The Imaginary (屋根裏のラジャー)

A bird not ever seen.

A flower not ever seen.

A breeze not ever seen.

A night not ever seen.

Have you ever seen anything so wonderful?

My name is Rudger.

I'm three months, three weeks and three days old.

- -

Whoa!

I was born here.

In a world imagined by Amanda.

- -

Huh? Whoa!

Whoa!

Amanda always imagines the most splendid worlds.

That's the hard-working giant...

...the chatty squirrel,

and the ocean whale.

Sometimes, she imagines really scary stuff too!

- -

Rudger!

- This is Amanda! -

Amanda imagined me, and that's how I was born.

- -

Amanda and I made a promise.

Whatever happens,

- never disappear... -

...protect each other,

and never cry.

- - What about you?

Do you have a secret friend like me

that no one can see?

Grown-ups, who used to be kids, call us...

"Imaginaries."

- -

Sometimes, I wish I lived in a place that was always sunny.

Julia, there might be a rainbow after the rain.

A promise rainbow.

A promise? What are you talking about?

They say if you see a rainbow after it's been raining,

it's there to remind you of an important promise.

Julia!

Ah! It's my mum. Hi, Mum!

- -

I think my parents prefer auroras better than rainbows.

My dad definitely does!

More ballet during summer break?

Oh, yes, and get this,

you know how my dad is always forgetting things, right?

Well, the other day, the first thing he said was...

"What's up today?

I know there's something important today.

Oh, of course, it's your ballet recital."

But no.

Amanda, it was my actual birthday!

Can you believe it?

Why do you think it is

that grown-ups forget all the really important stuff?

Julia! Time to go!

Anyway, see you!

See you, Julia!

Hurry. Hurry, your lesson begins soon.

- You don't want to be late. - Hey, wait! Wait for me!

Yes, dear, let's go.

I know. I was coming.

Hello!

- - Yes, I know.

John, sit over there.

Before you say anything, you're welcome!

Uh, thanks...

Huh? Hmm.

- Let's duel! -

There are wild things everywhere.

- - Really? Today?

Great!

- Yes, 5 p.m.! - Welcome home, Princess Amanda.

- Hello! - Yes. Definitely.

I'm looking forward to it.

Yes!

Goldie, they've approved my application.

They've asked me to come in for an interview.

Congrats!

Here's to a brand new chapter in your life.

I hope it goes well.

You know I've only ever worked here at the bookshop since I got married.

Don't worry.

Remember, you're the renowned owner of the Shuffleup Book Shop.

You'll be fine.

I hope so.

Well, that's it then.

Lizzie,

sure it's been difficult for you doing this all on your own,

but I know you've got this.

- Thank you, Goldie. -

Actually, I'm wondering...

can I ask you a favor?

Watch Amanda? Of course, just leave it to me.

- Oh! You're the best. -

- Oh? Oh... -

Amanda, am I allowed to talk yet?

Sure.

Testing, testing, one-two-three.

Houston, can you hear me?

Why can't we talk to each other at school anyway?

Rudger, I only took you to school because you insisted.

I'm the only one who can see you.

Wouldn't everyone be surprised

if I started talking to someone they can't see?

I would make the best entrance ever if people could see me.

"Hey, yo, everyone, my name is Rudger!"

What? Does this mean our date is off?

Lizzie is in a real pinch.

You know that she's all on her own raising Amanda.

Rudger, I came up with a superb adventure.

Is it the one with the meteorites falling from the sky?

Nope.

Tell me it's not the one with the attacking old Leeks Lady.

That one was missing something.

It really was,

and I didn't enjoy being in the pot with the sausages.

- It was far too hot in there. -

You understand, don't you? Even if it's only your imagination...

I get it. You don't want to be the broth.

- Fine. I understand. -

- -

Wow! Today's looking good!

Rudger, it's time for the sacred attic vow!

Never disappear, protect each other,

and never cry!

Let's go, Rudger!

Let's go, Bessie!

- -

Wait! Hold on, stop!

What's up with the name "Bessie"?

It's a cow, isn't it?

Huh? She's a musk-ox.

You have no imagination.

I'm just kidding! I didn't mean it!

Okay, so then what would Princess Amanda name her?

Giddy-up, Green Lager!

Green Lager? Isn't that Mum's beer?

Hiyah!

Amanda?

Gosh...

Hey, Amanda.

Would you please imagine me walking through walls and doors?

Like a ghost? Absolutely not.

But the other day,

you closed the door when you left

and I was trapped in the wardrobe for two hours!

So what?

Rudger, think of it as your own room.

And you're free once I'm home.

It's great when you're around, Amanda,

but sometimes, I want to play with other kids too.

Well, they can't see me, so I can't actually play with them...

Still, it is fun watching them play.

- Ow! -

- - Oh! That's cold.

- - Rudger! Look at that!

It's...

A Christmas tree!

- -