[¶ Olivia Newton-John: Take Me Home, Country Roads]
Shizuku - Honna Yoko Seiji - Takahashi Issei
Shizuku's Father- Tachibana Takashi
Shizuku's Mother- Muroi Shigeru
Baron - Tsuyuguchi Shigeru
'World Emporium'Proprietor- Kobayashi Keiju
[bell dinging]
[People chattering]
[Chattering]
- Hey. - Hey.
- Good evening. - Oh, hi, Shizuku.
I'm back.
Oh, hi, honey.
You got a plastic bag for just one carton of milk?
What? They just give it to you.
[Mom] You could say you don't need it.
Oh, pour me some of that too.
Dad, I got ice tea. Do you want some?
Ah, sounds good.
I'll have it at the table.
- Thanks. Done with the computer? - I'm printing out now.
Maybe we should buy another laptop.
[Groaning] Smells like cigarettes in here.
Shizuku, you should have gone to Kashiwazaki too.
No, I didn't want to. Shiho wears me out.
Oh, by the way, I have to work tomorrow.
- Do you want me to fix you a lunch? - That's OK. I'll eat out.
The library's computerizing everything. Everybody's going crazy at work.
I don't think they should, Dad. Card catalogs are much better.
Yeah. I like 'em better too.
[Mom] I think you've got a problem with your report.
- What's the problem? - Isn't there a line missing here?
[Dad] You're right. Darn.
I'll have to print the entire thing over.
[Mom] Can't I use the printer first? My professor will kill me
if I don't have his paper turned in tomorrow.
[Shizuku] Seiji Amasawa.
Here he is again.
Shizuku, time to put the books away and go to bed.
OK, Dad. Good night.
Yep. I knew I had seen that name before.
[Gasping] Here it is again.
And again.
Seiji Amasawa.
Seiji Amasawa. That's amazing.
This guy checked out all these books before I did.
Seiji Amasawa, huh?
What kind of person are you?
I wonder if we're anything alike.
[People chattering]
[Mom] Shizuku!
For heaven sakes, get up!
- I'm leaving. - [Groaning]
Hey, did you sleep in your clothes again?
You're so scatterbrained.
Have a good day.
Aah! Is it that late? I'm supposed to meet Yuko.
- [Door opening] - Ugh! My wallet!
Did you get all the way down the stairs again, Mom?
Yes!
Where is it?
Is it by the telephone?
- [Mom] Found it! - You always leave it there.
[Groaning] I'm gonna be late!
- Don't forget to lock up! - Who's scatterbrained?
[Gasping]
Wow! I've never seen a blimp so close.
Today's gonna be great.
[People chattering]
[Sighing] Hot day.
- [Barking] - Hi, yappy.
Can't you bark any louder than that?
Shizuku! Shizuku! Hey, there.
Hey, Michiko. Good luck on your match today.
Hi, Miss Kosaka. Can I come in?
Oh, hi, Shizuku. What are you doing here?
I need you to do me a favor.
What? It's not something weird, is it?
- Can you open the library, please? - The library?
Can't you wait until school starts?
No. That's the point.
I decided I was gonna read 20 books over summer vacation,
and the city library doesn't have the book I want.
It'll just be a second.
Twenty books? What about your high school entrance exams?
Can't you even pretend to be studying for them?
Uh, here it is.
Hurry up and bring it here.
Come on, give me your library card and the checkout card from the book.
Here you go.
Hey, look at this.
No one's ever checked this book out before.
No one? What do you know.
I finally beat Seiji Amasawa.
[Gasps]
Donated by... Amasawa?
No way! Do you have any idea who this Amasawa person is?
Oh, now look, you made me make a mistake.
Well, that guy's probably the book's donor.
I don't know anyone from that long ago.
- Ask one of the older teachers. - [Girl] Shizuku!
[Groaning] I should have known you were going to do this.
You said to meet outside the school, not inside.
I waited in the sun for 15 minutes. Do you know how many freckles I have now?
- I'm sorry. - Calm down, Yuko.
You take your freckles way too seriously.
No, I don't! It's a major problem for me.
Aren't either of you concerned about your exams?
Now get out and go study.
I got it!
Here! [grunting] This way.
[Boy] Kick it harder than that.
I wrote some lyrics for our graduation ceremony,
but I'm pretty sure that they stink.
¶ Looking over sprawling city
¶ How I do yearn for
¶ Hills and clouds so pretty
¶ Peaceful bedroom
¶ Window with a view
[both] ¶ Old dog that waits there
¶ Where my dreams come true
¶ Country roads
¶ I think I'll go
¶ Down this path on my own
¶ West Virginia
¶ Mountain mama
¶ Please take me home
¶ Down country roads ¶
- Hey, it's not bad. - Yes, it is.
It's boring.
- [Boy] Keep up! Come on! - I don't think so.
So I wrote another one.
¶ Concrete roads
- ¶ Everywhere I go - [chuckling]
¶ Covering
¶ West Tokyo
¶ Chopped down forests
¶ Buried our valleys
[both] ¶ My hometown's
- ¶ Down concrete road ¶ - [laughing]
Let's sing that! [laughing]
Hey, so, why did you want to talk?
Is there something bothering you?
Mmm. Do you think about boys?
No.
We're all studying for exams and we could help each other.
It would be nice to be with someone who felt the same way about you.
Yuko, you have a crush on someone.
[Whispering]
- You got a love letter?! - Ahh! Shh! Not so loud.
So, what's he like? Is he good-looking?
He's from another class.
- Uh, he's sort of good-looking. - Why not try dating him?
If you don't like him you can stop.
Yeah, but...
You've got a crush on someone else, don't you?
[Sighing]
Don't even try to hide it. You know I'll get it out of you.
It's, uh, Su... Su...
[boy] Shizuku!
Can you throw me my bag?
- [Gasping] - Sugimura.
[Sugimura] It's that blue one, on the bench over there.
Come on! Hurry it up!
I got to get back to the game.
Calm down, bench warmer. You never play anyway.
Hey, I play all the time,
and our team's going to the playoffs, I'll have you know.
Yuko?
Are you OK?
[Shizuku] So I guess Sugimura is the guy you like.
[Sighing] How embarrassing. I ran off like a little girl.
- He must know now. - No way, Yuko. He's way too dense.
But what about the guy who wrote you the love letter?
- I think you should go for him. - [Car passing]
Hmm, I don't know. I want to think it over.
All right.
[Yuko] You're lucky, Shizuku.
Your parents don't bug you to study all the time.
- [Shizuku] Sometimes I wish they did. - [Yuko] Hmm, yeah.
- Oh, no! - What's the matter?
I lost my book. I must have dropped it.
- You want to ride my bike? - No!
[Yuko] You'll be late for cram school.
- Call me later, OK? - [Shizuku] I will!
[Gasping]
[Sighing]
[Gasping] You've got my book.
Oh. This is yours, is it?
Here you go, Shizuku Tsukishima.
What? How do you know my name?
Gee, take a wild guess.
Oh, the checkout card.
By the way, great lyrics.
They're even cornier than the original version.
[Gasping] You read this?!
Stupid jerk, stupid jerk, stupid jerk.
Stupid jerk, stupid jerk, stupid jerk!
Stupid jerk!
"It's even cornier than the original version."
Stupid jerk!
[Girls giggling, arguing]
[Sniffling]
Hey, I'm home!
- [Sighing] - Oh, hey, sis. You're back early.
Ahh, I'm beat.
I grabbed a ride with someone who's going back to Tokyo.
- [Bag hits mattress] - Where's Mom?
She's at an intensive summer course. Dad's still at work.
You need to clean up this room, Shizuku,
and you should have started dinner by now.
- I was just getting to it. - Ugh! This kitchen is a disaster!
Have you cleaned anything since I left?
Relax, I'll do it now.
[Water running]
You need to stay on top of this while Mom's got classes, Shizuku.
After you wash the rice finish up the laundry.
I'll help you make dinner after I take a shower.
Auntie said you should come visit her after you finish your exams.
[Shizuku] Hmm.
- Are you studying? - Uh-huh.
You're gonna have big problems if you slack off
just because Dad and Mom don't bug you about it.
I'm studying, OK?
[Laughing]
You know, she tried to get me to bring home some of her soy sauce.
- That's your aunt, all right. - [Laughing]
[Mom] Didn't the same thing happen last year?
[Shiho] She made me take home some miso. Really heavy.
[Dad] Too bad Shizuku couldn't go with you.
[Grunting]
[Turning off vacuum]
Shizuku, come on, get up.
Vacuum your side of the room.
Then strip the bed, 'cause I'm washing the sheets.
[Shiho] I'm doing the futons too.
- [Moaning] Hey, where's Mom? - [Shiho] She left hours ago.
Clear the table when you're done then take Dad's lunch to him at the library.
- Hey! - What do you mean "hey"?
You're going to the library already.
[Shiho] Or do you want me to go instead?
Then you can clean the toilet, the bathroom and the entryway.
Then you can go to the grocery store, fold the laundry,
make the beds and cook dinner. How does that sound?
See you later! Phew!
[Shiho] Shizuku!
Put this in the mailbox for me.
What is it?
Uh, it's mail, stupid.
[Grunting]
[Shiho] You don't need to read it.
Can't you just put it in the mailbox?
- It's a love letter, isn't it? - Shut up!
[People chattering]
[Boy 1] I don't know how I'm gonna pass this.
[Boy 2] You gotta read some books.
[Train brakes hissing]
[Conductor whistle blowing]
[Man over PA] Next stop Suginomiya Station.
Suginomiya Station.
Hey there, cat. You all alone?
So, where are you headed?
See something interesting?
Oh, the silent treatment.
This is my stop. How about you?
So long, snotty.
[Gasping]
[Conductor whistle blowing]
Hey!
He's headed towards the library.
[Engines revving]
[Woman] I'll call you later, all right?
[Sighing] I finally thought I was gonna get a little adventure around here.
Hey!
[Doorknob rattling]
[Gasping]
Oh!
[Sighing]
What a steep climb.
How far does this thing go?
[Sighing]
Here, kitty.
He must live around here somewhere.
[Dog barking]
Hey!
- [Horn beeping] - [Gasping]
Where are you going, you crazy cat?
Do you live around here?
[Panting]
What a gorgeous neighborhood.
I never knew there was a place like this up here.
[Dog barking]
- [Fence rattling] - [Barking]
[Gasping]
[Barking]
No way.
He came all this way just to tease that dog?
Hmm. I wonder if that cat isn't messing with me too.
An antique shop?
He's going shopping now?
Incredible. I had no idea there were stores like this around here.
What a fantastic statue.
You're not the cat I was following, are you?
[Gasping]
[Thump]
- Oh, hello there. - I'm sorry.
No, please, it's good to have visitors.
Look around as much as you like.
The Baron is bored too.
The Baron? Is that the name of the statue over here?
Yeah. Baron Humbert von Joekkingen.
Good name, don't you think?
[Creaking]
- [Creaking] - [Man] Oh, thanks.
Don't worry, though. I do this all the time.
Great clock.
It was found in an abandoned castle all covered with rust.
Look at this.
[Gasping] Beautiful.
So, what does it do?
[Chuckling]
It might not do anything.
- I just finished restoring this. - [Cranking]
I haven't tried it out yet.
[Clock ticking]
- [Calliope music playing] - [Ticking]
[Gasping]
[Cranking]
[Tapping]
Dwarves in a jewel mine, just like a fairy tale.
You like fairy tales.
This clock has a terribly romantic fairy tale that goes with it.
Watch what happens on the clock face...
At least I hope something happens.
[Whirring]
[Chiming]
What is that?
Stand up here on the ladder, then you can see better.
OK.
[Gasping]
Oh, it's a fairy.
[Man] She is now, but soon she'll turn back into a sheep.
The two of them are in love, aren't they?
Mm-hmm. But they are always apart.
He's king of the dwarves and lives underground
while she's cursed to live as a sheep.
Only while the clock strikes 12:00 is she a fairy.
So the king appears at that moment
just to catch a glimpse of the girl he fell in love with.
What do you bet that the artisan who made this clock
was separated from the love of his life?
[Shizuku] That must be why their sadness feels so real.
- [Ticking] - [Gasping]
That clock isn't on time, is it?
No. It's about five minutes too slow.
- Oh, no! - Whoa!
I've got to get to the library!
I'm sorry, do you mind if I come again later?
Sure. But it's better to go left to get to the library.
[Shizuku squealing]
Oh, good! I'm right above the library.
[Panting]
What a great place that was.
It was like straight out of a fairy tale.
- That was amazing! - [Beeping]
[Boy] Shizuku Tsukishima!
[Brakes squealing]
Hey, this is yours, isn't it?
Huh? Aah!
Uh...
You're kind of forgetful, aren't you?
Uh, thanks, but how did you get this?
Take a wild guess.
That man, do you know him?
Is he your grandpa?
You must eat like a pig. That lunch is enormous.
Huh?
[Gasping] Hey you!
¶ Concrete roads Everywhere I go ¶
It's my dad's, you jerk!
Hey, thanks. You brought my lunch.
What's wrong? Why the sour face?
- It's hard to explain. - And?
I was having an extraordinary day, like I was living in a fairy tale,
then some jerk talked to me for two seconds and ruined everything.
[Chuckling] Sounds complicated.
Are you going to check out some books today?
Yeah. I just have seven more to go.
You never stop reading. You want to take some time out for lunch?
- I'll eat later. - OK, then. See you later.
[Man coughing]
[Shizuku] Seiji Amasawa.
Wow. Is there any book here this guy hasn't checked out?
I wonder what kind of person he is.
- No way! Not that jerk! - [Murmuring]
- [Woman] Shh!
[Leaves rustling]
- Aah! - [Wind gusting]
[Thunder rumbling]
[Mom] Shizuku, hurry up!
Oh! We're going to be late!
Hurry, get the umbrellas.
The first day of the semester and it has to rain.
- [Girls laughing] - [Shizuku] Stop complaining.
You're going to school because you want to.
- Yes, ma'am. - Study hard.
You can count on me.
- Shizuku! - Hey, Yuko!
Hurry up! I don't want to be late for our first day.
I can't believe how many tests we have to take.
It's one thing or another every day.
- So, did you answer the letter? - Mm-mmm.
Have you made up your mind yet?
Yeah. I decided I don't want to go out with him.
OK. Yeah, maybe that's best.
- Sugimura! - [Gasping]
You're gonna be late!
Calm down, we know!
- OK, everybody, pencils down. - [Students groaning]
[Bell chiming]
- Regular classes this afternoon. - Hey, Jun, Daizo.
Let's eat fast so we can get outside.
Let's eat lunch in Miss Kosaka's office, OK?
Can we stop by the teachers' lounge first?
- I guess so. - Hey, Shizuku, check it out!
- What? - I totally aced that test.
Well, good for you.
Everything I studied was on the test and I barely studied.
So you're not just a bench warmer after all.
Yuko's good at guessing what's on tests.
- You should study with her sometime. - Study with her?
- Sugimura, Sugimura! - What's up?
- [Boy] Did you see this? - Let's go, Shizuku.
I can't believe you said that, Shizuku.
What's the problem?
I've never been good at guessing what's on tests.
[Chuckling] Sorry.
Excuse us.
You want to know who donated a book?
I don't think I'd remember something like that.
I hate to interrupt you while you're eating.
- Look at this stamp here. - Hmm? Well...
Let's see.
Oh, Dr. Amasawa, sure. I've read this book too. It's quite a good one.
Yes, it's great.
So, is there anything that you can tell me about Dr. Amasawa?
Let me see if I can remember.
I think he was chairman of the PTA.
The PTA, huh?
Would you happen to remember Dr. Amasawa's first name?
First name? Let's see.
Mr. Kimura, do you happen to remember Dr. Amasawa's first name?
Dr. Amasawa. I'm pretty sure it's Koichi. Koichi Amasawa.
Koichi Amasawa.
Shizuku, Dr. Amasawa's son goes to school here.
There's a chance you could have met him. He's in your grade.
Huh? Uh... I...
I gotta go. Thank you very much!
Uh, excuse us.
Oh! Excuse me.
[Sighing]
[Yuko] Shizuku! What's wrong with you?
[Panting] It can't be him.
What in the world are you talking about?
You are acting like a total weirdo.
I'm sorry. [sighing]
Shizuku, now what are you doing?
What a complete jerk! Do you know what that guy's name is?
No. He's not in our class. What's the big deal?
That jerk better not be Dr. Amasawa's son.
[Laughing]
[Girl] Shizuku chasing down boys? I don't believe it.
[Yuko] I had to run after her carrying her lunchbox.
So Shizuku has a crush on someone, eh?
Miss Kosaka, can you believe she's finally interested
in something other than a book?
- I'm not interested. He's a jerk! - What if he checked out those books?
- He's your perfect match. - Like a fairy tale.
If it's him, it's a horror story.
So, tell us, what's the name of this guy who checked out all the books, Yuko?
- Yuko. - I can't remember exactly.
There was a "ma" in it, or maybe it was a "wa."
Ama... Just say it, Shizuku!
- No way. - Shizuku is such a great storyteller,
but now that the story is about her, she won't say a word.
You can't hide the fact you're in love, Shizuku.
The look on your face shows your heart suffers with every beat.
[Mouth full] How romantic. You are in love.
Go ahead, make fun of me if you want to.
Too bad. I was gonna show you my lyrics for Country Roads.
- You're finished? - Let me see! Let me see!
Great Shizuku, master of writing, we shall make fun of you no more.
- Please grace us with your words. - That's better.
I don't know if it's any good, though.
And it might not be appropriate for graduation.
I just tried to write something from the heart.
This is so good, Shizuku.
¶ Country roads
[girls] ¶ I think I'll go
¶ Down this path on my own
¶ My inspiration
¶ The road less taken
¶ But this is my
¶ Country road ¶
It's great, Shizuku. I love it!
The lyrics aren't too corny?
No. They're wonderful.
You really have a gift for writing.
Reading all those books actually did her some good.
- You sure they're OK? - They're from the heart.
Yeah. I really like this part:
"I dreamed of living alone but fearless.
- [Bell chiming] - Secret longing to be courageous.
Loneliness kept bottled up inside..."
- Ladies, that's the bell. - [Girls] Yes, ma'am.
Ahh! I love being a writer!
[Yuko] Shizuku!
Do you want to come with us to the glee club?
- We're gonna show them your lyrics. - No, thanks.
I want to check out some books from the library.
We've got a test tomorrow, you know.
- I'll study when I get home. - [Yuko] Yeah, right.
- See you later. - See ya!
[Girls chattering in hallway]
Hey, Yuko.
Uh, sorry to bother you but, uh, can we talk?
Mm-hmm.
I was afraid it would be closed.
I hope that old man's doing all right.
[Groaning] The Baron's gone.
Someone must have bought him.
"Mr. Nishi's Antique Shop."
Oh, thank goodness.
That jerk's name isn't Amasawa. It's Nishi.
- [Bicycle brakes squealing] - [Gasping]
[Sighing]
- [music playing] - [Shiho] Shizuku!
Shizuku, Yuko's on the phone.
Hey!
Phone call. Can't you hear anything?
I keep telling you you're gonna ruin your hearing.
Hello? What?
I can't really hear you.
Mm-hmm. Don't worry about it, Yuko.
Mm-hmm. I'll be right there.
- Where are you going? - Just down the street.
[Door rattling]
- Yuko, what happened? - [Sobbing] Shizuku.
What is it? Why... Why are you crying?
I talked to Sugimura,
and he's friends with the guy who wrote me that letter,
so he tried to convince me to go out with his friend. [crying]
What? [groaning]
Go out with your friend? How could you say that to me?!
- [Crying] - What?
That jerk. I can't believe he's that stupid.
But I don't think he did it to hurt you.
He's just a dope. He has no idea that you like him.
[Sighing] I better apologize to him, I guess.
But there's no way I can go to school with my face looking like this.
I'm going to have to stay home tomorrow.
- We've got tests, you know. - Mm-hmm.
OK.
[Whispering] Idiot.
What did I do?
That was pretty easy, huh?
- Headed to the library again? - No. I'm gonna go check on Yuko.
Oh, tell her I hope she feels better.
- I will. See ya. - Bye-bye.
[Sugimura] Shizuku!
Wait up!
Whoa!
I need to talk to you about Yuko.
And then all of a sudden she starts crying her head off.
So, what did I say that was so terrible, huh?
Just think about it.
Remember when Yuko said, "Date your friend?
- How could you say that to me?" - Mm-hmm.
All I said was he's a good guy. She should give him a chance.
Get a clue!
What Yuko was saying was that she didn't want to hear that from you.
- You know what that means, don't you? - I don't speak girl code!
Why don't you spell it out for me?
[Grunting] I can't believe you're this dense!
What it means is Yuko has a crush on you.
What? Are you sure? I didn't pick up on that.
Are you blind? She stayed home from school, you know.
She even missed a test on account of you.
But, it's that... You're the one I'm in love with!
[Gasping] What?
Come on, quit joking around, will you?
I'm not joking. I've been in love with you for years. Haven't you noticed?
But you can't fall for me. That just doesn't happen.
Don't you like me at all? Or is there someone else you love?
I'm not in love with anybody,
but Yuko, she'll... I gotta go!
Wait a minute! Forget Yuko!
Do you like me?
Of course I like you. We've been friends for years.
But Yuko and I are best friends, so that's the way it's gonna stay, OK?
You understand? Or do I have to spell it out some more?
No. I understand.
We'll just be friends.
[Sugimura] I'm sorry. I'll never mention it again.
[Bird singing]
[Barking]
[Bag hits floor]
[Sighing]
[Crying] You idiot!
You're the one who's dense.
[Door opening]
[Woman] Oh, Mrs. Tsukishima, I've got a package for you.
The mailman left it with me.
[Mom] Oh, thanks. Sorry to trouble you.
[Door closing]
[Woman] Thanks so much for these.
No problem. There's way too much for us to eat.
Oh, you're home.
Shizuku.
Hi, cat.
Did you get locked out of your house?
So, what happened? Did everyone forget about you?
Would you like some company?
You're not very nice, are you, cat?
Neither am I.
I used to be nice and friendly and a grade-A student.
Now I just goof around reading books and writing stupid lyrics.
I don't know what's wrong.
Even reading books isn't as much fun as it used to be.
Now when I read a little voice inside me says,
"Things never turn out like they do in fairy tales."
I miss the old me.
[Panting]
[Footsteps]
Shizuku Tsukishima.
Hi.
I'm surprised Moon lets you pet him.
You don't like anyone, do you, Moon?
So Moon is his name?
He looks like a full moon, doesn't he? Especially from that angle.
But I've heard him called a few other names too.
[Barking]
What do you mean? Doesn't he belong to you?
Nope. He doesn't belong to anybody.
He just wanders around our neighborhood and lives in different houses.
I've heard our neighbors call him Muta.
Hmm. So he's a vagabond.
That's right! I saw him riding around on the train the other day.
- The train? - Yeah.
He was taking a trip all by himself,
he got off at my stop and I followed him here.
I was so excited when he led me to this store.
It was like something straight out of a fairy tale.
I guess I shouldn't have said those bad things about him.
I said he was mean like me.
What? Moon's not like you. He's not like you at all.
I... I mean, the cat's really kind of crazy.
[Sighing]
- So, I... - Is your?
Is your grandfather OK?
His shop has been closed for so long. I hope he's not sick.
Yeah, he's fine. He just likes to keep weird hours.
His store is closed more often than it's open.
I peeked in the window and saw the Baron is not sitting on the table anymore.
- Did somebody buy him? - You mean that cat statue?
Wanna see him? Come on.
[Door creaking]
Can you close the door?
[Gasping]
This way.
Wow. It's almost like we're in the sky.
You're not afraid of heights, are you, Shizuku?
No. I love it up here. It's inspiring.
From the balcony this time of day is the prettiest. Come on.
Here we are.
- You can sit if you like. - Hey, the clock is gone.
Oh, the big grandfather clock. We delivered it today.
Here, have a look.
So who bought the clock?
No one. It was just here for a repair job.
I see. Too bad. It was beautiful.
It took Grandpa three years to fix it.
He finished it the day you left your lunch here.
Hey, about that lunch...
I know it wasn't yours and you don't eat like a pig.
Come over here and have a look into the Baron's eyes.
Hurry up. The sun's starting to set.
Wow.
Pretty cool, huh? It's actually an accident.
Sometimes the eyes get flawed when they're installed,
- then they refract the light like that. - That's amazing.
Grandpa will never sell the Baron. He wants to find its partner.
There's another one?
Yeah. He says that her name is Louise, but that's about it.
Look as long as you like. I'm going downstairs.
The light switch is over there if you need it.
So, Baron, let's hear about this Louise.
Is she an old girlfriend of yours or something?
You look like you're all dressed up for a wedding.
Did she leave you at the altar? Did someone kidnap her?
There's a sad story there. I'll have to figure it out for myself.
[Scraping]
Hey. Had enough?
Mm-hmm. Thank you.
So, is that a real violin you're making?
Oh. Yeah.
- Can I see? - Sure.
It's nearly finished.
Wow!
You carved the entire thing yourself, by hand?
- How else would you do it? - That is amazing.
They've been making violins the exact same way for 300 years,
but whether or not they sound any good
is totally dependent on the craftsman's skill.
Did you make all those violins?
[Seiji] No, of course not.
We hold violin-making classes here.
But one of them's yours, isn't it?
- Yeah. - So which one is it?
- The end. - Wow.
That's really fantastic.
I can't believe you can make something like this.
It's like magic, isn't it?
You're so weird.
I can't believe some of the stuff that comes out of your mouth.
It is magic. You made a violin pop out of a piece of wood.
Anyone can make a violin of that caliber.
I'm not close to being good enough.
So, can you play the violin?
Sort of.
Would you play something for me, just a little bit?
Give me a break.
Come on, come on. Won't you, please?
All right, but you're gonna have to sing along.
What?
You don't want me to sing. I'm terrible.
I've got just the song for you.
Are you ready? I'm pretty sure you know this one.
[¶ Take Me Home, Country Roads]
[Tapping foot in rhythm]
¶ I dreamed of living
¶ Alone but fearless
¶ Secret longing
¶ To be courageous
¶ Loneliness kept
¶ Bottled up inside
¶ Just reveal your brave face
¶ They'll never know you lied
¶ Country road
¶ May lead me home
¶ Know I belong there
¶ All on my own
- ¶ Destiny calls - Shh!
¶ Motionless, I stall
¶ Know I can't go
¶ Country road
¶ No matter how dark the world's inside me
[tambourine rattling]
¶ I'll never stop to show a tear that I've shed
- [accompanying instruments playing] - ¶ But now I have to walk so fast
¶ Running sprinting to forget
¶ What is lodged in my head
¶ Country road
¶ May lead me home
¶ Know I belong there
¶ All on my own
¶ Destiny calls
¶ Motionless, I stall
¶ Know I can't go
¶ Country road
[all] ¶ Country road
[men] ¶ La la la la
¶ You're a good friend I'll never know
¶ Same tomorrow
¶ Regret and sorrow
¶ Can't take you home
[playing a fill]
¶ Country road ¶
- [laughing] - [Clapping]
That was wonderful, you two.
I'm Shizuku, by the way. Thanks for the great accompaniment.
You're welcome, Shizuku.
I was hoping we would meet up again.
These are my good friends, Kita and Minami.
Nice vocals.
You're the lucky girl who got to see the grandfather clock strike 12:00.
I never knew you had such a pretty friend, Seiji.
What? Seiji?
Is your name Seiji Amasawa?
Yeah. Of course.
- Wait, didn't I tell you my name? - No, you didn't.
I thought it was Nishi. That's what's on the sign.
That's my grandfather's last name. Mine is Amasawa.
[Groaning] This is my worst nightmare. I should have known better.
- I never get the fairy tale ending. - What are you babbling about?
What difference does it make what my name is?
It makes a difference! You knew my name but you never told me yours.
[Seiji] You could've asked me my name.
[Shizuku] I never had a chance! This is so unfair!
- I was so sure Seiji Amasawa was... - I was what?
A nice, intelligent, civilized person.
Oh, really? You read too many fairy tales.
[Shizuku] Clearly you've read a lot of them yourself.
[Laughing]
[Bicycle spokes clicking]
Your grandpa and his friends are really nice. I had a great time.
You'll have to come back. Grandpa and his friends would like that.
Next time I'm keeping my mouth shut. No yelling or singing.
I could listen to you play violin for hours.
- Have you ever thought of performing? - My violin playing's nothing special.
My ultimate goal is to be a world-class violin maker.
That's great. You're already so good at it.
No, if you really want to be good
you have to be trained in Cremona, Italy.
I want to go there when I graduate from junior high.
You're not going to high school?
My parents think I am,
but my grandpa is trying to convince them otherwise.
I guess we'll have to see. Cross your fingers.
That's great that you know what you want to do with your life.
I don't have a clue what I want to do with mine.
I just waste time writing corny lyrics.
I know what I want to do, but I don't know if I'll get to do it.
I fight with my parents about it everyday.
Even if I get to go, it doesn't mean that I'll be any good at it.
I'll just have to do my best and find out.
You sure you don't want a ride home?
Yeah. It's just around the corner.
See ya.
Uh, Shizuku...
[gasping] Yeah?
I just wanted to say that I actually liked your lyrics.
You're a very talented writer. Keep pursuing it. It's not a waste of time.
Just the other day you told me my lyrics were corny.
- Oh, did I really say that? - Seiji!
I'm sorry.
Ha! You're forgetful too. See you later.
[Footsteps approaching]
Shizuku, turn off your lamp. You left it on all night last night.
[Creaking]
When did you know what to do with your life?
- [Shiho] What are you talking about? - You know!
Don't worry about it. You'll take your exams
and whatever high school you get into will pretty much decide things.
- [Shizuku] Don't we get a choice? - You do if you study hard.
- [Sighing] - Now go to sleep.
Good night.
- [Rain pattering] - [Panting]
I can't believe Mom didn't wake me up. She's getting more forgetful than I am.
[Panting]
- Uh, hello? - Oh, hello.
Can't you run any faster?
You don't have to wait for me.
[Shizuku panting]
[Bell chiming]
[Students talking, giggling]
[Sighing] Just made it.
Shizuku, what happened?
Ah, you look like a wreck.
Well, you seem fine. You sure do recover fast.
Is it true that you were out with a boy from another class last night?
- Where did you hear that? - It's a rumor.
They say it looked like the two of you are going steady.
- It's nothing like that, Yuko. - I'm not worried about it.
[Boy] It's what the book says.
Yuko, about my friend's letter,
I'll tell my friend you're not interested. I'm sorry.
No, I'm the one who should apologize.
It's OK.
Hey, did you see Sasuke last night? I was blown away. It was the best ever!
[Bell chiming]
This formula's gonna be on tomorrow's test, class,
- so make sure you know it. - [Groaning]
[Teacher] Class dismissed.
- [Laughing] - You forgot your books.
[Boy] I'm a little nervous to ask her out. I mean, should I?
[Girl] I didn't even get to see it.
No way! [laughing]
[Laughing]
Excuse me, is this Shizuku's classroom?
Hey, Amasawa, what's up?
I'm looking for Shizuku. Is she in here?
Shizuku? Yeah, she's here.
Hey Shizuku, you got a visitor. It's a guy!
[Talking stops]
- Seiji, she's right over there. - [Chuckling]
[Gasping] Hi, Seiji.
Shizuku, can we talk for a minute?
Uh, sure.
[Boy] Check it out! Shizuku's got a boyfriend!
[Cheering]
¶ Shizuku's got a boyfriend ¶
No, I don't. Hey, he's not my boyfriend!
- [Laughing] - [Girl] Aww, come on.
Boyfri... [grunting]
All right, what is it?
I get to go to Cremona, Italy. I just found out.
What? Come on, let's go.
[Laughing, cheering]
- Where are we going? - To the roof.
[Groaning]
Oh, excellent.
Seiji, why did you broadcast to the class that you wanted to talk to me?
I'm sorry. I was excited and I wanted you to be the first to know.
But now people might get the idea that you like me.
Don't worry about it.
Hey, so even though my parents gave in there's a catch.
Oh. What's the catch?
Well, when I'm in Italy
I have to try out with this friend of my grandpa's who owns the workshop.
Try out?
Yeah, my parents said I get two months to prove myself.
If my grandpa's friend doesn't think I have potential,
then I have to come back here and go to high school.
I've heard this guy is really tough on his apprentices,
so it doesn't seem fair that my parents are only giving me one shot.
But it's a great opportunity, so I'm going.
- When? Do you leave soon? - As soon as I get my passport.
My dad said he was going to notify the school today.
Wow, that fast, huh?
I'm happy for you. Your dream's coming true.
I hope so. I'm going to give it everything I've got.
- Would you? - Oh...
Hey, it stopped raining. Look.
Yeah, you're right.
Wow! Look at that view.
Maybe we'll see a rainbow.
Yeah.
I wonder what Cremona, Italy will be like.
I hope it turns out to be a nice place.
Mm-hmm. The city's really old,
and everybody there thinks violin making is respectable.
That's great.
It's so brave of you to go after your dream like that.
I just waste my time reading books,
and all I've been dreaming about was we would go to the same high school.
[Chuckling] OK, that was embarrassing. I shouldn't have said that.
- Shh! Stay down. - [Giggling]
- Do you think they'll kiss? - [Boy] Hurry up.
You know, I noticed you a long time ago.
I first spotted you reading in the library.
I walked past you hundreds of times, but you never noticed me, right?
I even sat down in the chair right next to you a couple times.
Yeah?
Then I started checking out all sorts of books
just so I can get my name on the cards before you.
- Guess that got your attention. - [Gasping]
But now... I have to take off to Italy.
That's some pretty lousy timing, don't you think?
Yeah, that's pretty bad.
[Boy] Hey, quit pushin'! I can't see!
- [Grunting] - [Gasping]
[Laughing]
You jerks!
[Boy] Get out of the way! Shizuku is really mad!
[Grunting]
- [Sniffling] - [Gasping]
Hey!
[Sighing]
- Here, Dad. - Thank you.
- I'm going to Yuko's. - Shizuku, is that all you're having?
I'm not hungry.
Pick up some milk on your way home, OK?
[Shizuku] I don't feel like it.
- Hey, you're the one who drank it all. - [Door closing]
She's really been slacking off these last few days.
[Train bell ringing]
[Man] Taxi!
[Woman] Sorry, I can't go.
- Thanks for meeting me, Yuko. - No problem.
I've never been so confused in my life.
[Yuko] Mom, Shizuku's here.
- [Woman] Shizuku, how nice to see you. - [Shizuku] Hi, Mrs. Harada.
- [TVplays] - Hello, girls.
- Hi, Mr. Harada. - Hi, Shizuku.
Would you two like some tea and cookies?
[Yuko] Yeah. Thanks, Mom.
I'm having a fight with my father. I'm not talking to him.
Boys really have guts, don't they?
He'll be gone for two months.
He's returning for our graduation ceremony,
then he's going back again to study for about ten years.
You'll practically never see him again.
But you're so lucky.
The two of you sound like the perfect match, like soulmates.
He's so much better than me. We read the same books
but I never do anything with what I learn.
He decided long ago what he wanted to do.
- He's going straight for his dream. - I guess so.
You know what? Kinuyo was in the same first year class as Seiji.
She said he was a little hard to approach but a good student
and really handsome too.
You don't need to rub it in.
I already feel like I'm not good enough.
This whole thing is doomed.
No, it's not. All that matters is he likes you.
- Didn't he say that? - Yeah.
But I'm not sure I believe it.
[Sighing] I don't get you.
It's so cool. You could be writing letters
and encouraging each other every single day.
How could I ever encourage him?
He's worked so much harder than I ever have.
You are weird.
Just because you haven't decided
what you're going to do after you graduate from junior high school
doesn't mean that you're not good enough for him.
[Sighing]
Everyone in school thinks you're talented.
You've read more books than anyone I know and your lyrics are great.
And you can tell people just what you feel. I can't do that.
[Sighing]
I'm not close to being good enough.
- Yes, you are. - Mm-mmm.
That's what Seiji said.
He isn't sure he has any talent either.
I should test myself like he is.
That's what I'll do. I'll try being a writer.
I've already got a story.
I've got two months to see what I can do.
But midterms are coming up.
That's OK. Thanks, Yuko.
I feel like maybe I can handle this now.
- You're going? - Yeah. I've gotta get writing.
- [Barking] - Bye, Mr. And Mrs. Harada.
- Bye, Sumo. - Say hello to your mom for me.
[Shizuku] I will.
- You hang in there too, Yuko. - Mm-hmm.
I'm sure Sugimura will see what a good person you are.
See you later.
So that's it. It's simple.
All I have to do is give my writing a try.
[Gasping] Moon.
[Girl] Muta! Muta!
Hey, Mom, Muta ran off again.
Where does he keep going?
Muta. Huh.
Whisper of the Heart by Shizuku Tsukishima.
"Listen to the voice of the forest
and the wind that blows from a far-off cluster of stars."
[Nishi] So, you want to write a story about the Baron?
Something about him inspires me,
but I know the Baron has special meaning for you,
so I thought I'd better ask your permission before I use him in my book.
[Laughing] You can use the Baron.
Thank you for asking,
but I'd like to ask for a favor in return.
Yes?
Once you have finished your story I want to be the first to read it, hmm?
Oh, uh... I...
[Nishi] Is it a deal?
Do I really have to show it to you?
I've never written anything before. I'm afraid it's gonna stink.
[Laughing]
You sound just like all the other artists that I've met.
No one should expect perfection when they're first starting out.
Wait a minute. I've got something to show you.
I think you'll like this.
Take a look.
[Shizuku] It looks like a rock.
It's a special kind of rock called a geode.
Hold it close to your eye and look inside.
That's right, like that.
Wow.
Look at that.
Those crystals are called beryl.
There are pieces of raw emeralds deep inside them.
- Aren't emeralds worth a lot of money? - Sure.
But they need to be cut and polished first.
When you first become an artist you are like that rock.
You're in a raw natural state with hidden gems inside.
You have to dig down deep and find the emeralds tucked away inside you.
And that's just the beginning.
Once you've found your gems you have to polish them.
It takes a lot of hard work.
Oh, and here's the tricky part: Look at the crack in the geode.
OK.
You see that big green crystal there?
You could spend years polishing that
and it wouldn't be worth much at all.
The smaller crystals are much more valuable,
and there may be some even deeper inside that we can't see
which are even more precious.
[Chuckling] Oh, it's bad to get old. You just keep rambling.
I'll shut up now.
What if I look inside myself and I don't find any gems?
What if I'm just a rock?
I'm going to try anyway.
I'll write that story and I'll let you be the first to read it.
That's the spirit. I'll be looking forward to it.
A raw gem in a vein of lapis lazuli.
Ah, let us go forth together,
in search of the vein of lapis lazuli.
Look. Be not fearful.
On the day of the new moon space is warped.
[Baron] As such, things far away loom large
whereas things near at hand appear small.
Come, let us fly.
We will rise on the updraft!
But we must hurry!
Quick! The planetoids are gathering.
Shall we?
And... off we go!
[Shizuku screaming]
That's it! We're riding the air currents.
See that tower? We'll clear it in a single leap.
[Shizuku] Are you kidding? That's so high.
[Baron] Ah, it just looks high.
You'll see once we get closer.
Let's go. When the afternoon air currents mix,
we can even touch the stars without fear.
That's strange.
Shizuku's in nonfiction?
I've never seen her look at anything but fairy tales.
It's a prisoner locked in a cell and he's making a violin.
[Gasping]
Seiji! [gasping]
I thought you had left for Italy.
I just talked to my grandpa. He said you might be here.
I'm glad I found you. I'm leaving tomorrow.
You are?
Go on. You should keep working.
I'll wait until you're done.
Sorry I can't see you home.
I'm just glad I was able to see you again.
I can't go to the airport with you
but I'll be waiting for you when you come back.
I'll see you in two months then.
I'm sorry for complaining all the time, Seiji.
I promise I'll work hard while you're gone.
Well, I better go.
Have a safe trip.
Louise, my betrothed and I,
were born in a far-off land.
[Baron] Back then, magic was still alive in our town,
and the streets were lined with shops
where the descendents of magicians worked as artisans.
The craftsman who made us was a poor apprentice dollmaker.
But Louise and I were happy,
for the man who made us
gave us the ability to love.
Then one day...
[Yuko] Shizuku.
Shizuku!
- Shizuku! - [Gasping]
The answer, Shizuku?
Stand up.
I don't know, sir. I wasn't paying attention.
[Teacher] You haven't been paying attention all week.
- I'm sorry, sir. - Yuko, will you help out Shizuku?
Yes, sir.
What? You were up until four in the morning?
I just can't seem to stop writing for some reason.
You keep spacing out all the time, like today.
I was thinking about my story.
There's so much I want to write. I can't find enough time.
[Sighing] I don't feel like eating.
[Squeaking]
[Shuffling foot]
- [Door opening] - [Footsteps]
[Mom] Oh! Shizuku, it's you.
You scared me half to death.
Why didn't you have the lights on?
Oh, Shizuku, you didn't finish the laundry.
Get in here, Shizuku! Shizuku!
[Slurping] Where's Shizuku? Doesn't she want dinner?
She said she isn't hungry.
- [Girls laughing] - Can you believe that?
She actually said that.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Tsukishima.
- Sorry to keep you waiting. - No trouble at all.
Do you know if the career counseling room is open?
- Yeah. - Come this way.
[Mom] I'm home.
Hi there, Mom.
You're home early today.
Ohh, I'm exhausted.
- Want some coffee? - Sounds great.
So, Mom, there's something I need to talk to you about.
[Mom] Not something bad, I hope. I already have a headache.
I'm thinking of moving into my own place.
[Shiho] I found the greatest apartment.
Honey, can you really afford to move out?
I saved some money from my temp job,
and I just got a part-time position in a test-preparation school.
I see. I've gotten so used to you helping me out while I'm in school.
But we'll be fine. I'll talk to your father about it.
Really? Thanks, Mom.
Financially I think you'll have to manage on your own
until I finish my last semester of school.
- Once I graduate I can help you out. - That'd be great.
I hate to do this now while you're in the middle of your master's thesis.
Don't worry about it.
I really appreciate all the help you gave me preparing the data.
It'll be good for Shizuku to have her own room
so she can focus on her studies. She's been acting so strange lately.
You're telling me.
I had a conference today with one of her teachers. Look at this.
Huh. What is it?
[Gasping] What's happened to her?
I've never seen grades this low.
It's so strange. I wonder what she's doing.
She's at her desk all day.
- Oh, good evening. - Good evening.
Thank you.
[Shiho] With grades like that, no high school will accept you.
[Shizuku] Fine. I'm not going to high school anyway.
Are you crazy? You think a junior high education is enough?
What kind of fantasy world are you living in?
Hey, it's my future so I make the decision.
Don't give me that attitude. You know you're being completely ridiculous.
If you keep acting like this you'll ruin your life.
School's really made your life great.
All you've done since college is work part-time jobs.
[Shiho] I'm making money and I can support myself.
What job will you get without a college degree?
You'll end up destitute because you're in some stupid rebellious phase.
[Shizuku] I'm not being rebellious. I'm going after my dreams.
What dreams? You just goof around reading books.
Stop the arguing, girls. I've heard enough.
But Dad, she's gonna ruin her life if she keeps this up.
Hmm. All right. Let's go to the kitchen and discuss this.
Shizuku, change out of your uniform first, please.
Hurry it up.
A bit low.
Shizuku, are you doing the best you can?
Yes! I take these tests very seriously.
Just a little bit ago you said you weren't going to high school.
You were the one who said no high school would accept me.
Shiho, I'd like to talk to Shizuku alone.
Would you please excuse yourself, honey?
Fine.
- Where's your mother? - She's at the Tanakas.
- [Mom] I'm home. - [Shiho] There she is. Hey, Mom.
- [Mom] Is your father home? - [Shiho] He's in the kitchen.
[Dad] Could you come in here? I'm having a talk with Shizuku.
[Mom] Sure. Just a second.
[Door closing]
[Dad] All right, Shizuku.
You have something that you're doing
that you think is more important than studying?
Will you tell us what it is?
When I can tell you, I will.
Shizuku, can't you do whatever it is once your exams are over?
I have to do it now. I've only got three weeks left before he...
It's that I promised myself I'd achieve this certain goal
- or I'm not good enough. - Good enough for what?
Why do you need to prove yourself?
[Mom] We can't help you unless you tell us what's going on.
What could you be doing that you can't tell your mother and father about?
- Honey, please. - Oh, sorry. I'll put it out.
[Exhaling]
You work so hard in the library.
Whatever you're doing, I know it's important to you.
And I truly respect that.
Honey, why don't we let Shizuku do what she thinks is best?
Not everyone needs to follow the same path.
[Mom] Hmm.
Well, I have to admit I've often dreamed about straying from the path myself.
All right, Shizuku, go ahead and do what your heart tells you.
But it's never easy when you do things differently from everyone else.
If things don't go well, you'll only have yourself to blame.
And I want you to eat meals with us, no matter how busy you get.
That's right. We like to see you once in a while.
- OK. - Tell your sister we're finished.
I'll make us some tea.
[Shiho] Hey, Shizuku.
Dad let you have your own way,
but he wants you to study and get into a good high school.
I know that. It was written all over his face.
By the way, I'm gonna be moving out next Sunday.
You'll have the room to yourself.
You're moving out? I didn't know that.
[Shiho] Yep. You're gonna be on your own now.
[Panting]
[Baron] Hurry! Faster! Faster!
Only one stone is genuine.
Which one? Which one is real?
[Baron] You are on your own now.
You must make the choice yourself.
Hurry!
[Gasping]
[Shizuku screaming]
[Blowing]
[Snoring]
[Creaking]
Louise, you've come back to me.
I'm sorry I've grown old. I didn't know you'd return.
[Thump]
[Sighing]
[Creaking]
Shizuku. Please, come on in.
I was just taking a nap.
Did I wake you? I'm sorry.
I hate to bother you, Mr. Nishi, but my story's finished.
Ooh, wonderful.
Oh, you should be very proud.
Well, here it is. You're the first one to read it, just as promised.
Well, this is a good-sized novel.
Whisper of the Heart by Shizuku Tsukishima.
I know it's a bit long, but could you read it right away?
I'll just wait here, if you don't mind.
I could, but you've put so much into this.
Shouldn't I take my time and read it carefully?
I'd rather you read it now, 'cause I'm kind of nervous.
You don't have to read it all, just a few pages.
And then... then if it's boring you can quit.
I understand. I'll read it right away.
Have a seat by the fire. It's getting cold.
There. Now no one will disturb us.
Uh, would it be OK with you if I wait downstairs?
- Hmm? - I won't get cold.
I'd rather not watch you read.
Hmm. That'll be fine. Go ahead.
[Jets roaring]
[Door opening]
So, there you are.
I finished your book, Shizuku.
Thank you, dear. It was really wonderful.
No, it's not! It's a mess.
The storyline goes all over the place.
All the characters' dialogue sounds corny.
You have to tell me the truth. I know it's a complete disaster.
No. It's just a bit rough, dear, like Seiji's violin.
What I read was raw and heartfelt.
You should be very proud for all your hard work.
You've dug inside your soul and found some real gems.
Next you'll need to polish it, which will also take a lot of work.
There's no need to be upset. Just have a little patience.
[Sobbing]
Now let's go inside. It's cold out here.
OK. [sniffling]
I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be crying.
I wanted so badly to do a good job,
but there's so much that I don't know about writing. [sobbing]
And Seiji, he's so much more accomplished than I am.
[Sniffling] I can never catch up.
I can never be good enough.
[Crying]
I see. You must be very fond of Seiji.
[Shizuku slurping]
[Sniffling]
[Blowing]
How do you like your noodles, hmm?
[Sniffling] I like them a lot.
When Seiji finished making his very first violin,
he was far more upset than you are today.
It took four batches of noodles to calm him down. [chuckling]
Ah. Thank you, dear.
Now tell me, how far did we get into the Baron's story?
You were a student in Germany when you found the Baron in a café.
Ah, that's right.
I was captivated by his expression. It was so sad and mysterious.
So I begged the owner of the café to let me buy the Baron.
[Nishi] But he refused to sell it to me.
He said the Baron had a female companion who was away for repairs.
The two of them made such a beautiful couple
he didn't think it was right to separate them.
I told him that as soon as the Baroness was repaired, I'd buy them both.
The Baroness, her name was Louise, isn't that right?
No one knows this, but Louise was the name
of a woman I went to school with.
She and I became very close,
and every day we'd meet at the café to see if the Baroness had returned.
Louise pleaded with the café owner to sell me the Baron.
She promised to buy the Baroness and hold onto her
until the two statues could be reunited.
Finally the café owner agreed,
and I left for Japan with the Baron.
I promised Louise that I would return to Germany as soon as possible,
and I vowed that when the Baron and Baroness were reunited,
so would we be.
But the war began soon after my departure
and I wasn't able to return to Germany until many years later.
I visited our café and I searched all over Germany
but I could find no trace of her.
I never saw Louise or the Baroness again.
I'm sorry. So that's why you never want to talk about the Baron.
But you've done something wonderful for me, Shizuku.
What was only a memory for me has gained new life thanks to your story.
Oh, that reminds me.
Now hold out your hands.
But I...
That geode suits you better than me.
I want you to have it.
Promise me you'll polish your story well.
I will. [sniffling]
Thanks for everything, Mr. Nishi.
My pleasure.
See you later.
[Door opening]
- [Shizuku] Anyone home? - I'm in here.
Is Dad around?
He's in the bathtub.
Do you know what time it is, young lady?
I'd like to make a formal announcement.
I've decided that I want to attend high school.
- I'll start studying tomorrow. - Really?
Does that mean you've already finished your project?
For the time being.
Do you want dinner? I made curry.
[Shizuku] No, thanks.
[Sighing] For the time being, huh?
[Chuckling]
[Sighing]
[Dad] Shizuku, the bathroom's free if you want it.
[Deep breathing]
Look at her, my little warrior.
Let's see.
[Dad] Sweet dreams.
[Closing door]
Huh?
[Sighing]
[Shuddering]
Seiji?
Yeah. Just a second.
[Rattling]
I can't believe this. You were actually awake.
This isn't a dream, is it?
No. I came back from Italy a day early. Get on.
Oh, wait a minute.
You'll be cold like that.
OK, hop on.
- You'll be cold. I'll get a jacket. - There's not enough time. Let's go.
All right, hold on tight now.
[Seiji] I wanted to see you as soon as I got home,
so I stood outside your window hoping you'd look outside and see me.
Suddenly you were standing there. I couldn't believe my eyes.
We must be meant for each other, Shizuku.
I still can't believe I'm not dreaming.
Who cares? This is a great dream.
[Horn beeping]
How did things go in Italy?
[Seiji] My master said I'm not great yet, but I could be.
I've decided to finish high school first,
then I'll go back to Cremona.
- Should I get off? - No. Stay on.
I decided I was going to ride up this steep hill
carrying you with me. [panting]
Who said you could decide that?
[Panting]
I don't want to be just a burden for you.
If I'm going with you I'm going to help you.
[Panting] All right, go ahead and help.
Just a bit further.
[Both panting]
Shizuku, hurry up! Get on!
[Panting]
Ah, just in time.
Wow.
- Need a hand? - I'm fine.
Look at this.
Amazing.
With all that mist, it looks like the ocean.
Yeah. This is where I come to get inspired.
You'll see in a second.
[Seiji] I wanted to show this to you.
It's beautiful, isn't it?
Grandpa told me about all the amazing writing you've been doing.
I feel bad that I wasn't here to encourage you.
I was just off thinking about myself.
Mm-mmm. You're the one who inspired me, Seiji.
I'm glad I pushed myself.
I know myself a little bit better now.
I realized I need a lot more schooling,
so I don't mind doing what it takes to get into a good high school.
Shizuku. I've been thinking.
It's that...
I know this might sound really weird to you,
but could you see us getting married someday?
[Gasping]
I promise I'll be a professional violin maker
and you can be a professional writer.
Mm-hmm.
Does this sound corny?
It's a little corny, but you're a violin maker, not a writer.
That's true. This is great!
Come here. It's getting cold.
Shizuku, I love you!
[¶ Yoko Honna: Country Road]