretends to frown "Hmm...then I wish you good luck..." "Goodbye..." "Bye..." as the little girl runs off. As Shuji looks out over the sea, Kyoko's voiceover comes on...
hey Shuji, this world was beautiful.
looking from the height of 100cm, the world was beautiful.
meeting you, these last few months, my life glittered as if sprinkled with stardust.....
CJ's final thoughts...
Although I didn't find this drama all that engaging overall, I did enjoy the subtle details embedded in the drama throughout like....
...Shuji's perception of the world, bending down to 100cm to see what Kyoko's world looked like....& in the process, opening Kyoko's eyes to the idea that there's beauty in her kind of life too....
....the subtle reversal of feelings & emotions.....the feeling of helplessness between Shuji & Kyoko...although it's Kyoko that believes her disability a burden to Shuji, it's Shuji who ends up feeling helpless, wanting to let her walk, run, ride roller coasters, but can't....Shuji wanting to be strong & not cry, yet Kyoko hears the sound of his heart crying.....
....the camera angles showing stairs, curbs, legs....especially telling when both Shuji & Kyoko went up on that ride, Shuji swinging his legs freely & Kyoko's were still.....
....dreams......Kyoko gives Shuji a Dream Catcher, his dream of becoming a top stylist.....Shuji gives her the red shoes, Kyoko's dream of walking again....Shuji presenting the collection....living the dream they both wanted.....
....the color red....the red shoes....Kyoko's red car & the fact that she feels like anyone else when she's in it...the little red socks she gave to Sachi for the baby...Shuji often wore red, loving Kyoko "barrier free", treating her as he would if she were normal, wanting to be more than just a Christmas tree ornament in her life.....
The one thing that annoyed me a fair bit in the earlier episodes was Kyoko's tantrums. I would've admired her a bit more if she had not made excuses for the problems that came along with her disability. After all, she's never made excuses for that disability....I enjoyed the last couple of episodes where the both of them had some semblance of a relationship with more depth, one that Kyoko could speak openly about death & life after that to Shuji.....
Kitagawa Eriko wrote in her novel that she "believed people had the strength (ability) to think any sort of life beautiful...that it wasn't the length of a lifetime but rather what one did during that lifetime that mattered...that death although scary, wasn't an exceptional event, it's something everyone has to face...."
I guess Shuji & Kyoko's story of their "Beautiful Life" isn't the fact that they lived happily ever after...but the fact that they lived....
owari...
