He’s sitting at the shrine, on a unusually sunny Sunday. Per usual of Akinari to just sit, bathe in the sunlight or so they would call it. He likes to think of it as peaceful while being under the blazing sun, mostly due to the fact that he really doesn’t have much time left. He’s stopped taking his medicine, but what was the point of taking and paying for it anyway if he was going to die later? Everyone’s going to die eventually - and its not like it’ll be the end of the world once he’s gone.

The doctors insisted “take this, take that”, but now he really just see’s them as a mere nusiance; really just due to the fact that its just a way for him to just live a few months — or weeks longer because of his condition. Its not like he has anything to enjoy, anyway. Right? Thats what he’s been telling himself. Until you started hanging out Maiko - the little girl who called him “Stripey”.

He’s sitting, posed per usual on the bench in front of the playground, watching the small sworm of little kids go down the slide and giggle about who can go down the slide the fastest. His grey gaze traveling down to the notebook in hand. Its a little beat up, to be honest. Its filled with all sorts of scribbles, of writings about the story he’s been creating. The one that he’s so excited to tell you. The reason why he looks forward to life, to live even. To write the book about the pink alligator, and.. well, to hear your thoughts on the idea that he’s created. After all, your opinion matters most.

Its like right on cue; as he looks up from the scratched up notebook. He really wishes he could say more to you - because really, you’re the one who inspires his writing. “You came. Im glad you showed.” Its the only words he can muster out because of the lump in his throat, being extremely grateful for your presence and interest in him.