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Are you my child? 2
Do I love you?
-> RTS Page for Are you my child? 2
Are you my child? v1 c02
Translated by Deanna
p.105
Girl: Mama,
Look! There are two butterflies!
Maybe they'll mate.
Mother: Ma...?!
Y... Yeah...
SFX: Kusu kusu; chuckle chuckle.
Girl: If they mate, they'll lay eggs, too.
Mother: Aki-chan, don't talk so loud...
Girl: When are they going to mate?
Mother: Aki-chan... (Stop...)
Jun: (thoughts) Animals and insects mate purely to continue their species.
Pitiful.
p.106
vol.2 – Do I love you?
p.107
Jun: (thoughts) They anticipate that most of them will die, so they have a lot of babies or lay a lot of eggs.
So it's doubtful that the parents love each and every egg.
So, what about humans...?
Takuya: Gyahaha! I love that!
SIGN: (Sorry, can't make it out.)
I would've loved to see that mother's face!
Jun: But when that child grows up,
I wonder what she'll think when she remembers the things she said.
p.109
Takuya: Oh,
I just remembered.
Jun: Huh?
Takuya: I've been in school with you since elementary school, right, Jun?
Elementary, middle, high school, and college; isn't it incredible? Is one of us a stalker?
Remember health class in fifth or sixth grade?
We talked about pistils and stamens and such.
Jun: Yeah.
Sex education.
Takuya: That's right.
You raised your hand back then.
Teacher: Nagai-kun? Do you have a question?
Jun: So,
You're saying that if you have sex, you'll have a baby?
SFX: Kyaaaa!
SFX: Iyaaaa!; Eeeeeew!
SFX: Ecchi!; How pervy!
p.110
Guy2: What a brat.
Takuya: Then the teacher froze.
The boys were delighted and made a big fuss, and the girls also made a fuss saying that it was dirty and such.
Jun: I made a suggestion to the modern sex education curriculum.
Takuya: What “suggestion”?
You were just precocious and wanted to do it so badly you couldn't stand it...
D-
D-d-d-don't tell me, at that time you had already...
Jun: Nah.
That wasn't until two years later.
It was pretty late.
Takuya: Ah, so first year of middle school?
Then it's normal...!
* First time: Age 19, and since then, nothing.
* Too many times to count.
* Unknown.
Guy2: Middle school is too early, idiot!
Takuya: Now, now...
Jun: I'm going to get some smokes.
If you do it, you could conceive a child...
Although I did know that, I had never thought about it.
p.111
Jun: Until back then...
SFX: Fuu; puff.
Takuya: Huh?
Didn't you stop smoking?
Jun: I did stop at one point,
But I started again...
SFX: Pito; pat.
SFX: Kyahaha.
SFX: Kya kya!
Mother: S...
Sorry about that. Come on, Shii-chan!
SFX: Goho goho goho; cough cough cough.
Jun: Ah,
My cigarette, sorry, sorry.
Mother: It's okay.
There weren't any seats in the nonsmoking section.
We're going home, so Say bye-bye to Onii-chan.
Baby: Bye byyyye!
p.112
Jun: Umm,
Can I hold her?
Mother: Huh?
… Sure.
SFX: Ukya kya!
Uh...
Ummm...
(thoughts) What on earth?
I don't understand young people nowadays at all.
Jun: Sorry.
She's a pretty girl.
I'm sure she'll become a beautiful woman like her mother.
p.113
Takuya: So you're expanding your territory to include married women?
Jun: Leave me alone.
Guy2: That little girl was about the same age as Sumire-chan, wasn't she?
Takuya: Sumire...
Ahh!
SFX: Purururu pururu; ring ring.
Jun: Yeah,
It's me.
Huh? At the daycare?
… Yeah, that's fine, but I really didn't want to go back there again.
I understand.
I'm heading there now.
Guy2: Was that from that daycare worker?
SFX: Pi; beep.
Jun: Yeah.
She said she wanted to meet in Kichijouji, but now she wants me to come pick her up at the daycare.
Takuya: Hey,
Lovey-dovey!
Guy2: Older lady killer!
Jun: Shut up, Unpopular Brothers.
p.114
Takuya: “Daycare worker”... That's the girl who looked after the baby at the daycare, right?
So they were still together.
Guy2: Yeah.
And what's more, it seems he still hasn't laid his hands on her.
Takuya: No way!
That brute didn't...?!
Guy2: I know.
He used to be so indiscriminate with women, too.
After Sumire-chan came, Jun-kun changed, didn't he?
Jun: (thoughts) Two months earlier...
A baby was abandoned in front of my house,
Along with a letter saying that she was a child I had fathered, so the mother wanted me to raise her.
It was completely out of the blue. (I forget the kanji.)
TL NOTE: Seiten no hekireki (a bolt from the blue) has some seriously complicated kanji, which are just written as hiragana here.
p.115
Jun: (thoughts) For me, who had never even thought about raising a baby,
It was pretty bewildering.
There were times when Sumire didn't do as I wanted, and I thought I would snap.
Eventually, I found out that she wasn't my child.
And her mother came to get her, but...
I still remember.
Those soft cheeks that smelled like milk,
And her little hands.
p.116
Jun: (thought) I wonder how she's doing these days?
Sumire.
SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare
Woooow.
Look at all the brats. Well, of course.
(thoughts) I used to come here every day, didn't I?
SFX: Ha; ah!
Huh?
Don't I seem like a degenerate right now?
Mother: What's this?!
SFX: Gikuu; flinch.
Jun: Hey,
You're wrong, I'm not a suspicious person...
Mother: It is, it's Sumire-chan's papa!
p.117
Mother: Oh, you're right!
How nostalgic~
Mother: It's been awhile.
Jun: Ah,
Yes, it's been awhile.
Mother: That's right, Sumire-chan is here, isn't she?
You came to pick her up, right?
Jun: Huh?
Sumire's not supposed to be coming here anymore.
Mother: Oh? But she's here.
See? In the sandbox.
Jun: (thoughts) It's Sumire, with those cheeks that look like rice cakes.
But why?
Where's her mother?
p.118
Jun: Sumi-!
(thoughts) I'm an idiot.
She won't remember me.
Sumire: Papa!!
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, slow down!
Sumire: Papa!
p.119
Jun: What,
So you haven't forgotten me after all.
Sumire: Pappa.
Jun: (thoughts) Uh-oh.
It feels like I might cry.
Calm down!
You've gotten big, haven't you?
Sumire: Mama!!
Kaoru: Yesterday they finally let her in the daycare. We've been waiting for an opening for a long time, but there hadn't been any.
It's far from our house, but I couldn't be sure when any of the close ones would open up.
p.120
Kaoru: Before... While I was working, my mother would look after her for me.
But my mother suddenly passed away...
I'm sorry.
Back then... When I abandoned Sumire at your house, Nagai-kun...
I just didn't know what to do.
My mother was gone, and there was no one who would look after her.
And I couldn't work...
I got...
So scared...
Sumire: Mamaa!
p.121
Kaoru: Are you awaaaake?
Let's go home.
SFX: Kyahaha!
Miyauchi: ...was it?
Jun-kun?
Jun: Oh!
Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What is it?
I was thinking that I'm really sorry I called you over to the daycare.
p.122
Miyauchi: I thought you might be happy if you knew Sumire-chan was there, but...
It seems like it actually just made you lonely.
Jun: W...!
Who's lonely?!
Miyauchi: Well...
For a little while now you've been looking like you might cry...
SFX: Guwaba; grab.
Miyauchi: Kya!
W...
What are you doing, suddenly...?
Jun: Comfort me, I'm lonely,
Yuuko-chan.
Miyauchi: No, geez...
Come on, Jun-kun,
The other daycare teachers also pass by here...
Jun: (thoughts) Even though I...
Would say “No thanks,” to something so tough now...
p.123
Jun: (thoughts) It's so...
Guy2: Come to think of it, Jun-kun...
You were going to apply to another school's medical school,
And become a doctor, right? Isn't that what you said?
SFX: Bu; pfft.
Takuya: He said that, he said that!
He was even studying.
Jun: Please forget about that.
Takuya: I thought it would be impossible for you.
Even in our college, you're a dummy who had to repeat a year.
Guy2: But you know,
Even if you give up, to challenge yourself with something,
I don't think it's useless.
p.124
Jun: (thoughts) Admittedly, I thought about it back then.
I just wanted to save little children, and at some point or other that feeling faded.
I'm home.
(thoughts) Somehow I'm... uncool.
Sumire: Let's
Play!!
SFX: Kyahaha!
Pappa!
SFX: Pi; beep.
Won't you be my friend?
Jun: Oh!
What, it's just a toy.
SFX: Kya kya!
I was wondering when you got so good at talking...
SFX: Ha, ah!
Wait...
That's not right!!
Why are you in my house?!
Mother: Jun?!
p.125
Mother: What are you fussing about in the doorway?
We have guests.
Jun: Oh!
Old lady, what's she doing h...
Mother: Don't call me “old lady”! Punch!!
Hoho! Sorry about that.
I made you see something unsightly.
Sumire: Mama!
Mother: My stupid son is...
Kaoru-chan used to work as an aesthetician in my store.
She was incredible. A lot of customers insisted on her. But she suddenly became pregnant and quit.
Kaoru: Sorry.
At that time, my morning sickness was really bad...
p.126
Mother: I was so surprised!
I went into a restaurant, and there was Kaoru-chan.
Kaoru: I was surprised, too.
Mother: I thought surely you would be working for another salon.
But I guess if you have a baby, it could be impossible to work in a salon.
Jun: I don't get it.
Kaoru: Yeah.
Mother: Jun, you remember, right?
I think it was about two years ago.
At the salon's 15-year anniversary party.
Didn't you make a pass at Kaoru-chan?
Jun: Ahhh!
Mother: Geez.
You'll surprise the baby.
Jun: (thoughts) I remember! From that time...
Miss,
Why are you making such a sad face?
p.127
Kaoru: You...
You're the owner's son...
Jun: Were you
Dumped by your boyfriend?
Am I right?
Kaoru: It's not that I was dumped or anything...
It just wasn't going that well...
Err, what am I saying, to a younger man...
Jun: If it were me,
I wouldn't make a wonderful lady like you
Sad, Miss.
Uwaah...
The memories are resurfacing.
How embarrassing...
Mother: Well?
Kaoru-chan, have you thought about what we discussed before?
p.128
Kaoru: About the opening staff in Sapporo?
Mother: Yes. For a store, the first month is the battle. If you could be there, it would help so much.
Jun: Ehh?
When did you create that one?
C...
Congratulations...
Kaoru: I'm very sorry, but...
There isn't anyone who can look after this child.
Even if I brought her with me to Sapporo...
When I get back, there's no guarantee I'll be able to take her back to the daycare.
Mother: I see.
That's too bad.
Kaoru: Sorry.
For you to worry about someone like me, who selfishly quit your store...
I'm so grateful.
Mother: It's tough for single mothers.
Ah, oh yeah...
My son had a baby left to him before.
p.129
Mother: Come to think of it, that turned out to be a mistake.
What was it...?
Jun: Mom, you didn't notice before?
It's her.
SFX: Kuuu; zzzzz.
Mother: Then, you're Kaoru-chan's husband?
Jun: Of course not!
Kaoru: Sorry.
Jun: Geez!!
I can't believe that mother of mine.
Kaoru: But I'm really the source of all this.
I'm very sorry.
p.130
Jun: Umm...
The real father can't look after her?
Even for just a month?
Kaoru: It's probably...
No use.
Even when I talked to him about Sumire...
He said, “There's no way that's my child.”
Somehow I've gotten him to accept it, but...
I also, umm...
There was the thing with you, Jun-kun, so I couldn't say it that strongly...
Sorry.
I was stupid, too.
Although he was saying that,
I thought once she was born, surely...
He would come to love the baby.
Also... His father is the director of a company,
and he spoke to me harshly, saying I was after his inheritance.
So...
I just...
Jun: W...
What the heck!!
SFX: Biku; shock.
Ah, uh-oh...
p.131
SFX: Suuuu; zzzzz.
Jun: *sigh*
You should... Show Sumire to him,
And how tough things are for you.
It's not as if you're the only one with a responsibility.
I'll go with you, so no matter what...!
Ah, but maybe you wouldn't like that...
p.132
Old Lady: Unfortunately both madam and master are out.
The young master contacted me to say that he would be home soon.
Please wait a bit.
Jun: Incredible.
I've never seen a house that had servants before.
Kaoru: Me, too...
This is the first time I've actually gone into his house.
Jun: I've only seen the living room, but it's incredible.
Both of our houses could fit in here.
Sumire: *Donk* Gyaaa!
p.133
SFX: Nwaaaa nwa nwa; roll roll roll.
SFX: “n”wa nwa; roll roll.
← Stuck.
Jun: Sumire!!
Kaoru: What are you doing?
SFX: Waaaaah!
Jun: Okay, okay.
Hey, hey, you're fine.
That surprised you, didn't it?
SFX: Fugyaaaaa!; uwaaaaaah! (angry crying)
Okay, okay.
Hey, look!
SFX: Baaaaa; bleeeeeh.
Jun: Hey, hey. One more time.
SFX: Kyaha kyahaha!
Oh,
You've got a bump.
p.134
Gorou: What are you people
Doing?
Kaoru: Gorou-chan!
Jun: Goro-chan?
SFX: Pu; snrk (Jun trying not to laugh).
TL NOTE: I think the joke here is that Gorou is a very fancy, very masculine name and she calls him “-chan.”
Kaoru: Umm...
I want to ask you a favor today...
It's about Sumire...
Gorou: This is a problem for me.
You doing this...
When supposedly we don't have a relationship anymore.
I already acknowledged it, and paid the appropriate money.
In exchange, you said you would raise her by yourself.
Yet you still intrude on me in my home...
To put it bluntly, you're a nuisance.
p.135
Gorou: Moreover, it's still suspicious that it's really my child.
You should be grateful I even acknowledged her.
Even though I told you I wanted you to abort...
You're the one who went ahead and gave birth to her.
Jun: Why you...!
Kaoru: Stop,
Jun-kun!
It's
Okay.
Let's go home.
Sumire: * Whine *
Uwaaaah!
Mamaaaa!
Kaoru: Sumire...
p.136
Kaoru: Well then,
Sorry for intruding.
SFX: Gacha; clack.
Old Lady: Madam!!
You're home.
Mother: Where's Gorou?
In his room?
Jun: Uwah, ignored...
Old Lady: Y...
Yes.
Mother: Gorou-san.
I heard you quit the company?
p.137
Gorou: It has nothing to do with you, Mom.
Mother: Of course it has something to do with me!
It's your father's company.
Jun: Sorry.
It's because I said we should go...
It made you have unpleasant thoughts.
Kaoru: No, it's okay.
I should've known it would turn out like this.
How stupid of me.
Wanting to rely on him at this point...
I'll just give up on going to Sapporo after all.
p.138
Kaoru: I'm happy that the owner
Still believes in me, but...
Right now...
I've got to be grateful just to be able to work, and that the daycare will look after her.
Hey, Sumire.
Wake up.
Sumire: Mmmm.
Kaoru: If you sleep now, you'll be awake at strange times...
SFX: Funyaaa; hmmm. (sleepy mumbling)
Jun: I'll
Watch her.
Kaoru: Eh?
Jun: (thoughts) Hey.
(thoughts) Stop this, me!
It's just a month, right?
It seems like Sumire's used to me.
(thoughts) Don't promise without thinking it through!
I can manage for a month, somehow.
p.139
Jun: Right,
Sumire?
(thoughts) Remember how rough those days were!
SFX: Kyahaha!
Guy2: You're going to be raising her again??
What were you thinking?
Back then, there was no choice because you thought she might be your child, but...
Now you know that's not true!
Takuya: Geez, you're too good-natured with women.
Jun: Be quiet.
I'm really regretting it right now.
COVER: The baby-raising book. (Can't read the rest.)
p.140
Guy2: Did she already leave for Sapporo?
Jun: Yeah. Today she left Sumire with me and went to the airport.
My mom will be gone for a while for the opening too, so for now it's just the two of us.
Girl: Ohh?
Nagai, what are you reading? A child-rearing book? Funny!
Are you using it to pick up girls or something?
Jun: (thoughts) Huuuge chest.
That's right!
Wanna have my child?
SFX: Yusa yusa; wobble wobble.
SFX: Kyaaa!
Girl: Pervy!
SFX: Bako; smack.
Takuya: Yeah, yeah.
Guy2: What stupid things are you saying?
My older sister has five children, so I know child-rearing is hard.
Even if you're only looking after them, you have to take responsibility!
This is not the child of a dog or a cat.
p.141
Jun: I know.
(thoughts) It's not like I made this offer lightly.
(thoughts) I just...
Hello.
I've come to get Sumire.
SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare
SFX: Ha; ah!
SFX: Kyaaa!
Daycare Lady: It's Sumire-chan's papa!
Boss Lady: What are you guys doing?
Sumire: Papa!!
p.142
Jun: Here you go!
SFX: Kyaaaaa!
How have you been?
Sumire: Papa!
Uuuuup,
uuuup!
Jun: (thoughts) I'm not your papa, though...
Ah, oh well.
It's just the two of us from now on.
Don't work me too hard.
Daycare Lady: Here, Ueda-san.
Moe-chan was energetic today as usual.
Ueda: Huh?
Who is that?
Daycare Lady: Huh?
Ohh, Sumire-chan and her papa?
Ueda: You say that, but it seems like he's not her father...
p.143
Daycare Lady: Sumire-chan's mama is
A single mother, and he's a friend of hers.
He's too cool to be a father.
Due to her work, she's having him look after her for a while.
Jun: Ah,
Good work.
Ueda: She really managed to force her off on you.
Too bad for you.
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan,
You left this.
Our contact card, and some leftover diapers.
With the card, we're collecting feedback about the state of the daycare.
If there's anything that's bothering you, write it out at home.
ON CARD: Tatsumaki Dayc...
p.144
Jun: Ummm,
That person just now...
Should I get mad?
Miyauchi: Oh, Ueda-san?
Don't worry about her.
Her child entered the infant class about a month ago, but...
She hasn't tried to open up to the other mothers, and...
She doesn't always pick up her child on time, so it's a bit of a problem.
Jun: Ah,
Oh yeah, my mother's out of the house starting today, so
Wanna come to my house and play?
SFX: Kirari; gleam.
Miyauchi: Su...
Sumire-chan's papa!
I need to talk to you a second!
Jun: What, what?
Bringing me to this place with no sign of life...
SFX: Waku waku; excitement.
p.145
Jun: Kiss...!
Miyauchi: That's not it.
Ummm,
Since you're looking after Sumire-chan,
That makes you a client right now...
So...
For now,
Maybe we shouldn't see each other personally?
SFX: Ehhhhhh!
Jun: (thoughts) What the...!
I'm home! No one's here though.
Here.
Wait a little while.
I'll make you some food right away.
p.146
SFX: Toko toko; step step.
SFX: Hyoi; pop (sound of Sumire popping around the corner)
Sumire: Mamma.
Jun: Hey you.
Don't go running all over the place.
SFX: Hyoi; pop.
Today's meal is really extravagant.
Seafood risotto, stewed hamburger, and a banana. Everything except the banana is prepackaged though.
p.147
Jun: What?
You can't eat by yourself yet?
Sumire: Au!
Jun: Ahh!
What are you doing?
The bananas I got ready for you...!
SFX: Uwaaah!
< Purururu purururu; ring ring >
Yes,
Hello?
SFX: Ugyaaaa!
Sumire: *Sob*
*Sob*
Jun: Sorry, it's hard to hear you.
Kaoru: It's me, Kaoru.
I just got done with work.
Sorry for calling you at a tough time.
How is Sumire?
Jun: Oh,
Right now, we're in the middle of eating, and battling.
Will you talk to her a little?
SFX: Uwaaaah!
Hey, Sumire, it's your mama.
p.148
SFX: Waaaah!
Kaoru: Sumire?
Sumire: Mama.
Mama!
Mama!
Jun: Uh, Sumire.
Your mama's in here.
Sumire: Maamaa.
Kaoru: Sumire, I'm sorry.
I can't be with you all the time.
Be a good girl.
Sumire: Mama.
Jun: You're okay now, right,
Sumire?
p.149
Sumire: Uwaaah!
Jun: Hello?
Is work going well?
Kaoru: Yes.
The owner's still swamped with preparations for tomorrow at the salon.
Jun-kun.
Sorry. I'm not in a position to be relying on you, but...
I'm really grateful.
Jun: Well, the fact that Sumire's father thinks of you that way,
Is my responsibility too, so...
(thoughts) At that time...
(thoughts) I said forcefully that I would look after her, but...
Do your best this month and come back.
(thoughts) By doing so...
Kaoru: Sorry.
Jun: (thoughts) The dreams that I gave up on so quickly...
I thought I would have an excuse.
For myself, who ended up smoking again when I had sworn to give up cigarettes.
Sumire,
I'll make you some more food, so...
p.150
SFX: Gaaan; powww.
SFX: Bun bun; swish swish.
Jun: (thoughts) What is going on?
Hey, Sumire!!
SFX: Biku; surprise.
Sumire: Mamaa...
SFX: Fueeeen; uwaaaah.
Jun: Mom, wait.
Don't go to work.
SFX: Egu egu; sob sob.
Sumire: Waaaah!
SFX: Pon pon; pat pat.
Sumire: *sob sob*
Jun: We've both...
Been made to suffer by our mothers.
p.151
Jun: (thoughts) It's strange, isn't it?
I had forgotten how sad I was when my mother left me behind.
Miyauchi: All night?
Jun: Yeah.
She endlessly woke up and cried “Mamaa!”
Miyauchi: She thinks she's been left behind.
Child: Sensei,
Good morning!
Jun: But before she got attached to me right away...
Miyauchi: That's...
Because babies grow with such force.
Her sense of self
Is steadily growing now.
Jun: Well,
I'm leaving.
Miyauchi: You should run.
Jun: I'll come get you tonight!
Miyauchi: (Yuuko) Bye byyyye!
p.152
Sumire: Hm?
SFX: Ngyaaaaa!; uwaaaaaah!
Miyauchi: Don't turn around and look behind you...
Child: She's crying.
Jun: (thoughts) Many difficulties are in store.
SFX: Chira; glance.
Oh, good.
She's in a good mood, watching TV.
p.153
Child: Mama!
Mother: Sorry.
Mama has to go.
Child: Mama!!
Mama!!
Don't go, Mama!!
Jun: S-
Sumire!!
It's nice weather, so why don't we go to the park?!
SIGN: Municipal Raimonta Park
TEXT: Celebrated Park Debut~
p.154
Jun: Shall we play in the sandbox?
Sumire: Kyau!
Mother: Hey!
Mother: My child always plays there.
Jun: Is that so?
Sorry.
Mother: Well! <3
You're so young!
Are you playing with your little sister~?
Jun: Ah,
No.
Mother: Hm?
Then, you're her father?
No waaaay!
How old are yooou?
Jun: E...
Excuse me...!
Mother: Ah, wait!
p.155
Jun: Ahhh,
That was scary.
Sumire: Scaaare.
Jun: (thoughts) Hm?
Isn't that the woman who was at the daycare with me...?
Grumpy Ueda.
Ueda: Come on,
Drink it.
SFX: Eeee; Ngggg.
You're hungry, aren't you?
If you don't drink your milk,
Mother will be grumpy with me again.
“This child isn't drinking any milk, is she?”
“That's why she isn't growing well.”
p.156
“Of course that's the wrong way to do it.”
“But, in the child-rearing book...”
“What are you going to learn from relying on a book? Young people these days are all this way.”
“If she won't stop crying, isn't it because your way of raising her is bad? You're her mother, so take care of her properly.”
SFX: Ngyaaaa; uwaaaah!
Ueda: …
Why are you crying...??
Jun: Maybe she's just tired?
Hello. We go to the same daycare, don't we?
This one is often fussy, too.
I just figured it out the other day,
That if they're sleepy, it's best to have them sleep as soon as possible, you know?
Baby: Uwah uwah!
SFX: Ueee; uwah!
p.157
Ueda: … Talk as if...
Jun: Huh?
Ueda: Don't talk as if you know anything!
Something as obvious as that is in all the child-rearing books and magazine articles.
From someone like you who's raising a child on a whim,
I don't want to hear that!
SFX: Haa; sigh.
Jun: Is that so?
I'm...
Sorry.
Let's go,
Sumire.
Ueda: Are they cute?
p.158
Ueda: Babies, are they cute?
Even a stranger's child?
Jun: That's...
Ueda: I've... Never thought so.
I've never once thought... That they were cute.
They're so soft, like dolls.
And they don't understand speech.
It's just like
I'm looking at an alien.
p.159
Guy2: But it seems there are a lot of them.
People like that,
Who don't think their own child is cute.
Anyway, it's embarrassing to talk to something that can't answer, right?
People who can't get past that hurdle and such,
It's not mistreatment or anything,
But,
If it continues,
It often becomes a kind of mistreatment called “neglect.”
Jun: “Neg”...
Guy2: Giving up on child-rearing.
To stop raising your child,
Not feeding them or changing their diapers.
There are a lot of kids who are neglected by their parents that way.
Takuya: But...
For parents like that who don't love their children to be increasing...
Is mankind
On the path to destruction?
SFX: Shobon; dejected.
Guy2: Stop it!
You're saying scary things.
Jun: (thoughts) I also thought that I hated brats.
And even now, I think that kids other than Sumire are noisy and get angry.
p.161
Jun: (thoughts) But now I really think that Sumire is cute.
If I were her mother, wouldn't that just be natural?
Guy2: Ah!
Oh yeah.
My older sister told me to give you these, Jun-kun.
Here, go with Sumire.
Jun: What's this?
Guy2: Admission tickets for Tomashi Park.
It seems there's a hero show.
Girl: Kyaaa!
The cyborg Takohidora has appeared!
SFX: Ueeeen; whoooooa!
Someone: He's scary!
Someone: Oh, no!
Girl: Let's all call for Desert Man!
p.162
All: Deseeeert Maaaan!
Girl: Louder!
Sumire: Jaaaaa
Maaaa!
Jun: (thoughts) Why is she getting so worked up?
That only sounded like “jama,” too.
Sumire: Jaaaa Maaaa!
Desert: Hiya!
Jun: (thoughts) What a shabby play.
Girl: Kyaaaa!
You're so cool, Desert Man!
Jun: How was it?
Wasn't it fun? You like Power Rangers and such.
Sumire,
How come you're all clenched up?
Woman: Look, a young father.
Woman: Really!
Jun: (thoughts) That face...
p.162
SFX: Hooooo; ahhhhhh.
Jun: It stinks!
Don't say “ahh”!
Now you've done it.
I've got to change your diaper somewhere.
SIGN: Can change diapers here.
This one's a women's restroom, too.
They don't have these in the men's rooms... And I can't put her on the floor to change her...
Now, she's...
Got poop under her butt, right?
So why can she smile?
So that means I'm carrying around poop right now.
Ahh, geez!
Don't think of strange things.
SIGN: Entry forbidden to unauthorized people
Ah!
I'll use that place.
Okay.
That feels better.
p.163
SFX: Kyaaa!
Jun: Hurry up and at least learn
To use the toilet yourself.
SFX: Gacha; clack.
Gorou: This place should be off-limits to unauthorized people.
Jun: Sorry,
I just came to change her diaper...
You...!
SMALL TEXT: Finger.
SFX: Pu; snrk (stifled laughter).
You were the enemy just now...
Takohitora's underling.
Gorou: It's my job.
Leave me alone.
p.164
Jun: Your job...
I thought I heard you worked at your father's company.
Gorou: I quit.
I had always wanted to be an actor.
I told that to Kaoru, too.
That eventually I would leave my house.
That it would be a problem for me if she was relying on my inheritance.
Jun: What the heck?
Saying such a cruel thing to her...
Gorou: When she told me I had gotten her pregnant,
I asked her to abort it.
But she went ahead and gave birth to it, and came asking me to acknowledge the baby.
I couldn't help but think she was harassing me, or aiming for my inheritance.
p.165
Jun: Why you...!
If you say one more word...!
Gorou: Well,
It really is my child, I suppose.
Jun: (thoughts) Oh, without hesitating...
Gorou: We have the same blood type, after all.
Jun: From just the blood type, you...?
Gorou: That child and I are both AB–.
You know, right?
The odds of that.
Jun: (thoughts) I'm also...
AB–...
TL NOTE: Rh– blood types are rare (0.4%) in Japan, and AB is only 6% of the population, making only about 1 in 4000 Japanese AB–. Scientifically this is not a very accurate way to determine paternity though.
p.166
Jun: Height, 47.2cm.
ON COVER: Maternity Record Book
Mother's name: Yamabuki Kaoru.
Weight, 2760g. I don't know whether that's large or small.
Blood type.
It's true,
You're AB–.
Sumire: Au?
Jun: Ahhh,
It's okay Sumire, take a nap.
If you don't sleep,
I won't get anything done.
(thoughts) If she...
Is convinced that he's the father based on the blood type...
There's a chance for me, too...
No, no, there's no way.
We only did it once that night, for a child to be conceived...
No way, no way.
p.167
Jun: (thoughts) I think she's cute.
When she left, it broke my heart, and I was lonely.
SFX: Gaaan; dunnn!
It's nighttime!!
This precious time...
I wasted it sleeping!
Sumire: Pappa.
Jun: And Sumire's awake!!
(thoughts) But...
Woman: It's been almost a month now, hasn't it?
p.168
Woman: That's right.
It seemed long, but it went by in a flash.
That's good, Sumire-chan.
Your mom will be coming back.
Sumire: Mama?
SFX: Uru; quiver.
← Looks like she remembered.
Woman: Ah,
Sorry.
Maybe I shouldn't have said that.
Jun: Hey, Sumire.
Come here.
SFX: Pui; turn away.
Ueda: Are they cute?
p.169
Ueda: Even a stranger's child?
Sumire: Nyaa!
Nyanyaa!
Oooooh!!
TV: Let's do it again!
Sumire: Nya!
Nyaa!
Ooh!
Ooh!
Jun: I don't get it.
Oh yeah, didn't the old lady say she would be back after a week?
She's not back yet.
Hello?
Ah,
Kaoru-san?
Kaoru: Ummm,
I have a favor to ask you.
I want you to look after Sumire a little while longer.
Jun: Eh?
Well, okay.
What is it?
Are you busy with work over there?
Kaoru: … Yes.
p.170
Jun: I can manage for a little while.
She's used to me now. Ah, can you hear her?
Here, Sumire.
It's your mom.
Sumire: Mama?
Kaoru: Sumire?
Sumire: Mama!
Mamaa!
(Jun): Say “Come home soon!”
Sumire: Guwaaah, Mamaa!
Jun: Sorry, she started crying so I'll hang up now.
You don't need to worry about Sumire.
p.171
Kaoru: … I'm...
Sorry.
Sorry.
Even though I really want to be a proper mother...
I'm...
Jun: (thoughts) Somehow,
She seemed kinda strange.
SFX: Uaaaaaan; uwaaaaah!
Yes, yes.
Ah, geez, I shouldn't have put you on the phone.
SFX: Pururururu; ring ring.
Hello...
Ah, mom?
You're at Haneda now?
TL NOTE: Haneda is an airport in Tokyo.
Eh? What did you say?
Mother: Kaoru-chan has disappeared!
p.172
Mother: Hey,
Are you listening?
It seems she had quite a bit of debt,
That girl.
She did mutter something about her mother's surgery bills before, too.
Jun: She didn't run away with the store's money or something...?
Mother: No.
Thanks to her, the salon is a big success.
I can't thank her enough.
It's just... She borrowed from some bad people.
They found out where she was and started ambushing her in front of the store.
She said she was becoming a nuisance to the store.
p.173
Mother: If she had only come to me for advice...
I would have introduced her
To a lawyer, or something.
Sumire: Papa.
Jun: Before you called, mom,
She contacted me.
Mother: No way!
What did she say?
Jun: She said she wanted me to look after Sumire a little longer.
Now that I think about it, she seemed a little strange.
Like she was under a lot of pressure...
Kaoru: Sorry.
p.174
Mother: Well?
What will you do with this child?
Jun: Huh?
Mother: It's one thing for her to say that, but...
She left her behind once before,
And even if she said she would come back for her, there's no guarantee when that will be.
If you know who the real father is,
Wouldn't it be best to have him take care of her?
Jun: (thoughts) Have him...
Gorou: She went ahead and gave birth to it.
Jun: There's definitely no way.
Right?
p.175
SFX: Geeee; bleeeeh.
Jun: What the heck, geez!
I just changed you into those clothes!
(thoughts) But...
How long can I keep this up?
What should we have today?
Sumire: Stand!
Stand!
Jun: What, you want to walk?
Okay, but just for a little while.
p.176
ON BOX: Choco Honey
Jun: I'm not buying that, you know.
Oh,
This is cheap!
ON BAG: Marshmallow Gaarupuri
SIGN: Fuji – 120
SFX: Totata; step step.
Jun: Ah!
Sumire! You're throwing merchandise!
SFX: Su; quickly.
SFX: Hahi hahi; pant pant.
p.177
Sumire: Mama!
Woman: Kya!
Jun: Sumire!
SIGN: Comfort articles
Sumire: Mama!
Mama!
Jun: Sorry. She's mistaken you for her mother...
Sumire,
Look, it's not, see?
SFX: Uwaaaaan; uwaaaah.
Jun: Hey,
Sumire!
What's the matter?
Stop struggling!
SFX: Ngyaaaaa; uwaaaaaggh
SFX: Hiso hiso; whisper whisper.
p.178
Sumire: Maaaa
Maaaa!
SIGN: Office.
SFX: Kon kon; knock knock.
Miyauchi: Umm,
Excuse me, I'm the person you contacted
At the daycare.
p.179
Man: Sorry for asking you to take the trouble to come.
Sumire-chan,
Nagai-san.
Man: Then,
This is the girl who looks after her, so there's no mistake, right?
Someone: Yes.
The daycare said so as well.
Man: Sorry about this.
Anyway, there have been a lot of dangerous incidents lately...
Jun: Sorry, suddenly...
Miyauchi: I was surprised when I got the call at the daycare.
p.180
Miyauchi: But kidnapping?
That's so rude...
Jun-kun,
What's wrong?
Sumire: Maa maa!
Jun: I...
(thoughts) I'm...
(thoughts) Just a college student.
Can't do anything.
Miyauchi: Wai...
Jun-kun...
Jun: (thoughts) There's nothing tying me to Sumire.
p.181
Jun: (thoughts) Nothing...
Mother: Jun,
Someone called Tsubaki-san called for you.
Jun: Tsubaki... Who was that again?
Mother: It seems it was from Sumire-chan's father's house.
Jun: Eh?
Mother: She said they want you to bring Sumire-chan there.
Sumire: Ooh!
Tsubaki: I tried to contact Kaoru-san, but...
She wasn't at her apartment.
It was rude of me to investigate, but...
I was told you're taking care of her at your house.
p.182
Tsubaki: Where is that child today?
Jun: She's
At the daycare now.
Tsubaki: I see.
I'm sorry, the other day I didn't even greet you...
Jun: (thoughts) What's with this lady?
Yeah...
(thoughts) Even though she was glaring at me so much before...
Tsubaki: By the way,
The reason I had you come here today...
Is that I've been thinking of
Taking charge of that child in my house.
Since I'm asking, hasn't the mother disappeared?
Jun: But she said she'd be back in a little while...
Tsubaki: I wonder.
From the start, this was the result of my son's carelessness.
I think it's logical that I do this.
That's all right, isn't it?
p.183
Tsubaki: I will go and pick her up from that daycare.
Since she might be confused if you're there, Nagai-san...
Thank you for everything until now.
Jun: What the heck.
If that's the case, take care of her from the start.
SFX: Ga; bam.
SFX: Goto; tunk.
Cat: Nya!
Jun: Sorry, sorry.
SFX: Fuuuu; hiss.
Cat: If you'd hit me, I'd have died.
Jun: Don't be mad.
I give you food sometimes, don't I?
Here.
Cat: Stop.
p.184
Sumire: Papa!
Nyaanya nyaanya!
SFX: Guri guri; rub rub.
Jun: Stupid, you'll get scratched.
SFX: Uwaaaah!
See,
Didn't I tell you?
You're so light.
(thoughts) It's fine.
It's a big difference from Sumire.
Being taken in by that house is a lot better than being with someone like me.
Announcer: Tomorrow after the Desert Man show there will also be an autograph session!
Jun: (thoughts) It's soon, isn't it?
Time to pick up Sumire.
Gorou: Oh?
p.185
Gorou: You
Again?
Jun: I see,
That job again...
SFX: Pu; snort.
Gorou: You're not with that little one today...
Oh yeah, my mother said...
That she arranged for her to be taken in by some relatives, didn't she?
Jun: Wait a second!
So your house isn't taking her in?
Gorou: Of course not.
My mother saw Kaoru come to our house the other day,
And got worried.
Rather than waiting until the next time she comes and asks for money, taking her in now,
And giving her to some relatives who want a child is a lot better, is what she's thinking.
That's just like my parents.
Jun: You're talking about your own child.
Gorou: You're...
A partner that Kaoru cheated with just once, right?
p.186
Gorou: What's your
Blood type?
Although it doesn't matter
At this point.
A brat who was abandoned by both her mother and her father...
SFX: Gakon; clatter.
She'll finally be able to go somewhere that'll take her in.
SIGN: Can
Jun: She didn't abandon Sumire!
Gorou: Yes she did.
Of course, I did too.
And you as well.
p.187
Gorou: That all parents would think their child is cute...
Is an illusion.
Jun: (thoughts) Cute?
Ueda: I've never once thought that they were cute.
Child: Yaaaay!
Mother: Hey, wait!
p.188
Child: Yahoo!
SFX: Don; thump.
SFX: Basa; rustle.
Mother: S-
Sorry! Geez, that child... Geez!
Jun: Oh,
It's okay.
Mother: Hey, I caught you!
Apologize to Onii-san!!
SFX: Guri guri; noogie noogie.
Child: I will! Owow! Soooorrrrry!
Jun: (thoughts) The mother-child notebook... Or rather, the case for it...
I've got to return this too.
SFX: Hira; flutter.
p.189
SIGN: March 3rd. Yamabuki Kaoru.
ON PAGE: Mother-child...
Sumire's records, March 3rd...
TL NOTE: I can't read the small text at the bottom.
ON PAGE: March 3rd
Safe delivery. Newborn...
Look like monkeys...
Kaoru: March 3rd.
Safe delivery. Newborn babies really look like monkeys. But she's very cute.
I named her Sumire. So that she'll become beautiful and kind like a flower.
Her one-month checkup. The nurse was surprised that she's already 5kg.
Not much milk is coming out. I'm uneasy.
All she does is cry. I wonder why. It makes me want to cry too.
Today she conquered rolling over. She seemed so happy to be moving, she did it over and over again.
p.190
ON PAGE: ...The first time she called me Mama...
...She doesn't have a father, but...
...right?
I love you so much, Sumire.
^_^
I love you so much.
Sumire.
Jun: (thoughts) That's right.
Sumire: Maamaa!
Jun: (thoughts) It's not as if she's not loved, by her mother or by me.
She's cute, and we can't leave her alone...
p.191
Jun: (thoughts) Of course
She's loved!!
p.192
Mother: But you know...
Mother: No way!
Ueda: What's going on?
Mother: Ah, Ueda-san.
Mother: Well, it's...
Someone's here to get Sumire-chan now, but...
It seems it's someone from her real father's house!
But...
It seems Sumire-chan's mother has disappeared.
Mother: Oh,
But wasn't Sumire-chan's papa raising her?
Mother: It was no good after all.
I mean, she's a stranger's child, right?
Mother: I mean, there are times
When you even want to throw away your own child.
Ueda: That's true.
Miyauchi: Come on, Sumire-chan.
Someone's here to get you.
SIGNS: Good energy!
Get along!
p.193
Jun: Sumire!!
(thoughts) If...
I were separated from Sumire this way...
SFX: Totata; step step.
Sumire: Papa!!
Papa!
Papa!
Jun: Sumire!!
p.194
Tsubaki: Hey, just what are you planning?
If you're here, she'll go to the person she's used to.
That's why I insisted that you not come.
Jun: (thoughts) Sumire will become a child
Who was abandoned by her mother.
I'll...
Raise
Sumire.
I promised her.
That until she comes back.
(thoughts) “That's not true. You were properly loved.”
So I'll raise her.
(thoughts) I have to tell her that.
p.195
Tsubaki: What a stupid thing to...
You'll regret it if you make this decision based on such a sudden feeling.
Jun: I'm serious.
Tsubaki: Urk...
I understand.
In that case, never cross the threshold
Of my home again.
SFX: Pachi pachi; clap clap.
SFX: Pachi pachi pachi pachi; clap clap clap clap.
Mother: Sumire-chan's papa, you're cool!
Jun: Eh?
S...
Stop.
p.196
Jun: Please stop!
Mother: But you're so cool!
SFX: Hyuu; whistle.
Ueda: You look stupid.
Acting like the hero of a drama, when of course you'll regret it.
Mother: Geez, Ueda-san!
Mother: Why would you say such a thing?
SFX: Hiso hiso; whisper whisper.
SFX: Ta; dash.
Jun: Ueda-san.
Ueda-san, umm...
Ueda: What? You've got a complaint?
I only said what I was thinking.
Jun: No, that's not it...
There's something I want you to hear.
p.197
Jun: Umm, uhh...
For example...
Even aliens, if you don't smile at them first,
I don't think you can build ties of friendship.
Ueda: Huh?
What are you talking about?
Jun: No,
See...
I...
Do think I'll regret saying that I'll take care of Sumire.
Because even now, there are constantly times that make me angry and there's nothing I can do about it.
But...
When I see Sumire's smile,
All that goes flying away somewhere.
p.198
Sumire: Paapaa!
SFX: Bata; thunk.
SFX: Agggggh!
Jun: I know, I know.
It hurt, didn't it?
Baby: Ehn!
Uwa!
Gya!
p.199
Ueda: (thoughts) Geez...
Weren't you just asleep a second ago? At least sleep for 30 minutes.
SFX: Pata pata; step step.
SFX: Gyaaa!
SFX: Gyaaa!
Ueda: Yes, yes.
I gave you milk, didn't I?
SFX: Gyaa gyaa gyaa!
Your diaper isn't wet, so why are you crying?
“Even aliens, if you don't smile at them first...”
Looook,
You're a good girl.
SFX: Uaaaa geeeeeh.
Dwon't cwy.
SFX: Kaa; blush.
Ahh, how embarrassing...
p.200
Baby: Kya!
Kya!
Kya,
Kya.
“But...”
“When I see Sumire's smile,
All that goes flying away somewhere.”
p.201
Someone: Kaoru-chan,
An A special is up.
SIGN: Semionowa.
Kaoru: Yeeeees.
Thanks for waiting, here's your A special.
SIGN: Sanma...
Customer: Thanks.
Kaoru-chan, you're a hottie today as well.
SIGN: Denya...
SIGN: Croque Madame
SIGN: Nan...
TAG ON SHIRT: Semionowa.
Kaoru: Geez,
Yama-san.
ON SHIRT: Noh
Someone: Kaoru-chan, will you do a delivery for me?
Kaoru: Yeees!
SIGN: Adam Cooper Semionowa-san Bay
Guy: That tenant Kaoru-chan sure is a hard-worker.
Unlike most young people these days.
Thanks for the food.
At any rate, it seems she's paying back debt
She incurred paying for her late mother's medical treatment.
Guy: That's rough...
Kaoru: I'll be back!
Jun: (thoughts) In this world...
There are a huge number of children who have been abandoned by their parents.
SIGN: Film distribution- “Dandelion” Audition Location
Someone: Well then,
Number 21.
p.202
Someone: Could we have you act
As if this doll is your child, and hold it?
Jun: (thoughts) Though I think it's true that there are parents
Who don't know how to love their children well...
p.203
Jun: (thoughts) But I still believe...
Aggggh!
Sumire!!
The report I...
Stayed up all night finishing...!
SFX: Ahahaha ahahaha.
Why didn't you stop her?!
Stupid old lady.
Mother: Now then,
I'm off on my business trip.
SFX: Gakkuri; slump.
Sumire: Pappa.
Kay, kay.
← It seems she's trying to encourage him.
Kay, kay.
TL NOTE: I wasn't sure how to tl this. She's saying “nai, nai” which I assume is part of “mondai nai” or “no problem”... I was going to put “no prob” but that seems a little complex for a 1yr old to pronounce. So I put "kay," meaning "okay."
p.204
SFX: Uga; grr!
Jun: It's your fault-!
Sumire: Kiss!
Jun: (thoughts) That really, everyone
Wants to love.
She may become a devil woman...
Sumire: Nya nya! Nya u!
< Continued in volume 2. >
p.205
Kurita Riku's self-appointed NY Diary
In September of 2003, I suddenly ended up going to NY. I had been invited long before, but it had just been decided that I would go to Guam in August, and I thought it wouldn't be good to continue that trip, so I turned it down.
“But” The Guam trip was postponed.
Cat: I'm gonna die...
But Bunta, my cat who would turn 20 soon, suddenly had his body condition worsen, and seemed like he would die, so...
Bubble: Eek!
For canceling the trip, I lost 20,000 yen x 3 people's shares... *sweat*
When I told this to M, who had invited me, saying that I wished I had agreed to go to NY, she pushed strongly, “Well let's just go now then!”
Kurita: But... Err... However...
… Is how I hesitated.
Friend: If you'll go...
… Is what she said.
And so, my first trip to NY in ten years was decided. On my HP, I slowly keep a diary, and I thought I would do the same in NY.
And I will present it here.
But when going overseas, I've only done tours. For the first time I bought my own tickets. And I was by myself on the plane, too (because M went to NY about 4 days ahead of me).
* heart pounds *
Also, because I had just seen the movie “The Bone Collector” on video, (getting in the taxi from the airport, whether that guy was a murderer and I would be taken away somewhere to be killed...) I was full of unease...
Well, I was looking forward to it, too.
BUBBLE: I wonder why I watched it when I had read the work it's based on, and knew the content...
p.206
September 14, 2003
Arrived at NY. Although it was my first time by myself on an airplane going overseas, I was surprisingly fine. I was working, so it went by in a flash. I got in the car I had reserved online to pick me up, and went to Manhattan.
NY's scenery was just like I remembered, so it was nostalgic. But the Twin Towers were really gone, so I really felt that there had been terrorism.
My hotel is located in Gramercy Park, so it's the Gramercy Park Hotel. I met up with M. Before long, I rested, and then went to a ballet lesson at BCD (Broadway Dance Center). This time it's my goal to attend as many ballet lessons as possible. There's a dance center next to Carnegie Hall. At the reception desk I paid the $15 fee for one session, and went to the locker room. ...Everyone in there was stark naked, so I was fine changing there.
Embarrassing...
The class I took was a beginner's class. It was taught by a Russian man, and there were little kids mixed in, so it felt like a class for total amateurs.
September 15
Today I indulged in lessons.
12:00 – 1-hour en pointe beginner class.
1:15 – Advanced beginner class.
After it was over, I had a lunch of yogurt and bagels in the lobby.
4:30 – I met up with M and R-san, who lives in the suburbs, and the three of us took another beginner's class. Then we got some food at the Cafe Europa next to the dance center.
8pm – Saw the musical “Rent” I had reserved tickets for. Went home on the subway. Bought some beer at a suspicious shop in the neighborhood.
September 16
Went around to a Recycle Boutique in the morning (with M). Met up with R-san on Fifth Avenue in the afternoon. Had lunch in a restaurant.
I tried on jeans at Bernie's (about 10 pairs) and bought two pairs. Also went in high-class boutique C and shopped.
Went to R-san's house, and he showed me his cute puppy.
ALONG SIDE: Metro card
I bought one valid for a week.
I just couldn't get it to respond, and couldn't pass through.
Jeans.
Blue Cult and Paper Denim & Cloth
The bagels I ate every morning
p.207
September 17
I went for a walk in the morning with a hotel guest in a private park that only neighborhood people can enter (if you don't have a key, you can't get in). But 30 minutes later, the old guy who said he would let us in hadn't come no matter how long we waited. And I was tired of looking at nothing but squirrels. When I explained to someone inside the park, they opened the door for us (and we were laughed at).
Lots of huge squirrels.
12:00 – Had a lesson in my en pointe class.
2:00 – Met up with M, and went on a field trip to the natural history museum. Made reservations for the opera tomorrow at Lincoln Center, and went back to the hotel.
6:30pm – Went shopping with M and R-san at Fulton Market. We met up with two more people from the NY suburbs and the five of us went to Chinatown. We had dinner at a restaurant recommended by R-san. On the way back, Little Italy was incredibly crowded. It seems there was a festival. Various floats came out, and it was incredibly hot. Went back and slept.
Dumplings that have hot soup that comes out of the middle.
September 18
10:00am – Took a beginner lesson. Today my NY lessons are over. When I told my teacher, he was increeeeeedibly surprised (because he had remembered my face), and he said to come back, and waved. I'm happy. Just in these few days... There is a child whose face I've gotten used to seeing, so I might be a little lonely...
I had heard there was a ballet supply shop nearby, but I couldn't find it. I heard from a girl in my class that it was right next door, and I bought leotards.
Blue. Black.
12:30 – I met M and R-san in front of FAO Schwartz. We shopped at Henri Bendel. We had tea at a fancy shop in Takashimaya. I went back to the hotel and packed.
7:30pm – We went to see the opera at Lincoln Center. Because of Typhoon Isabel the wind was incredible. I wonder if my plane will be able to fly tomorrow...
Typhoon Isabel.
In America, they give them girls' names. Right now Isabel is on the news somewhere every day.
September 19
I went to the airport in a texi. I got my boarding pass, and had breakfast at a McDonald's in the airport. By the way, M and I had mixed up our passports at the counter. Is this check system really okay? Went home.
ON LEFT: I was by myself on the plane home as well. I watched a lot of movies.
ON RIGHT: My first Mac in many years. It was good.
Well then, well then, see you in volume 2! In volume 2, I'm planning “Self-Appointed Paris Diary”!! I'm going with M, again. - Kurita
Translated by Deanna
p.105
Girl: Mama,
Look! There are two butterflies!
Maybe they'll mate.
Mother: Ma...?!
Y... Yeah...
SFX: Kusu kusu; chuckle chuckle.
Girl: If they mate, they'll lay eggs, too.
Mother: Aki-chan, don't talk so loud...
Girl: When are they going to mate?
Mother: Aki-chan... (Stop...)
Jun: (thoughts) Animals and insects mate purely to continue their species.
Pitiful.
p.106
vol.2 – Do I love you?
p.107
Jun: (thoughts) They anticipate that most of them will die, so they have a lot of babies or lay a lot of eggs.
So it's doubtful that the parents love each and every egg.
So, what about humans...?
Takuya: Gyahaha! I love that!
SIGN: (Sorry, can't make it out.)
I would've loved to see that mother's face!
Jun: But when that child grows up,
I wonder what she'll think when she remembers the things she said.
p.109
Takuya: Oh,
I just remembered.
Jun: Huh?
Takuya: I've been in school with you since elementary school, right, Jun?
Elementary, middle, high school, and college; isn't it incredible? Is one of us a stalker?
Remember health class in fifth or sixth grade?
We talked about pistils and stamens and such.
Jun: Yeah.
Sex education.
Takuya: That's right.
You raised your hand back then.
Teacher: Nagai-kun? Do you have a question?
Jun: So,
You're saying that if you have sex, you'll have a baby?
SFX: Kyaaaa!
SFX: Iyaaaa!; Eeeeeew!
SFX: Ecchi!; How pervy!
p.110
Guy2: What a brat.
Takuya: Then the teacher froze.
The boys were delighted and made a big fuss, and the girls also made a fuss saying that it was dirty and such.
Jun: I made a suggestion to the modern sex education curriculum.
Takuya: What “suggestion”?
You were just precocious and wanted to do it so badly you couldn't stand it...
D-
D-d-d-don't tell me, at that time you had already...
Jun: Nah.
That wasn't until two years later.
It was pretty late.
Takuya: Ah, so first year of middle school?
Then it's normal...!
* First time: Age 19, and since then, nothing.
* Too many times to count.
* Unknown.
Guy2: Middle school is too early, idiot!
Takuya: Now, now...
Jun: I'm going to get some smokes.
If you do it, you could conceive a child...
Although I did know that, I had never thought about it.
p.111
Jun: Until back then...
SFX: Fuu; puff.
Takuya: Huh?
Didn't you stop smoking?
Jun: I did stop at one point,
But I started again...
SFX: Pito; pat.
SFX: Kyahaha.
SFX: Kya kya!
Mother: S...
Sorry about that. Come on, Shii-chan!
SFX: Goho goho goho; cough cough cough.
Jun: Ah,
My cigarette, sorry, sorry.
Mother: It's okay.
There weren't any seats in the nonsmoking section.
We're going home, so Say bye-bye to Onii-chan.
Baby: Bye byyyye!
p.112
Jun: Umm,
Can I hold her?
Mother: Huh?
… Sure.
SFX: Ukya kya!
Uh...
Ummm...
(thoughts) What on earth?
I don't understand young people nowadays at all.
Jun: Sorry.
She's a pretty girl.
I'm sure she'll become a beautiful woman like her mother.
p.113
Takuya: So you're expanding your territory to include married women?
Jun: Leave me alone.
Guy2: That little girl was about the same age as Sumire-chan, wasn't she?
Takuya: Sumire...
Ahh!
SFX: Purururu pururu; ring ring.
Jun: Yeah,
It's me.
Huh? At the daycare?
… Yeah, that's fine, but I really didn't want to go back there again.
I understand.
I'm heading there now.
Guy2: Was that from that daycare worker?
SFX: Pi; beep.
Jun: Yeah.
She said she wanted to meet in Kichijouji, but now she wants me to come pick her up at the daycare.
Takuya: Hey,
Lovey-dovey!
Guy2: Older lady killer!
Jun: Shut up, Unpopular Brothers.
p.114
Takuya: “Daycare worker”... That's the girl who looked after the baby at the daycare, right?
So they were still together.
Guy2: Yeah.
And what's more, it seems he still hasn't laid his hands on her.
Takuya: No way!
That brute didn't...?!
Guy2: I know.
He used to be so indiscriminate with women, too.
After Sumire-chan came, Jun-kun changed, didn't he?
Jun: (thoughts) Two months earlier...
A baby was abandoned in front of my house,
Along with a letter saying that she was a child I had fathered, so the mother wanted me to raise her.
It was completely out of the blue. (I forget the kanji.)
TL NOTE: Seiten no hekireki (a bolt from the blue) has some seriously complicated kanji, which are just written as hiragana here.
p.115
Jun: (thoughts) For me, who had never even thought about raising a baby,
It was pretty bewildering.
There were times when Sumire didn't do as I wanted, and I thought I would snap.
Eventually, I found out that she wasn't my child.
And her mother came to get her, but...
I still remember.
Those soft cheeks that smelled like milk,
And her little hands.
p.116
Jun: (thought) I wonder how she's doing these days?
Sumire.
SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare
Woooow.
Look at all the brats. Well, of course.
(thoughts) I used to come here every day, didn't I?
SFX: Ha; ah!
Huh?
Don't I seem like a degenerate right now?
Mother: What's this?!
SFX: Gikuu; flinch.
Jun: Hey,
You're wrong, I'm not a suspicious person...
Mother: It is, it's Sumire-chan's papa!
p.117
Mother: Oh, you're right!
How nostalgic~
Mother: It's been awhile.
Jun: Ah,
Yes, it's been awhile.
Mother: That's right, Sumire-chan is here, isn't she?
You came to pick her up, right?
Jun: Huh?
Sumire's not supposed to be coming here anymore.
Mother: Oh? But she's here.
See? In the sandbox.
Jun: (thoughts) It's Sumire, with those cheeks that look like rice cakes.
But why?
Where's her mother?
p.118
Jun: Sumi-!
(thoughts) I'm an idiot.
She won't remember me.
Sumire: Papa!!
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan, slow down!
Sumire: Papa!
p.119
Jun: What,
So you haven't forgotten me after all.
Sumire: Pappa.
Jun: (thoughts) Uh-oh.
It feels like I might cry.
Calm down!
You've gotten big, haven't you?
Sumire: Mama!!
Kaoru: Yesterday they finally let her in the daycare. We've been waiting for an opening for a long time, but there hadn't been any.
It's far from our house, but I couldn't be sure when any of the close ones would open up.
p.120
Kaoru: Before... While I was working, my mother would look after her for me.
But my mother suddenly passed away...
I'm sorry.
Back then... When I abandoned Sumire at your house, Nagai-kun...
I just didn't know what to do.
My mother was gone, and there was no one who would look after her.
And I couldn't work...
I got...
So scared...
Sumire: Mamaa!
p.121
Kaoru: Are you awaaaake?
Let's go home.
SFX: Kyahaha!
Miyauchi: ...was it?
Jun-kun?
Jun: Oh!
Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What is it?
I was thinking that I'm really sorry I called you over to the daycare.
p.122
Miyauchi: I thought you might be happy if you knew Sumire-chan was there, but...
It seems like it actually just made you lonely.
Jun: W...!
Who's lonely?!
Miyauchi: Well...
For a little while now you've been looking like you might cry...
SFX: Guwaba; grab.
Miyauchi: Kya!
W...
What are you doing, suddenly...?
Jun: Comfort me, I'm lonely,
Yuuko-chan.
Miyauchi: No, geez...
Come on, Jun-kun,
The other daycare teachers also pass by here...
Jun: (thoughts) Even though I...
Would say “No thanks,” to something so tough now...
p.123
Jun: (thoughts) It's so...
Guy2: Come to think of it, Jun-kun...
You were going to apply to another school's medical school,
And become a doctor, right? Isn't that what you said?
SFX: Bu; pfft.
Takuya: He said that, he said that!
He was even studying.
Jun: Please forget about that.
Takuya: I thought it would be impossible for you.
Even in our college, you're a dummy who had to repeat a year.
Guy2: But you know,
Even if you give up, to challenge yourself with something,
I don't think it's useless.
p.124
Jun: (thoughts) Admittedly, I thought about it back then.
I just wanted to save little children, and at some point or other that feeling faded.
I'm home.
(thoughts) Somehow I'm... uncool.
Sumire: Let's
Play!!
SFX: Kyahaha!
Pappa!
SFX: Pi; beep.
Won't you be my friend?
Jun: Oh!
What, it's just a toy.
SFX: Kya kya!
I was wondering when you got so good at talking...
SFX: Ha, ah!
Wait...
That's not right!!
Why are you in my house?!
Mother: Jun?!
p.125
Mother: What are you fussing about in the doorway?
We have guests.
Jun: Oh!
Old lady, what's she doing h...
Mother: Don't call me “old lady”! Punch!!
Hoho! Sorry about that.
I made you see something unsightly.
Sumire: Mama!
Mother: My stupid son is...
Kaoru-chan used to work as an aesthetician in my store.
She was incredible. A lot of customers insisted on her. But she suddenly became pregnant and quit.
Kaoru: Sorry.
At that time, my morning sickness was really bad...
p.126
Mother: I was so surprised!
I went into a restaurant, and there was Kaoru-chan.
Kaoru: I was surprised, too.
Mother: I thought surely you would be working for another salon.
But I guess if you have a baby, it could be impossible to work in a salon.
Jun: I don't get it.
Kaoru: Yeah.
Mother: Jun, you remember, right?
I think it was about two years ago.
At the salon's 15-year anniversary party.
Didn't you make a pass at Kaoru-chan?
Jun: Ahhh!
Mother: Geez.
You'll surprise the baby.
Jun: (thoughts) I remember! From that time...
Miss,
Why are you making such a sad face?
p.127
Kaoru: You...
You're the owner's son...
Jun: Were you
Dumped by your boyfriend?
Am I right?
Kaoru: It's not that I was dumped or anything...
It just wasn't going that well...
Err, what am I saying, to a younger man...
Jun: If it were me,
I wouldn't make a wonderful lady like you
Sad, Miss.
Uwaah...
The memories are resurfacing.
How embarrassing...
Mother: Well?
Kaoru-chan, have you thought about what we discussed before?
p.128
Kaoru: About the opening staff in Sapporo?
Mother: Yes. For a store, the first month is the battle. If you could be there, it would help so much.
Jun: Ehh?
When did you create that one?
C...
Congratulations...
Kaoru: I'm very sorry, but...
There isn't anyone who can look after this child.
Even if I brought her with me to Sapporo...
When I get back, there's no guarantee I'll be able to take her back to the daycare.
Mother: I see.
That's too bad.
Kaoru: Sorry.
For you to worry about someone like me, who selfishly quit your store...
I'm so grateful.
Mother: It's tough for single mothers.
Ah, oh yeah...
My son had a baby left to him before.
p.129
Mother: Come to think of it, that turned out to be a mistake.
What was it...?
Jun: Mom, you didn't notice before?
It's her.
SFX: Kuuu; zzzzz.
Mother: Then, you're Kaoru-chan's husband?
Jun: Of course not!
Kaoru: Sorry.
Jun: Geez!!
I can't believe that mother of mine.
Kaoru: But I'm really the source of all this.
I'm very sorry.
p.130
Jun: Umm...
The real father can't look after her?
Even for just a month?
Kaoru: It's probably...
No use.
Even when I talked to him about Sumire...
He said, “There's no way that's my child.”
Somehow I've gotten him to accept it, but...
I also, umm...
There was the thing with you, Jun-kun, so I couldn't say it that strongly...
Sorry.
I was stupid, too.
Although he was saying that,
I thought once she was born, surely...
He would come to love the baby.
Also... His father is the director of a company,
and he spoke to me harshly, saying I was after his inheritance.
So...
I just...
Jun: W...
What the heck!!
SFX: Biku; shock.
Ah, uh-oh...
p.131
SFX: Suuuu; zzzzz.
Jun: *sigh*
You should... Show Sumire to him,
And how tough things are for you.
It's not as if you're the only one with a responsibility.
I'll go with you, so no matter what...!
Ah, but maybe you wouldn't like that...
p.132
Old Lady: Unfortunately both madam and master are out.
The young master contacted me to say that he would be home soon.
Please wait a bit.
Jun: Incredible.
I've never seen a house that had servants before.
Kaoru: Me, too...
This is the first time I've actually gone into his house.
Jun: I've only seen the living room, but it's incredible.
Both of our houses could fit in here.
Sumire: *Donk* Gyaaa!
p.133
SFX: Nwaaaa nwa nwa; roll roll roll.
SFX: “n”wa nwa; roll roll.
← Stuck.
Jun: Sumire!!
Kaoru: What are you doing?
SFX: Waaaaah!
Jun: Okay, okay.
Hey, hey, you're fine.
That surprised you, didn't it?
SFX: Fugyaaaaa!; uwaaaaaah! (angry crying)
Okay, okay.
Hey, look!
SFX: Baaaaa; bleeeeeh.
Jun: Hey, hey. One more time.
SFX: Kyaha kyahaha!
Oh,
You've got a bump.
p.134
Gorou: What are you people
Doing?
Kaoru: Gorou-chan!
Jun: Goro-chan?
SFX: Pu; snrk (Jun trying not to laugh).
TL NOTE: I think the joke here is that Gorou is a very fancy, very masculine name and she calls him “-chan.”
Kaoru: Umm...
I want to ask you a favor today...
It's about Sumire...
Gorou: This is a problem for me.
You doing this...
When supposedly we don't have a relationship anymore.
I already acknowledged it, and paid the appropriate money.
In exchange, you said you would raise her by yourself.
Yet you still intrude on me in my home...
To put it bluntly, you're a nuisance.
p.135
Gorou: Moreover, it's still suspicious that it's really my child.
You should be grateful I even acknowledged her.
Even though I told you I wanted you to abort...
You're the one who went ahead and gave birth to her.
Jun: Why you...!
Kaoru: Stop,
Jun-kun!
It's
Okay.
Let's go home.
Sumire: * Whine *
Uwaaaah!
Mamaaaa!
Kaoru: Sumire...
p.136
Kaoru: Well then,
Sorry for intruding.
SFX: Gacha; clack.
Old Lady: Madam!!
You're home.
Mother: Where's Gorou?
In his room?
Jun: Uwah, ignored...
Old Lady: Y...
Yes.
Mother: Gorou-san.
I heard you quit the company?
p.137
Gorou: It has nothing to do with you, Mom.
Mother: Of course it has something to do with me!
It's your father's company.
Jun: Sorry.
It's because I said we should go...
It made you have unpleasant thoughts.
Kaoru: No, it's okay.
I should've known it would turn out like this.
How stupid of me.
Wanting to rely on him at this point...
I'll just give up on going to Sapporo after all.
p.138
Kaoru: I'm happy that the owner
Still believes in me, but...
Right now...
I've got to be grateful just to be able to work, and that the daycare will look after her.
Hey, Sumire.
Wake up.
Sumire: Mmmm.
Kaoru: If you sleep now, you'll be awake at strange times...
SFX: Funyaaa; hmmm. (sleepy mumbling)
Jun: I'll
Watch her.
Kaoru: Eh?
Jun: (thoughts) Hey.
(thoughts) Stop this, me!
It's just a month, right?
It seems like Sumire's used to me.
(thoughts) Don't promise without thinking it through!
I can manage for a month, somehow.
p.139
Jun: Right,
Sumire?
(thoughts) Remember how rough those days were!
SFX: Kyahaha!
Guy2: You're going to be raising her again??
What were you thinking?
Back then, there was no choice because you thought she might be your child, but...
Now you know that's not true!
Takuya: Geez, you're too good-natured with women.
Jun: Be quiet.
I'm really regretting it right now.
COVER: The baby-raising book. (Can't read the rest.)
p.140
Guy2: Did she already leave for Sapporo?
Jun: Yeah. Today she left Sumire with me and went to the airport.
My mom will be gone for a while for the opening too, so for now it's just the two of us.
Girl: Ohh?
Nagai, what are you reading? A child-rearing book? Funny!
Are you using it to pick up girls or something?
Jun: (thoughts) Huuuge chest.
That's right!
Wanna have my child?
SFX: Yusa yusa; wobble wobble.
SFX: Kyaaa!
Girl: Pervy!
SFX: Bako; smack.
Takuya: Yeah, yeah.
Guy2: What stupid things are you saying?
My older sister has five children, so I know child-rearing is hard.
Even if you're only looking after them, you have to take responsibility!
This is not the child of a dog or a cat.
p.141
Jun: I know.
(thoughts) It's not like I made this offer lightly.
(thoughts) I just...
Hello.
I've come to get Sumire.
SIGN: Tatsumaki Daycare
SFX: Ha; ah!
SFX: Kyaaa!
Daycare Lady: It's Sumire-chan's papa!
Boss Lady: What are you guys doing?
Sumire: Papa!!
p.142
Jun: Here you go!
SFX: Kyaaaaa!
How have you been?
Sumire: Papa!
Uuuuup,
uuuup!
Jun: (thoughts) I'm not your papa, though...
Ah, oh well.
It's just the two of us from now on.
Don't work me too hard.
Daycare Lady: Here, Ueda-san.
Moe-chan was energetic today as usual.
Ueda: Huh?
Who is that?
Daycare Lady: Huh?
Ohh, Sumire-chan and her papa?
Ueda: You say that, but it seems like he's not her father...
p.143
Daycare Lady: Sumire-chan's mama is
A single mother, and he's a friend of hers.
He's too cool to be a father.
Due to her work, she's having him look after her for a while.
Jun: Ah,
Good work.
Ueda: She really managed to force her off on you.
Too bad for you.
Miyauchi: Sumire-chan,
You left this.
Our contact card, and some leftover diapers.
With the card, we're collecting feedback about the state of the daycare.
If there's anything that's bothering you, write it out at home.
ON CARD: Tatsumaki Dayc...
p.144
Jun: Ummm,
That person just now...
Should I get mad?
Miyauchi: Oh, Ueda-san?
Don't worry about her.
Her child entered the infant class about a month ago, but...
She hasn't tried to open up to the other mothers, and...
She doesn't always pick up her child on time, so it's a bit of a problem.
Jun: Ah,
Oh yeah, my mother's out of the house starting today, so
Wanna come to my house and play?
SFX: Kirari; gleam.
Miyauchi: Su...
Sumire-chan's papa!
I need to talk to you a second!
Jun: What, what?
Bringing me to this place with no sign of life...
SFX: Waku waku; excitement.
p.145
Jun: Kiss...!
Miyauchi: That's not it.
Ummm,
Since you're looking after Sumire-chan,
That makes you a client right now...
So...
For now,
Maybe we shouldn't see each other personally?
SFX: Ehhhhhh!
Jun: (thoughts) What the...!
I'm home! No one's here though.
Here.
Wait a little while.
I'll make you some food right away.
p.146
SFX: Toko toko; step step.
SFX: Hyoi; pop (sound of Sumire popping around the corner)
Sumire: Mamma.
Jun: Hey you.
Don't go running all over the place.
SFX: Hyoi; pop.
Today's meal is really extravagant.
Seafood risotto, stewed hamburger, and a banana. Everything except the banana is prepackaged though.
p.147
Jun: What?
You can't eat by yourself yet?
Sumire: Au!
Jun: Ahh!
What are you doing?
The bananas I got ready for you...!
SFX: Uwaaah!
< Purururu purururu; ring ring >
Yes,
Hello?
SFX: Ugyaaaa!
Sumire: *Sob*
*Sob*
Jun: Sorry, it's hard to hear you.
Kaoru: It's me, Kaoru.
I just got done with work.
Sorry for calling you at a tough time.
How is Sumire?
Jun: Oh,
Right now, we're in the middle of eating, and battling.
Will you talk to her a little?
SFX: Uwaaaah!
Hey, Sumire, it's your mama.
p.148
SFX: Waaaah!
Kaoru: Sumire?
Sumire: Mama.
Mama!
Mama!
Jun: Uh, Sumire.
Your mama's in here.
Sumire: Maamaa.
Kaoru: Sumire, I'm sorry.
I can't be with you all the time.
Be a good girl.
Sumire: Mama.
Jun: You're okay now, right,
Sumire?
p.149
Sumire: Uwaaah!
Jun: Hello?
Is work going well?
Kaoru: Yes.
The owner's still swamped with preparations for tomorrow at the salon.
Jun-kun.
Sorry. I'm not in a position to be relying on you, but...
I'm really grateful.
Jun: Well, the fact that Sumire's father thinks of you that way,
Is my responsibility too, so...
(thoughts) At that time...
(thoughts) I said forcefully that I would look after her, but...
Do your best this month and come back.
(thoughts) By doing so...
Kaoru: Sorry.
Jun: (thoughts) The dreams that I gave up on so quickly...
I thought I would have an excuse.
For myself, who ended up smoking again when I had sworn to give up cigarettes.
Sumire,
I'll make you some more food, so...
p.150
SFX: Gaaan; powww.
SFX: Bun bun; swish swish.
Jun: (thoughts) What is going on?
Hey, Sumire!!
SFX: Biku; surprise.
Sumire: Mamaa...
SFX: Fueeeen; uwaaaah.
Jun: Mom, wait.
Don't go to work.
SFX: Egu egu; sob sob.
Sumire: Waaaah!
SFX: Pon pon; pat pat.
Sumire: *sob sob*
Jun: We've both...
Been made to suffer by our mothers.
p.151
Jun: (thoughts) It's strange, isn't it?
I had forgotten how sad I was when my mother left me behind.
Miyauchi: All night?
Jun: Yeah.
She endlessly woke up and cried “Mamaa!”
Miyauchi: She thinks she's been left behind.
Child: Sensei,
Good morning!
Jun: But before she got attached to me right away...
Miyauchi: That's...
Because babies grow with such force.
Her sense of self
Is steadily growing now.
Jun: Well,
I'm leaving.
Miyauchi: You should run.
Jun: I'll come get you tonight!
Miyauchi: (Yuuko) Bye byyyye!
p.152
Sumire: Hm?
SFX: Ngyaaaaa!; uwaaaaaah!
Miyauchi: Don't turn around and look behind you...
Child: She's crying.
Jun: (thoughts) Many difficulties are in store.
SFX: Chira; glance.
Oh, good.
She's in a good mood, watching TV.
p.153
Child: Mama!
Mother: Sorry.
Mama has to go.
Child: Mama!!
Mama!!
Don't go, Mama!!
Jun: S-
Sumire!!
It's nice weather, so why don't we go to the park?!
SIGN: Municipal Raimonta Park
TEXT: Celebrated Park Debut~
p.154
Jun: Shall we play in the sandbox?
Sumire: Kyau!
Mother: Hey!
Mother: My child always plays there.
Jun: Is that so?
Sorry.
Mother: Well! <3
You're so young!
Are you playing with your little sister~?
Jun: Ah,
No.
Mother: Hm?
Then, you're her father?
No waaaay!
How old are yooou?
Jun: E...
Excuse me...!
Mother: Ah, wait!
p.155
Jun: Ahhh,
That was scary.
Sumire: Scaaare.
Jun: (thoughts) Hm?
Isn't that the woman who was at the daycare with me...?
Grumpy Ueda.
Ueda: Come on,
Drink it.
SFX: Eeee; Ngggg.
You're hungry, aren't you?
If you don't drink your milk,
Mother will be grumpy with me again.
“This child isn't drinking any milk, is she?”
“That's why she isn't growing well.”
p.156
“Of course that's the wrong way to do it.”
“But, in the child-rearing book...”
“What are you going to learn from relying on a book? Young people these days are all this way.”
“If she won't stop crying, isn't it because your way of raising her is bad? You're her mother, so take care of her properly.”
SFX: Ngyaaaa; uwaaaah!
Ueda: …
Why are you crying...??
Jun: Maybe she's just tired?
Hello. We go to the same daycare, don't we?
This one is often fussy, too.
I just figured it out the other day,
That if they're sleepy, it's best to have them sleep as soon as possible, you know?
Baby: Uwah uwah!
SFX: Ueee; uwah!
p.157
Ueda: … Talk as if...
Jun: Huh?
Ueda: Don't talk as if you know anything!
Something as obvious as that is in all the child-rearing books and magazine articles.
From someone like you who's raising a child on a whim,
I don't want to hear that!
SFX: Haa; sigh.
Jun: Is that so?
I'm...
Sorry.
Let's go,
Sumire.
Ueda: Are they cute?
p.158
Ueda: Babies, are they cute?
Even a stranger's child?
Jun: That's...
Ueda: I've... Never thought so.
I've never once thought... That they were cute.
They're so soft, like dolls.
And they don't understand speech.
It's just like
I'm looking at an alien.
p.159
Guy2: But it seems there are a lot of them.
People like that,
Who don't think their own child is cute.
Anyway, it's embarrassing to talk to something that can't answer, right?
People who can't get past that hurdle and such,
It's not mistreatment or anything,
But,
If it continues,
It often becomes a kind of mistreatment called “neglect.”
Jun: “Neg”...
Guy2: Giving up on child-rearing.
To stop raising your child,
Not feeding them or changing their diapers.
There are a lot of kids who are neglected by their parents that way.
Takuya: But...
For parents like that who don't love their children to be increasing...
Is mankind
On the path to destruction?
SFX: Shobon; dejected.
Guy2: Stop it!
You're saying scary things.
Jun: (thoughts) I also thought that I hated brats.
And even now, I think that kids other than Sumire are noisy and get angry.
p.161
Jun: (thoughts) But now I really think that Sumire is cute.
If I were her mother, wouldn't that just be natural?
Guy2: Ah!
Oh yeah.
My older sister told me to give you these, Jun-kun.
Here, go with Sumire.
Jun: What's this?
Guy2: Admission tickets for Tomashi Park.
It seems there's a hero show.
Girl: Kyaaa!
The cyborg Takohidora has appeared!
SFX: Ueeeen; whoooooa!
Someone: He's scary!
Someone: Oh, no!
Girl: Let's all call for Desert Man!
p.162
All: Deseeeert Maaaan!
Girl: Louder!
Sumire: Jaaaaa
Maaaa!
Jun: (thoughts) Why is she getting so worked up?
That only sounded like “jama,” too.
Sumire: Jaaaa Maaaa!
Desert: Hiya!
Jun: (thoughts) What a shabby play.
Girl: Kyaaaa!
You're so cool, Desert Man!
Jun: How was it?
Wasn't it fun? You like Power Rangers and such.
Sumire,
How come you're all clenched up?
Woman: Look, a young father.
Woman: Really!
Jun: (thoughts) That face...
p.162
SFX: Hooooo; ahhhhhh.
Jun: It stinks!
Don't say “ahh”!
Now you've done it.
I've got to change your diaper somewhere.
SIGN: Can change diapers here.
This one's a women's restroom, too.
They don't have these in the men's rooms... And I can't put her on the floor to change her...
Now, she's...
Got poop under her butt, right?
So why can she smile?
So that means I'm carrying around poop right now.
Ahh, geez!
Don't think of strange things.
SIGN: Entry forbidden to unauthorized people
Ah!
I'll use that place.
Okay.
That feels better.
p.163
SFX: Kyaaa!
Jun: Hurry up and at least learn
To use the toilet yourself.
SFX: Gacha; clack.
Gorou: This place should be off-limits to unauthorized people.
Jun: Sorry,
I just came to change her diaper...
You...!
SMALL TEXT: Finger.
SFX: Pu; snrk (stifled laughter).
You were the enemy just now...
Takohitora's underling.
Gorou: It's my job.
Leave me alone.
p.164
Jun: Your job...
I thought I heard you worked at your father's company.
Gorou: I quit.
I had always wanted to be an actor.
I told that to Kaoru, too.
That eventually I would leave my house.
That it would be a problem for me if she was relying on my inheritance.
Jun: What the heck?
Saying such a cruel thing to her...
Gorou: When she told me I had gotten her pregnant,
I asked her to abort it.
But she went ahead and gave birth to it, and came asking me to acknowledge the baby.
I couldn't help but think she was harassing me, or aiming for my inheritance.
p.165
Jun: Why you...!
If you say one more word...!
Gorou: Well,
It really is my child, I suppose.
Jun: (thoughts) Oh, without hesitating...
Gorou: We have the same blood type, after all.
Jun: From just the blood type, you...?
Gorou: That child and I are both AB–.
You know, right?
The odds of that.
Jun: (thoughts) I'm also...
AB–...
TL NOTE: Rh– blood types are rare (0.4%) in Japan, and AB is only 6% of the population, making only about 1 in 4000 Japanese AB–. Scientifically this is not a very accurate way to determine paternity though.
p.166
Jun: Height, 47.2cm.
ON COVER: Maternity Record Book
Mother's name: Yamabuki Kaoru.
Weight, 2760g. I don't know whether that's large or small.
Blood type.
It's true,
You're AB–.
Sumire: Au?
Jun: Ahhh,
It's okay Sumire, take a nap.
If you don't sleep,
I won't get anything done.
(thoughts) If she...
Is convinced that he's the father based on the blood type...
There's a chance for me, too...
No, no, there's no way.
We only did it once that night, for a child to be conceived...
No way, no way.
p.167
Jun: (thoughts) I think she's cute.
When she left, it broke my heart, and I was lonely.
SFX: Gaaan; dunnn!
It's nighttime!!
This precious time...
I wasted it sleeping!
Sumire: Pappa.
Jun: And Sumire's awake!!
(thoughts) But...
Woman: It's been almost a month now, hasn't it?
p.168
Woman: That's right.
It seemed long, but it went by in a flash.
That's good, Sumire-chan.
Your mom will be coming back.
Sumire: Mama?
SFX: Uru; quiver.
← Looks like she remembered.
Woman: Ah,
Sorry.
Maybe I shouldn't have said that.
Jun: Hey, Sumire.
Come here.
SFX: Pui; turn away.
Ueda: Are they cute?
p.169
Ueda: Even a stranger's child?
Sumire: Nyaa!
Nyanyaa!
Oooooh!!
TV: Let's do it again!
Sumire: Nya!
Nyaa!
Ooh!
Ooh!
Jun: I don't get it.
Oh yeah, didn't the old lady say she would be back after a week?
She's not back yet.
Hello?
Ah,
Kaoru-san?
Kaoru: Ummm,
I have a favor to ask you.
I want you to look after Sumire a little while longer.
Jun: Eh?
Well, okay.
What is it?
Are you busy with work over there?
Kaoru: … Yes.
p.170
Jun: I can manage for a little while.
She's used to me now. Ah, can you hear her?
Here, Sumire.
It's your mom.
Sumire: Mama?
Kaoru: Sumire?
Sumire: Mama!
Mamaa!
(Jun): Say “Come home soon!”
Sumire: Guwaaah, Mamaa!
Jun: Sorry, she started crying so I'll hang up now.
You don't need to worry about Sumire.
p.171
Kaoru: … I'm...
Sorry.
Sorry.
Even though I really want to be a proper mother...
I'm...
Jun: (thoughts) Somehow,
She seemed kinda strange.
SFX: Uaaaaaan; uwaaaaah!
Yes, yes.
Ah, geez, I shouldn't have put you on the phone.
SFX: Pururururu; ring ring.
Hello...
Ah, mom?
You're at Haneda now?
TL NOTE: Haneda is an airport in Tokyo.
Eh? What did you say?
Mother: Kaoru-chan has disappeared!
p.172
Mother: Hey,
Are you listening?
It seems she had quite a bit of debt,
That girl.
She did mutter something about her mother's surgery bills before, too.
Jun: She didn't run away with the store's money or something...?
Mother: No.
Thanks to her, the salon is a big success.
I can't thank her enough.
It's just... She borrowed from some bad people.
They found out where she was and started ambushing her in front of the store.
She said she was becoming a nuisance to the store.
p.173
Mother: If she had only come to me for advice...
I would have introduced her
To a lawyer, or something.
Sumire: Papa.
Jun: Before you called, mom,
She contacted me.
Mother: No way!
What did she say?
Jun: She said she wanted me to look after Sumire a little longer.
Now that I think about it, she seemed a little strange.
Like she was under a lot of pressure...
Kaoru: Sorry.
p.174
Mother: Well?
What will you do with this child?
Jun: Huh?
Mother: It's one thing for her to say that, but...
She left her behind once before,
And even if she said she would come back for her, there's no guarantee when that will be.
If you know who the real father is,
Wouldn't it be best to have him take care of her?
Jun: (thoughts) Have him...
Gorou: She went ahead and gave birth to it.
Jun: There's definitely no way.
Right?
p.175
SFX: Geeee; bleeeeh.
Jun: What the heck, geez!
I just changed you into those clothes!
(thoughts) But...
How long can I keep this up?
What should we have today?
Sumire: Stand!
Stand!
Jun: What, you want to walk?
Okay, but just for a little while.
p.176
ON BOX: Choco Honey
Jun: I'm not buying that, you know.
Oh,
This is cheap!
ON BAG: Marshmallow Gaarupuri
SIGN: Fuji – 120
SFX: Totata; step step.
Jun: Ah!
Sumire! You're throwing merchandise!
SFX: Su; quickly.
SFX: Hahi hahi; pant pant.
p.177
Sumire: Mama!
Woman: Kya!
Jun: Sumire!
SIGN: Comfort articles
Sumire: Mama!
Mama!
Jun: Sorry. She's mistaken you for her mother...
Sumire,
Look, it's not, see?
SFX: Uwaaaaan; uwaaaah.
Jun: Hey,
Sumire!
What's the matter?
Stop struggling!
SFX: Ngyaaaaa; uwaaaaaggh
SFX: Hiso hiso; whisper whisper.
p.178
Sumire: Maaaa
Maaaa!
SIGN: Office.
SFX: Kon kon; knock knock.
Miyauchi: Umm,
Excuse me, I'm the person you contacted
At the daycare.
p.179
Man: Sorry for asking you to take the trouble to come.
Sumire-chan,
Nagai-san.
Man: Then,
This is the girl who looks after her, so there's no mistake, right?
Someone: Yes.
The daycare said so as well.
Man: Sorry about this.
Anyway, there have been a lot of dangerous incidents lately...
Jun: Sorry, suddenly...
Miyauchi: I was surprised when I got the call at the daycare.
p.180
Miyauchi: But kidnapping?
That's so rude...
Jun-kun,
What's wrong?
Sumire: Maa maa!
Jun: I...
(thoughts) I'm...
(thoughts) Just a college student.
Can't do anything.
Miyauchi: Wai...
Jun-kun...
Jun: (thoughts) There's nothing tying me to Sumire.
p.181
Jun: (thoughts) Nothing...
Mother: Jun,
Someone called Tsubaki-san called for you.
Jun: Tsubaki... Who was that again?
Mother: It seems it was from Sumire-chan's father's house.
Jun: Eh?
Mother: She said they want you to bring Sumire-chan there.
Sumire: Ooh!
Tsubaki: I tried to contact Kaoru-san, but...
She wasn't at her apartment.
It was rude of me to investigate, but...
I was told you're taking care of her at your house.
p.182
Tsubaki: Where is that child today?
Jun: She's
At the daycare now.
Tsubaki: I see.
I'm sorry, the other day I didn't even greet you...
Jun: (thoughts) What's with this lady?
Yeah...
(thoughts) Even though she was glaring at me so much before...
Tsubaki: By the way,
The reason I had you come here today...
Is that I've been thinking of
Taking charge of that child in my house.
Since I'm asking, hasn't the mother disappeared?
Jun: But she said she'd be back in a little while...
Tsubaki: I wonder.
From the start, this was the result of my son's carelessness.
I think it's logical that I do this.
That's all right, isn't it?
p.183
Tsubaki: I will go and pick her up from that daycare.
Since she might be confused if you're there, Nagai-san...
Thank you for everything until now.
Jun: What the heck.
If that's the case, take care of her from the start.
SFX: Ga; bam.
SFX: Goto; tunk.
Cat: Nya!
Jun: Sorry, sorry.
SFX: Fuuuu; hiss.
Cat: If you'd hit me, I'd have died.
Jun: Don't be mad.
I give you food sometimes, don't I?
Here.
Cat: Stop.
p.184
Sumire: Papa!
Nyaanya nyaanya!
SFX: Guri guri; rub rub.
Jun: Stupid, you'll get scratched.
SFX: Uwaaaah!
See,
Didn't I tell you?
You're so light.
(thoughts) It's fine.
It's a big difference from Sumire.
Being taken in by that house is a lot better than being with someone like me.
Announcer: Tomorrow after the Desert Man show there will also be an autograph session!
Jun: (thoughts) It's soon, isn't it?
Time to pick up Sumire.
Gorou: Oh?
p.185
Gorou: You
Again?
Jun: I see,
That job again...
SFX: Pu; snort.
Gorou: You're not with that little one today...
Oh yeah, my mother said...
That she arranged for her to be taken in by some relatives, didn't she?
Jun: Wait a second!
So your house isn't taking her in?
Gorou: Of course not.
My mother saw Kaoru come to our house the other day,
And got worried.
Rather than waiting until the next time she comes and asks for money, taking her in now,
And giving her to some relatives who want a child is a lot better, is what she's thinking.
That's just like my parents.
Jun: You're talking about your own child.
Gorou: You're...
A partner that Kaoru cheated with just once, right?
p.186
Gorou: What's your
Blood type?
Although it doesn't matter
At this point.
A brat who was abandoned by both her mother and her father...
SFX: Gakon; clatter.
She'll finally be able to go somewhere that'll take her in.
SIGN: Can
Jun: She didn't abandon Sumire!
Gorou: Yes she did.
Of course, I did too.
And you as well.
p.187
Gorou: That all parents would think their child is cute...
Is an illusion.
Jun: (thoughts) Cute?
Ueda: I've never once thought that they were cute.
Child: Yaaaay!
Mother: Hey, wait!
p.188
Child: Yahoo!
SFX: Don; thump.
SFX: Basa; rustle.
Mother: S-
Sorry! Geez, that child... Geez!
Jun: Oh,
It's okay.
Mother: Hey, I caught you!
Apologize to Onii-san!!
SFX: Guri guri; noogie noogie.
Child: I will! Owow! Soooorrrrry!
Jun: (thoughts) The mother-child notebook... Or rather, the case for it...
I've got to return this too.
SFX: Hira; flutter.
p.189
SIGN: March 3rd. Yamabuki Kaoru.
ON PAGE: Mother-child...
Sumire's records, March 3rd...
TL NOTE: I can't read the small text at the bottom.
ON PAGE: March 3rd
Safe delivery. Newborn...
Look like monkeys...
Kaoru: March 3rd.
Safe delivery. Newborn babies really look like monkeys. But she's very cute.
I named her Sumire. So that she'll become beautiful and kind like a flower.
Her one-month checkup. The nurse was surprised that she's already 5kg.
Not much milk is coming out. I'm uneasy.
All she does is cry. I wonder why. It makes me want to cry too.
Today she conquered rolling over. She seemed so happy to be moving, she did it over and over again.
p.190
ON PAGE: ...The first time she called me Mama...
...She doesn't have a father, but...
...right?
I love you so much, Sumire.
^_^
I love you so much.
Sumire.
Jun: (thoughts) That's right.
Sumire: Maamaa!
Jun: (thoughts) It's not as if she's not loved, by her mother or by me.
She's cute, and we can't leave her alone...
p.191
Jun: (thoughts) Of course
She's loved!!
p.192
Mother: But you know...
Mother: No way!
Ueda: What's going on?
Mother: Ah, Ueda-san.
Mother: Well, it's...
Someone's here to get Sumire-chan now, but...
It seems it's someone from her real father's house!
But...
It seems Sumire-chan's mother has disappeared.
Mother: Oh,
But wasn't Sumire-chan's papa raising her?
Mother: It was no good after all.
I mean, she's a stranger's child, right?
Mother: I mean, there are times
When you even want to throw away your own child.
Ueda: That's true.
Miyauchi: Come on, Sumire-chan.
Someone's here to get you.
SIGNS: Good energy!
Get along!
p.193
Jun: Sumire!!
(thoughts) If...
I were separated from Sumire this way...
SFX: Totata; step step.
Sumire: Papa!!
Papa!
Papa!
Jun: Sumire!!
p.194
Tsubaki: Hey, just what are you planning?
If you're here, she'll go to the person she's used to.
That's why I insisted that you not come.
Jun: (thoughts) Sumire will become a child
Who was abandoned by her mother.
I'll...
Raise
Sumire.
I promised her.
That until she comes back.
(thoughts) “That's not true. You were properly loved.”
So I'll raise her.
(thoughts) I have to tell her that.
p.195
Tsubaki: What a stupid thing to...
You'll regret it if you make this decision based on such a sudden feeling.
Jun: I'm serious.
Tsubaki: Urk...
I understand.
In that case, never cross the threshold
Of my home again.
SFX: Pachi pachi; clap clap.
SFX: Pachi pachi pachi pachi; clap clap clap clap.
Mother: Sumire-chan's papa, you're cool!
Jun: Eh?
S...
Stop.
p.196
Jun: Please stop!
Mother: But you're so cool!
SFX: Hyuu; whistle.
Ueda: You look stupid.
Acting like the hero of a drama, when of course you'll regret it.
Mother: Geez, Ueda-san!
Mother: Why would you say such a thing?
SFX: Hiso hiso; whisper whisper.
SFX: Ta; dash.
Jun: Ueda-san.
Ueda-san, umm...
Ueda: What? You've got a complaint?
I only said what I was thinking.
Jun: No, that's not it...
There's something I want you to hear.
p.197
Jun: Umm, uhh...
For example...
Even aliens, if you don't smile at them first,
I don't think you can build ties of friendship.
Ueda: Huh?
What are you talking about?
Jun: No,
See...
I...
Do think I'll regret saying that I'll take care of Sumire.
Because even now, there are constantly times that make me angry and there's nothing I can do about it.
But...
When I see Sumire's smile,
All that goes flying away somewhere.
p.198
Sumire: Paapaa!
SFX: Bata; thunk.
SFX: Agggggh!
Jun: I know, I know.
It hurt, didn't it?
Baby: Ehn!
Uwa!
Gya!
p.199
Ueda: (thoughts) Geez...
Weren't you just asleep a second ago? At least sleep for 30 minutes.
SFX: Pata pata; step step.
SFX: Gyaaa!
SFX: Gyaaa!
Ueda: Yes, yes.
I gave you milk, didn't I?
SFX: Gyaa gyaa gyaa!
Your diaper isn't wet, so why are you crying?
“Even aliens, if you don't smile at them first...”
Looook,
You're a good girl.
SFX: Uaaaa geeeeeh.
Dwon't cwy.
SFX: Kaa; blush.
Ahh, how embarrassing...
p.200
Baby: Kya!
Kya!
Kya,
Kya.
“But...”
“When I see Sumire's smile,
All that goes flying away somewhere.”
p.201
Someone: Kaoru-chan,
An A special is up.
SIGN: Semionowa.
Kaoru: Yeeeees.
Thanks for waiting, here's your A special.
SIGN: Sanma...
Customer: Thanks.
Kaoru-chan, you're a hottie today as well.
SIGN: Denya...
SIGN: Croque Madame
SIGN: Nan...
TAG ON SHIRT: Semionowa.
Kaoru: Geez,
Yama-san.
ON SHIRT: Noh
Someone: Kaoru-chan, will you do a delivery for me?
Kaoru: Yeees!
SIGN: Adam Cooper Semionowa-san Bay
Guy: That tenant Kaoru-chan sure is a hard-worker.
Unlike most young people these days.
Thanks for the food.
At any rate, it seems she's paying back debt
She incurred paying for her late mother's medical treatment.
Guy: That's rough...
Kaoru: I'll be back!
Jun: (thoughts) In this world...
There are a huge number of children who have been abandoned by their parents.
SIGN: Film distribution- “Dandelion” Audition Location
Someone: Well then,
Number 21.
p.202
Someone: Could we have you act
As if this doll is your child, and hold it?
Jun: (thoughts) Though I think it's true that there are parents
Who don't know how to love their children well...
p.203
Jun: (thoughts) But I still believe...
Aggggh!
Sumire!!
The report I...
Stayed up all night finishing...!
SFX: Ahahaha ahahaha.
Why didn't you stop her?!
Stupid old lady.
Mother: Now then,
I'm off on my business trip.
SFX: Gakkuri; slump.
Sumire: Pappa.
Kay, kay.
← It seems she's trying to encourage him.
Kay, kay.
TL NOTE: I wasn't sure how to tl this. She's saying “nai, nai” which I assume is part of “mondai nai” or “no problem”... I was going to put “no prob” but that seems a little complex for a 1yr old to pronounce. So I put "kay," meaning "okay."
p.204
SFX: Uga; grr!
Jun: It's your fault-!
Sumire: Kiss!
Jun: (thoughts) That really, everyone
Wants to love.
She may become a devil woman...
Sumire: Nya nya! Nya u!
< Continued in volume 2. >
p.205
Kurita Riku's self-appointed NY Diary
In September of 2003, I suddenly ended up going to NY. I had been invited long before, but it had just been decided that I would go to Guam in August, and I thought it wouldn't be good to continue that trip, so I turned it down.
“But” The Guam trip was postponed.
Cat: I'm gonna die...
But Bunta, my cat who would turn 20 soon, suddenly had his body condition worsen, and seemed like he would die, so...
Bubble: Eek!
For canceling the trip, I lost 20,000 yen x 3 people's shares... *sweat*
When I told this to M, who had invited me, saying that I wished I had agreed to go to NY, she pushed strongly, “Well let's just go now then!”
Kurita: But... Err... However...
… Is how I hesitated.
Friend: If you'll go...
… Is what she said.
And so, my first trip to NY in ten years was decided. On my HP, I slowly keep a diary, and I thought I would do the same in NY.
And I will present it here.
But when going overseas, I've only done tours. For the first time I bought my own tickets. And I was by myself on the plane, too (because M went to NY about 4 days ahead of me).
* heart pounds *
Also, because I had just seen the movie “The Bone Collector” on video, (getting in the taxi from the airport, whether that guy was a murderer and I would be taken away somewhere to be killed...) I was full of unease...
Well, I was looking forward to it, too.
BUBBLE: I wonder why I watched it when I had read the work it's based on, and knew the content...
p.206
September 14, 2003
Arrived at NY. Although it was my first time by myself on an airplane going overseas, I was surprisingly fine. I was working, so it went by in a flash. I got in the car I had reserved online to pick me up, and went to Manhattan.
NY's scenery was just like I remembered, so it was nostalgic. But the Twin Towers were really gone, so I really felt that there had been terrorism.
My hotel is located in Gramercy Park, so it's the Gramercy Park Hotel. I met up with M. Before long, I rested, and then went to a ballet lesson at BCD (Broadway Dance Center). This time it's my goal to attend as many ballet lessons as possible. There's a dance center next to Carnegie Hall. At the reception desk I paid the $15 fee for one session, and went to the locker room. ...Everyone in there was stark naked, so I was fine changing there.
Embarrassing...
The class I took was a beginner's class. It was taught by a Russian man, and there were little kids mixed in, so it felt like a class for total amateurs.
September 15
Today I indulged in lessons.
12:00 – 1-hour en pointe beginner class.
1:15 – Advanced beginner class.
After it was over, I had a lunch of yogurt and bagels in the lobby.
4:30 – I met up with M and R-san, who lives in the suburbs, and the three of us took another beginner's class. Then we got some food at the Cafe Europa next to the dance center.
8pm – Saw the musical “Rent” I had reserved tickets for. Went home on the subway. Bought some beer at a suspicious shop in the neighborhood.
September 16
Went around to a Recycle Boutique in the morning (with M). Met up with R-san on Fifth Avenue in the afternoon. Had lunch in a restaurant.
I tried on jeans at Bernie's (about 10 pairs) and bought two pairs. Also went in high-class boutique C and shopped.
Went to R-san's house, and he showed me his cute puppy.
ALONG SIDE: Metro card
I bought one valid for a week.
I just couldn't get it to respond, and couldn't pass through.
Jeans.
Blue Cult and Paper Denim & Cloth
The bagels I ate every morning
p.207
September 17
I went for a walk in the morning with a hotel guest in a private park that only neighborhood people can enter (if you don't have a key, you can't get in). But 30 minutes later, the old guy who said he would let us in hadn't come no matter how long we waited. And I was tired of looking at nothing but squirrels. When I explained to someone inside the park, they opened the door for us (and we were laughed at).
Lots of huge squirrels.
12:00 – Had a lesson in my en pointe class.
2:00 – Met up with M, and went on a field trip to the natural history museum. Made reservations for the opera tomorrow at Lincoln Center, and went back to the hotel.
6:30pm – Went shopping with M and R-san at Fulton Market. We met up with two more people from the NY suburbs and the five of us went to Chinatown. We had dinner at a restaurant recommended by R-san. On the way back, Little Italy was incredibly crowded. It seems there was a festival. Various floats came out, and it was incredibly hot. Went back and slept.
Dumplings that have hot soup that comes out of the middle.
September 18
10:00am – Took a beginner lesson. Today my NY lessons are over. When I told my teacher, he was increeeeeedibly surprised (because he had remembered my face), and he said to come back, and waved. I'm happy. Just in these few days... There is a child whose face I've gotten used to seeing, so I might be a little lonely...
I had heard there was a ballet supply shop nearby, but I couldn't find it. I heard from a girl in my class that it was right next door, and I bought leotards.
Blue. Black.
12:30 – I met M and R-san in front of FAO Schwartz. We shopped at Henri Bendel. We had tea at a fancy shop in Takashimaya. I went back to the hotel and packed.
7:30pm – We went to see the opera at Lincoln Center. Because of Typhoon Isabel the wind was incredible. I wonder if my plane will be able to fly tomorrow...
Typhoon Isabel.
In America, they give them girls' names. Right now Isabel is on the news somewhere every day.
September 19
I went to the airport in a texi. I got my boarding pass, and had breakfast at a McDonald's in the airport. By the way, M and I had mixed up our passports at the counter. Is this check system really okay? Went home.
ON LEFT: I was by myself on the plane home as well. I watched a lot of movies.
ON RIGHT: My first Mac in many years. It was good.
Well then, well then, see you in volume 2! In volume 2, I'm planning “Self-Appointed Paris Diary”!! I'm going with M, again. - Kurita
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