Today, while I merely watching episode 14 in Clannad, an anime I had started during Spring Break, Ichinose Kotomi (一ノ瀬 ことみ), one of the characters, repeated the enigmatic phrase to Okazaki Tomoya (岡崎 朋也), the protagonist.
Day before yesterday I saw a rabbit, and yesterday a deer, and today, you.
At first, her words struck me as odd yet soothing. I pondered what she had meant until I realized how close her words were to her when she disclosed her hidden memories. After I rewatched the scene in Clannad, I repeated those words and let them rolled off my tongue as if it was a lullaby. The words seemed to fly out of a book, and in fact, it did.
After I quickly researched the phrase in InfiniteZenith's article, CLANNAD- Day before yesterday I saw a rabbit, and yesterday a deer, and today, you, it reappeared along with the title, The Dandelion Girl by Robert F. Young. It is a short science-fiction story written about the rediscovery of love found between the 42 year old Mark Randolph and the dandelion girl. As I read the story, I was enthralled by the story as I pictured the two, feeling anxious and longing for each other, despite the seemingly impenetrable time gap. (Read the story to know what I actually meant).
Throughout The Dandelion Girl, her words murmured again and again, as if her essence was captured in them. Those intimate words that were only reserved for the one person reminded me of Dos Palabras by Isabel Allende. (If you want to read the English version, click here).Throughout this short story, Belisa's words for the Colonel revealed how transforming and everlasting love and words were. Already at the budding age of (nah that I won't disclosed ;), I have already my secret repertoire of dos palabras tucked in my heart from those who I could not possibly forget. And now, I have a new one. Because I want to capture a deeper sense of these words, I closed my eyes and dreamed how I would reacted if I have seen a rabbit, a deer, and then the one.
Tears flowed down my cheeks while I opened my eyes. I wiped away my tears, chiding myself how young and inexperienced I was to think that I have honestly encountered what love was really like. Yet, I could not shake off the dear memories I had when I love someone dear to me. I already have them safely stored in my memories, but I was devastated to realize that we had felt towards each other did not last as long as I had hoped.
Hope. My memory started to tingle as I began to recall the words that leave me feeling calm and a bit sad. Whenever I started to feel overwhelmed, they somehow return to my mind and repeat again and again until I realized what I had been almost forgotten.
加油! (Keep going!) -My grandmother who passed away.
Have Faith, Miss Chen. -My 10th grade math teacher.
Don't worry. In a few hours, the sun will come out. -one of my friends
You're a blessing to me. I'm lucky to have you.
Hope. My memory started to tingle as I began to recall the words that leave me feeling calm and a bit sad. Whenever I started to feel overwhelmed, they somehow return to my mind and repeat again and again until I realized what I had been almost forgotten.
加油! (Keep going!) -My grandmother who passed away.
Have Faith, Miss Chen. -My 10th grade math teacher.
Don't worry. In a few hours, the sun will come out. -one of my friends
You're a blessing to me. I'm lucky to have you.
I took a deep breath and smiled at my fond memories. I then reflected on how no matter how drastic things can be, I still have my family, dear friends, loved ones, and, of course, God. As I thought about them, I cannot give up. I have been given the chance a to grow and learn everyday, and I should not be stuck in the past. Even though it is painful to move on, I know that if I keep working and waiting, there will better things to come. Besides, there are still beautiful things in the worlds.
A quote from Clannad.
"The world is beautiful. Even when they are filled with sadness and tears, open your eyes. Do what you wish to do. Become what you want to be. Don't rush, and take your time in becoming an adult."
Free free to listen to "Roaring Tides II" song from Clannad. It's really moving.
Duplicating the reply back at InfiniteMirai: I’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed The Dandelion Girl and were moved by the story. Having read through your article, it is well-written. Honest and straightforwards, I feel that it’s written from the bottom of your heart. My quip about the other writers is directed at the “analysis” site known as TV Tropes: it’s no secret that I’m not a fan of their methods, but that is a story for another time 😉
ReplyDeleteI remark that there is no set age where one can truly become “experienced” in love; one can be young and quite experienced, or similarly, be older and not so experienced, but it wouldn’t make the feelings less genuine. So, I concur wholeheartedly that love is a lifelong journey, and that the things one loses in the present are transient as the rabbit and deer (even if experience says that it does nothing to diminish the sense of loss).
YAY! I'm glad you enjoyed my article The Infinite Zenith (even though I caught and corrected a few grammar mistakes). Lol, TV tropes. Would it be okay if I read your story about it? :D But, honestly Thank you for reading my article and taking the time to write a thoughtful comment. I guess right now, I have been reflecting more on what has happened in my life, especially when I'm going to graduate high school and go to college soon. It just feels surreal to know that I won't be able always be in the home I grew up in, and that sense of realization geared me to see what I had taken for granted.
ReplyDeleteYeah, there really is no set age or boundary for loving someone. Maybe life is not only a journey of love, but also filling the hole in your heart as Yashiro from Erased had said. (Have you watched Erased: Boku Dake ga Inai Machi? It's an absolutely touching anime). I believe one thing we can agree is that one of life's most difficult challenge is finding the right people. It can be tiring and discouraging, but once we find them, we know that we have found what we have been looking for and we can never let them go. They're with us forever, and we're with them too. Have a fantastic day!