The present hadn’t changed — but those two people had. Both Kohtake and Hirai returned to the present with a changed heart. Kei gently closed her eye… - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The present hadn’t changed — but those two people had. Both Kohtake and Hirai returned to the present with a changed heart.

Water flows from high places to low places. That is the nature of gravity. Emotions also seem to act according to gravity. When in the presence of someone with whom you have a bond, and to whom you have entrusted your feelings, it is hard to lie and get away with it. The truth just wants to come flowing out. This is especially the case when you are trying to hide your sadness or vulnerability. It is much easier to conceal sadness from a stranger, or from someone you don’t trust. Hirai saw Kei as a confidante with whom she could share anything. The emotional gravity was strong. Kei was able to accept anything — forgive anything — that Hirai let flow out. A single kind word from Kei could cut the cords of tension that ran through her.

If the world were to end tomorrow, which would you do?
1. Keep quiet about it because they wouldn't properly understand.
2. Tell the truth because you will feel guilty keeping quiet.

Dentro ciascuno di noi esiste la capacità di superare ogni genere di difficoltà. Ognuno possiede quell'energia. Ma a volte, quando questa energia sfugge attraverso la valvola dell'ansia, il flusso si restringe. Più grande è l'ansia, più forza serve per aprire la valvola che libera l'energia.
Questa forza è potenziata dalla speranza. Anzi, si potrebbe dire che la speranza è il potere di credere nel futuro.