Journal with Witch (違国日記)

Takumi

It's stuffy in here...

That's what happens when no one's around.

Let's open the windows for a bit.

Yeah.

Okay then, let's divide and conquer.

Yeah.

I'll go through the clothes.

You handle the everyday items.

We'll take any paperwork home and sort it out later.

'Kay.

Can I take back my favorite dishware?

Of course.

We can always rent some storage if it doesn't fit in the cabinets at home.

Take your time.

Don't force yourself to get rid of stuff.

I don't have that much stuff.

Well, shall we get to work?

'Kay.

I should get started.

Journal with Witch

Episode 3 Discard

What the...? No way!

What's up?

I mean, look.

Oh, that's mom's.

I tried it on once too.

What?

You didn't keep your school uniform?

I threw it out the day after graduation.

What? Wow.

I didn't think she was the type to hold on to memories.

That's not the person I remember.

What on earth are you wearing?

So weird.

She never would've worn this before.

Due next week

The "next week" that was supposed to come.

The hand towel hung out for a quick dry.

Plants waiting to be watered.

Books to be returned.

Undergarments and glasses never meant to be touched by anyone else.

Now, it all just vanishes into thin air...

What? Mom's clothes wouldn't look good on me!

Never you mind that. Here.

See? The sleeves are too long.

We can get it altered.

You may even grow into it.

Looks like the collar is removable.

Maybe you can get an embroidered one instead of that fur piece.

It's not too old-looking?

It looks nice.

It'll suit you in no time.

You should have something to remember her by.

Look who's holding on now, huh?

That's not it. I'm just—

I thought we'd be done by now.

I figure it'll take a week at the least.

Huh? But what about your work?

I've already sorted it out with my editor.

Are you taking that back?

Oh, yeah.

I don't have any red dishware at my place.

It's perfect.

We'll know it's yours at a glance.

I found something in the fridge.

I always liked these. Can we take them back?

Pickles, huh?

Our mom used to make those.

You mean Grandma?

Yeah.

No wonder.

Mom makes them all the time too.

Wait...

I just used the present tense.

For Mom, I mean.

Weird...

Have you learned about past participles yet?

Huh? Uh, er... I have.

Then how about the present progressive?

I'm not sure.

Let's say you're reading a book.

One you haven't finished yet.

You don't simply say "I am reading this book."

Your past self, your present self,

and your future self are all part of the action.

They all exist on the same plane.

"I have been reading this book." That's how you express this.

So right now...

"You have been thinking of them."

It's ongoing.

There's no need to force an end to that process.

You always talk about Mom in the past tense.

The past perfect.

Makio-chan...

Don't you hate when I talk about Mom?

Like I said before,

how you feel is no one's business but yours.

No one has the right to shame you for it.

No matter what.

As long as it doesn't go against the laws of humanity, I guess.

The laws of humanity?

These are vinegar-based, so they should still be good.

We can mince them up to top some sashimi or make scattered sushi.

Really? That sounds great!

Get some rest if you need it.

You wouldn't want to accidentally throw anything out you don't mean to.

Huh?

I'm okay.

I'll go sort through my room.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

One thing at a time, their existence fades.

It feels unreal...

how little I'm sad about it.

You sure you're okay by yourself?

Yup. I'm off!

What was that for?

Since it's your big day, I guess.

What do you want for dinner?

Pizza!

Maybe I should have gotten a better shot...

Graduation Ceremony

Are you coming to graduation tomorrow?

Shoot, I totally forgot. I almost threw away my uniform

Seriously? Lol

Thanks

Can we talk before the ceremony tomorrow?

I'll be waiting by the shoe lockers

Asa!

Emiri?

What's wrong?

Asa, I...

Takumi-san.

Come with me to the faculty office.

Okay.

Asa, I... I...

Nara-san, that can wait.

No, it can't! I have to tell her now!

I told my mom...

Then she called the teacher without asking.

They told everyone through the phone tree.

About your parents...

I'm sorry, Asa.

I'm so sorry.

We tried to call you several times.

Well, I haven't been home, so...

Are you staying with a relative for now?

What's their contact—

Is this necessary?

I just needed to get through graduation...

Did you have to tell everyone?

Well, if we hadn't, someone might have said something insensitive—

I never asked you to do that!

Takumi-san.

Calm down.

You're in the faculty office.

I just needed to graduate...

Ota-Sensei was only thinking of you—

That's all I had left!

Now everyone will only see me as the girl with dead parents!

I just wanted to graduate like a normal student!

Takumi-san!

Get back here. We're not done.

Put that back!

Don't take it out on others because you have it tough!

Asa...

I'm sorry...

This sucks.