Miyori's Forest (ミヨリの森)

Wh-What was that?!

Huh?!

That was quite a gust.

It's a bit late for an early spring storm.

Maybe it's the spirit of the wind.

See how pretty it is?

Isn't this Miyori's first time seeing the cherry blossoms here?

The countryside is really nice and relaxing.

You should come visit us more often.

Yeah, but I'm very busy at work.

You got one in your cup.

Why is an advertising job so busy?

Why, huh...

I have a feeling that something good will come our way.

Is there a convenience store around here?

Near the train station.

Go buy me a manicure set.

I don't care what kind.

It takes almost an hour on foot!

Use your car!

Don't ask that after I started drinking.

Forget it, then.

Now, now.

Let's keep it happy.

Look after Miyori.

Where is she?!

Where?

Miyori!

She couldn't have gone too far!

Kuro, why didn't you stay with her?

Miyori!

Miyori!

Don't hurry!

Ask Kuro!

Miyori!

Miyori!

Miyori!

Miyori!

Miyori!

Ask Kuro!

Kuro, where did Miyori go?

Tell us, Kuro.

Looks like he knows something.

Now, put your shoes on first.

Miyori!

Miyori!

Miyori!

Miyori!

Kuro, find Miyori!

Stop it, Bokuriko.

Ouch...

I'm sorry, Miyori.

Good boy.

I've been waiting for you, Miyori.

Hi!

This forest is yours.

Saturday Summer Vacation Special Project

Ten Years Later

Soon after the rainy season started, Mom left home.

Starting today, I'll be living with Dad's family.

That day was really a shock.

You suddenly went missing.

Then we found you on a branch of a cherry tree, even though you couldn't walk yet.

Mom was frightened by it, and said she'd never come to the countryside again.

I don't remember.

Why can't you be a bit more sociable?

You won't be able to adapt well if you're not

Flattering people is just tiring.

It's not the same as flattering them.

More like paying attention when you listen to others.

It's part of good manners.

This conversation is boring.

You always act like that.

And whose fault is it that I'm such a nasty kid?

There's something flying!

Aren't they birds?

They're not! What are they?

Once we get through this tunnel, we're almost there.

Dad...

What is it?

You know how people say children keep a family together?

Yeah.

Am I being sentenced to exile for not keeping the family together?

That's a really bad way to put it.

I'd have preferred to be exiled near a beach.

This is my first time in Komori Village, but for some reason, it feels familiar.

I liked the mintgimachi.

I wonder if I can find it in Komori?

Probably not.

There aren't any stores.

Grow up tall, corn.

Yield abundantly, green beans.

It's the first time Dad's come home, but he doesn't look excited.

You just got here, and you're already heading back...

I can't help it. I have work.

You could at least stay the night.

I'm making something you like, rice with bamboo shoots.

I have a meeting first thing tomorrow morning.

You're hopeless...

You just want to get away.

That's why Mom wanted to leave you.

Hang in there, Miyori.

I'll come visit you when I can get a vacation.

You couldn't get a single day of vacation last year.

Don't you remember?

Drive home safely.

Yep.

Now Dad's abandoned me too.

We'll soon be able to see him right over there.

See those three cedar trees?

Near there.

Miyori.

She's going to call me that way already?

This will be your home for a while, so feel free to do whatever you want.

Go look around the village until Grandpa comes home.

Is there anything to see?

Well, not really.

Leave your cell phone here.

How could she tell?

Have a good time.

There are lots of inhabitants in the forest, so don't startle them.

Like bears?

I'm beyond the service area.

Goodbye, Tokyo.

What was that? A bunny?

Why?

It's July now...

Is it always like this in the mountains?

It's kinda impressive.

Is this how it feels not to have anyone nearby?

A bear?!

I'm going to be eaten by a bear and die.

What a weird life...

If this is my weird life, I'd rather have been eaten by a lion or a Bengal tiger.

A tiger?!

Why a tiger?

Do tigers live in the forest?

Or did it escape from a circus?

Its breathing is so loud.

That sound easily conceals the pounding of my heart.

What is this feeling?

It seems so familiar.

You'll be home late again, won't you?

Can't you ever come home early?

I can't leave unless I get my work done.

Can't you talk about anything other than your work?!

As if someone who spends the whole day at home would know the trouble I go through!

And who told me to quit my job?

It was you!

But you wanted to quit!

All you did was bitch about it!

Don't blame me!

I would've been promoted twice as fast as you if I hadn't quit!

I could've handled business trips or anything if I wasn't carrying Miyori!

That's easy for you to say!

I don't need parents.

Look who's talking!

I'm nobody's daughter.

What would you know?!

Nobody gave birth to me!

Let's go home and play a game!

Yeah!

Don't hog it too long!

Wait!

Give me back my shoes.

Huh?

You hid my shoes, didn't you?

Give them back!

So what? I don't like you.

I don't like the way you look at us.

You must think that we're stupid.

You can't do anything unless you're together.

And being alone is so much better?

What can you do by yourself?

Shut up!

I don't need friends.

Not a single one.

I don't need them.

I'm fine being alone.

I don't need anyone.

Who are you?

Why are you crying?

The blossoms are gone...

Where did the cherry blossoms go?

They were so pretty...

Was it a dream?

But it's not a dream that you're here, is it?

What are you doing here?

Where did you come from?

I came from Tokyo.

I just... arri...

Oh, it's you, Miyori-chan!

You've grown so much.

You remember Kuro?

You don't, huh...

I'm your grandpa, and this is Kuro.

Kuro...

I've been here before, haven't I?

Yes, when you were this small.

I see...