1 Litre of Tears (2005) - full transcript

'1 Litre of Tears' is a Japanese movie mainly based on a published version of the Diary, "1 Litre no Namida" (Ichi Rittoru no Namida) written by a girl called 'Aya Kito' (Kito Aya, July 19, 1962 - May 23, 1988) about her real and personal life experiences coping with a fatal and incurable disease and this diary was published shortly before her death. One day when Aya returned home injuring his chin due to fall while going to school her mother realizes there is something strange happening to her daughter. She convinced her to go to hospital where on examination doctor told her that her daughter is suffering from 'Spinocerebellar ataxia' or 'Spinocerebellar degeneration' which is a hereditary, progressive and an incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disorder in which the person gradually looses ability to control his body movements due to the degeneration of the cerebellum and nervous system. At first Aya was not informed with actually what was she is suffering from and was told that it is some small neurological disorder and her doctor advised her to start writing a diary so it would help her sorting her doubts and worries she is facing. But with her deteriorating condition she herself realizes that something has happened to her. But even after knowing the truth she keeps on writing about her chronicles with the disease until she looses the ability to hold pen and write. So the movie revolves around her and the people around her, that how she and they coped, reacted and kept up with her fears, emotions, struggles and desire of her to keep living even after knowing what is her fate and in the process inspiring everyone around her. The disease onsets with her having difficulty in coordination, walking and balancing, which progresses in few years into loosing altogether the ability to focus with eye, speak, swallow and ceasing of other muscle controlled movements leading her to be bedridden and die in span few years (in her case it is about 10 years). As the disease affects only the communication between the muscles and the brain, the mental part of the body remains intact thus imprisoning her in her own body. Asae Oonishi is the lead actress and Kazuko Kato plays as her mother. This daughter and mother duo also played a cameo in the Drama series with the same name which was more fictional based on the life of Aya Kito.

(14 years old, Summer)

Oh no.

Good morning.

You're running late.

I know.

What a large mouth.

I have a large mouth.

I'm digging in.

I'm heading out.

Take care.

Hurry up, Sis.



Wait up.

-We are heading out.
-Take care.

-We are heading out.
-Take care.

Go.

We are leaving.

Good morning.

A Litre of Tears

Who is that?

Did you forget something?

What's the matter?

What happened?

I fell.

You look great.

Is it alright?



Let me look at the front.

Are you alright, Sis?

Look.

Oh my!

It looks painful.

Do I look like a criminal?

A little bit.

You are so mean.

Hey are you girls ready?

I'm leaving first.

Let's go or else Hiroki
will leave without us.

Okay, let's go.

We're going.

We are leaving now.

Aya,

I have something to tell you.

It's just a cut. She'll be okay.

Thank you.

However, we would instinctively
break the fall with our hands.

But your daughter didn't even
hurt her hands

which means that
she landed on her chin.

I suggest that you take her

to a specialist for a check up.

Aya,

I think it's better for you
to go for a check up.

Your health isn't as good as before.

And you don't walk steadily.

Have you noticed that?

I thought about that
when you hurt yourself.

I was very worried.

Perhaps it's because your exams are
approaching and you are stressed.

So let's go for a check up, alright?

It'll be good
if nothing's wrong with you and...

I don't have to worry about you.

Okay.

You are right. I'll go.

Ako's waiting. Go join her.

Take care.

Goodbye.

Take care.

Can you try touching your nose

with your left hand, then your right

with your eyes closed?

Okay.

Now try standing on one leg

like this.

Try it.

Thanks. Please take a seat.

We'll perform a CT Scan on her.

Alright.

A CT Scan?

Don't worry, it won't be painful.

It's done so that we can
examine your brain by sections.

Sections?

I'm starving.

It's finally over.

Mom...

The CT scan was fun.

Really?

I felt like I was in
a space shuttle.

You don't get to do this often.

It's fun.

Right?

I'm starving.

This is the cerebellum. You can see
that it shrunk slightly

Balance, coordination and
simple reflexes are controlled by

the cerebellum, brainstem and
spinal cord.

Your daughter is suffering from
spinocerebellar ataxia.

It is a genetic disorder
of the neurons in the brain

and it will eventually
be destroyed eventually.

So...

what will happen to Aya?

She is unsteady and clumsy right now
and she will be giddy at times.

When her condition deteriorates,
she won't be able to walk or stand.

She will also lose the ability
to speak and move.

Eventually, she will be bedridden
and have pneumonia.

But doctor, she can undergo
a brain surgery, right?

She can be cured, right?

You have to help her. Please.

If she needs to have a brain or
spinal cord surgery,

I'll do my best to pay for it.

The cause of this disease
is still unknown,

so there is no available cure.

But

her condition won't
deteriorate right away.

It will worsen slowly,

maybe in a year or two,

or it may only happen
10 years later.

Aya,

we have to visit the hospital
frequently in the future.

Don't worry.

A monthly visit won't affect
my high school entrance exam.

My Lord,

I'm still young.

I have many
unaccomplished dreams in life.

(15 years old, Spring)

Congratulations!

During your high school years,

you will have many experiences.

I know.

Also, you have to come here
during your exams.

Although you're fine right now,

you are a little unstable
when you walk.

Not being able to move normally

limits your daily activities.

You may be upset
because you are different.

But we always have to

live with some difficulties in life.

Doctor,

even though I'm sick,

I don't feel unfortunate.

So,

this is gift for being able
to get into high school.

It's a diary.

Thank you.

Start writing in it today.

Writing helps to sort out
your thoughts.

Writing down your worries and doubts

makes you feel better.

So,

it'll also help me figure out
what to do in the future, right?

I loved to write when I was a kid.

And I asked Mom
to buy me a diary before.

As much as I'd love to write in it,

I always forgot.

Really?

Writing is a good thing.

But you have to keep it up.

In fact,

I made it to the university
because of writing in my diary.

And I went to Germany
for further studies.

You're kidding.

No, it's true.

Let me tell you.

When you don't understand
something in books,

try writing about it.
It helps you understand it.

Writing is really useful.

So,

it's all about studying after all.

That's right.

I guess you have
many dreams in life, right?

You have to study hard
to fulfil them.

Am I right, Mrs. Kito?

Yes. Keep it up, Aya.

Alright.

We are going to jog today.

After you return,
we are going to practise dribbling.

Do you understand?

Yes.

I can't hear you.
Do you understand?

Yes!

Miss Kito.

What about you?

Miss Takahashi and Kito go for
self-study in the classroom then.

Let's go.

It's both of them every time.

Good for you.

You're always cheating.

Let's go.

If they like to study so much,

I'd love to switch
places with them.

She's strange.

She is pretending.

Don't worry about them.

Right, don't take it to heart.

Hey, hurry up or you'll be late!

He's always doing that.

Let's pace up.

I'm sorry. I slowed you down.

Come on, you didn't.

We are friends.

Thank you.

Friends help each other,

right?

Friends help each other.

But that's not it.

I don't wish to have the same
experiences in life as my friends.

Although they give me courage,

I'll lose myself
if I'm too dependent on them.

To me,

I have no choice.

(16 years old, Summer)

Alright, you can get up now.

Doctor,

I often have cramps
in my legs lately,

especially in the morning.

Really? Do you feel different
when you walk?

I feel as if I'm going to fall
if I'm not concentrating.

And sometimes,
I choke if I eat too fast.

Really? I got it.

What you said was really true.

Writing helps to sort out
my thoughts.

I write about my thoughts and
things that I want to ask you.

Oh really?

Doctor.

You have to continue
writing your diary everyday.

And write it down if there are
any change in your body.

No matter how trivial things are,
I hope you can tell me.

It may help in the treatment.

Perhaps it can even shorten the
duration of your hospitalisation.

Dinner will be ready soon.

We're home.

We're back.

Give me a hand, Ako.

Blackie, I'm back.

Blackie, I still didn't manage to
ask that question today.

Doctor,

what am I suffering from?

Mom,

will I get well?

This is my first summer break
in high school.

I don't want to stay in the
hospital for too long.

Aya,

you need to pay attention to
changes in your body from now on.

Write them down.

And tell me about everything

because it can be helpful
to the treatment.

This may also shorten the
duration of your hospitalisation.

And I can only come on Sundays

so you have to
do your own laundry if you can.

Staying in the hospital

is troublesome.

Rest your chin on it.

The University Hospital
is like a school as well.

Similar to a student like yourself
who is studying in school,

doctors are learning everyday.

They are learning?

Yes, and they can help you.

They do research on medicine.

Some patients come here especially
when they find out

our doctors specialize
in research for this disease.

253t

Patients are books for doctors and

they learn how to cure them.

You said that they
specialize in research?

It's a beautiful day.

I feel like a super star.

I have a lot of meetings
with many people.

The nurse is like my manager

who draws up my busy schedule.

But I guess I can't be a super star.

Because you aren't pretty enough.

I think it's very tough
to be a nurse.

Sis,

if you need anything, tell me and
I'll bring it next Sunday.

Really?

I'd like to read...

''A Six Foot Sick Bed''
by Masaoka Shiki.

I know that book.

It's a good time to read,

but you also need to rest well
so that you can recover soon.

Tell me what you think about
the book after reading it.

Ok. I'll finish it soon.

Good.

That's it for today.

Thank you.

Thanks, doctor.

Doctor,

I've always wanted to
ask you something.

What am I suffering from?

Okay.

Let me explain.

You won't be able to walk
or stand at some point in life.

But it won't happen right away.

If you continue your treatment,
it'll slow down the deterioration.

Doctor,

thank you.

Doctor,

thank you
for looking after my daughter.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Aya,

you have to continue writing
in your diary.

Okay.

Thanks everyone.

Doctor,

despite his illness,

Masaoka Shiki loved to eat.

Oh really?

Doctor.

What is it?

How much longer am I able to walk?

Even if I can't walk, there is work
I can do sitting down, right?

What can I do?

Of course
there are lots of options for you.

You have all my support.

I'll keep looking for a cure,

so you can't give up.

Aya.

Be careful.

Okay.

Thank you very much.

Take care.

Thank you.

Apart from a student handbook for
a new term, I also have another one.

It's a handicapped handbook.

This handbook...

is telling me to admit

and accept my disabilities.

It's higher now.

I'll be right back.

Good morning.

Excuse me.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm sorry.

Come.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Don't worry,
it's not going to rain.

You must be Aya Kito.

I'm Sachiko Watanabe.

I take the same bus as you.

Oh.

You are sick, aren't you?

Let us help you and
don't worry about that.

We need each other's help in life.

Are you okay?

The bus is here.

Are you ok? Can you stand up?

Are you okay?

Are you okay?

Are you alright?

She's injured.

Can you stand up?

Come.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

-Please accept it.
-You don't have to.

Thank you for taking her
to the hospital.

Thank you so much.

What about this?

I'll take it then.

I was worried.

But you should thank her.

She's been a great help.

She's a poor thing.
She hurt her face.

Madam,

it's very difficult
to go to school on her own

if she can't walk properly.

I hope this won't happen again.

I can't pick her up from school
because I have work.

I wish I could have more time.

I wish I could do a betterjob
in taking care of her.

Madam,

you can fetch her
from here after work.

Why don't you ask her to wait here
for you to pick her up after work?

I don't think that's a good idea.

My shop is right next to the school.
She can rest here after class.

She can do her homework here,

or she can go take a nap in there
when she is tired.

It's a great idea. Let's do it.

No, I don't want to impose on you.

Don't worry about that.

She has a place to go and you don't
have to worry when you are at work.

And I've got someone to chat with me
What are you worrying about?

No.

So that's the deal.

You come pick her up after work,

alright?

Okay

Thank you very much.

Excuse me, Aya.
Can you pass me an empty box?

The one for twenty dollars.

This one?

Thank you.

Does it need to be filled up?

Hello.

Hello.

You look much better.

Thanks for your concern.

Did you just ask for
a week of sick leave?

That's nothing to be ashamed of.
Let us help you.

Okay

Why don't you go home?

I'm waiting for her to pick me up.

Really? That's great.

I'll get going now.

Sorry to bother you.

Take care.

Goodbye.

Come in.

Can I come in?

What's up?

What are you doing?

I'm tearing the book apart.

Tearing the book apart?

We are starting on a
new topic tomorrow.

So you only bring the part
you need to school.

Won't it be inconvenient?

No.

You are hardworking.

Hardworking?

Studying is difficult,

but I will work hard

while I still can.

Aya, keep it up.

Thank you.
{16 years old, Autumn}

You've become signature
to the shop.

No, I'm not.

I'm sorry that I have to ask you
to help me all the time.

That's nothing.

I should pay you for it. I'm sorry.

I wait in your shop all day.
I can't take your money.

Take it if she gives it to you.

No.

Aya is very stubborn,

isn't she?

God will punish me
if I take her money.

God will punish you?

I know that I can't work anymore

but there are still things
that I can do.

I can still help others.

So I'm already very happy
that I can help you.

But if I take your money,
God will punish me.

Alright, I won't pay you then.

But you can stay here
as long as you want.

I would treat you
as one of my own children.

-I want to be your child too.
-I don't want you.

The best part of working here
is that you get food.

Aya can eat as much bread
as she wants.

Thank you.

You girls have some too.

Thank you.

And get some drinks too.
Let me treat all of you today.

Have some... what would you like?

How many high school students
are there?

63.

What about teachers?

We have 145 teachers in our primary
and secondary department.

What's the difference here
compared to normal schools?

We teach the handicapped
how to look after themselves.

Kito, is this yours?
I think you dropped it.

It's mine. Thank you.

You are hardworking but
you are so careless.

Even if you are slow, you still need
to take care of your things.

Thank you, Ito.

Blackie,

I'm home.

I'm home.

Have you been good today?

Should this be the way
a school works?

Please calm down.

Am I wrong?

I didn't say that.

In fact,

we don't have any handicapped
facilities in the school.

And I have discussed this
with the principal.

We don't have the resources to

build handicapped facilities
because of a student.

Besides I have spoken
to the government.

It's difficult for us to improve
the facilities right away.

So,

based on these circumstances,

she can't continue studying
in our school.

I think there are other schools
more suitable for her.

The school just wants
to kick her out, right?

She needs help from friends

but I know that she doesn't
take it for granted.

She feels sorry and

she blames herself for
having such disabilities.

I think you are
sounding too serious.

Calm down.

Whatever it is, I hope she can
continue going to school.

I don't know if she can stay
until she graduates,

but we'll do our best
on not bothering the rest.

For now, I want her to
continue going to school.

She also wants to do that too.

Teacher,

I suggest that we end here today.

Let's talk about this again
after we calm down.

Alright.

But Mr. Kito,

I don't want to say this,

but the students are
tired of looking after Aya.

I hope you understand.

I'm off.

You're too much.

Even if she needs help,

she is just a high school student.

Teacher,

I'm sorry.

I...

know that I'm a burden to others.

But

I want to be with them.

I love going to school.

I'm sorry.

Aya.

Only babies cry
to express themselves.

You are a disgrace to
high school students.

Do I...

have to quit schooling now?

I

I've always felt that
I've let everyone down.

I'm very sorry.

I

can't be

on the same path with others.

Even if it's
only a short period of time,

I just want to stay with them.

But

I see them everyday.

Why doesn't anyone tell me directly

that I'm a burden to them?

Well, even your teacher

thinks he would hurt your feelings
if he had told you directly,

because you've been working hard.

So are your friends.

It's not that
they don't want to help you anymore,

or you are bothering them.

They have learnt a lot from you.

You are still here today
because of your friends.

You should thank them.

Do you understand?

Aya,

we have to be strong in facing
the next challenge.

Keep it up.

Hey, stop running.

Quiet down.

What do you want to tell me?

Don't worry.

You don't have to worry
about going to a special school.

Do you need some support?

Although...

Although I don't want to go,

I...

I know that

I have no other choice.

Let's sit down.

That's right.

Although it's easier said than done,

don't regret it.

I

won't regret it.

It's my decision.

Your own decision.

It's very important.

If you chose it yourself,

no matter how difficult it is,
you have to work hard

to overcome it.

I know you can do it.

I left school

to live my life as a handicapped person.

I want to be independent and live on.

I can

be so cool about this

because I've cried a lot.
It takes me a litre of tears

and I guess there'll be more
in time to come.

Hang in there.

My tears.

(16 years old, Winter)

Saori,

Yuko

and everyone.

Thank you very much.

I'm very happy.

Thank you very much.

Aya,

we...

can't do much for you.

We are very sorry.

Don't say that.

You've all helped me

a lot.

We want you to stay.

Me too,

but I have no choice.

Sister Sachiko,

Take care.

Thank you for taking care of me.

Goodbye.

Take care.

Pass me the flowers.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you everyone.

Aya,

look.

Really?

This is a parting gift then.

It's some bread.

Do you want to have it now?
Are you hungry?

People are like that.

We don't want

to be sad or unhappy.

We'll be hungry after all.

Eat and we'll survive.

Have some.

You are always

welcome here.

Till then,

I will pay you.

Don't forget about me.

I'd love to see you here again.

Hey,

is there chilli in there?

No.

You're teasing me, Auntie.

You are

making me cry.

I'm sorry...

I'm so sorry.

Come.

Let's go, Aya.

Take care.

Thank you very much.

Are you eating or crying?

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

(16 years old, Spring)

Morning.

You are up already?

Morning.

Kito,

you are too slow.

From tomorrow onwards, you just
take care of the towels and rubbish.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Thank you.

We've finished.

We've finished.

Thank you.

Let's go back.

It's already late.

Teacher.

Good morning.

Morning.

It's a beautiful day.

That's right.

The sky is beautiful.

It's a beautiful day in May.

Good morning.

Good morning, Miss Kito.

Morning.

I wish that there were an escalator.

Teacher.

You have to walk
even if it's difficult.

We are humans so we walk.

Don't be late.

Not being able to move
isn't an excuse.

You have to be punctual
no matter what happens.

Hurry up.

Hurry.

Leave some space.

Be careful.

Are you alright?

Practice makes perfect

means that

you need to revise your work
whenever you get a chance.

But not just once though.

Revising your work repeatedly
should be your attitude in class.

''Practice makes perfect''

not only means that

you have to revise your work
continuously so that

you'll be good at it.
It also applies to

what you are doing everyday
in taking care of yourselves.

Practice would make it perfect too.

I'm Kito. I've made an appointment
to borrow a book.

The library is closed.

But...

You should have come earlier
if you want to borrow books.

I'll get it
for you tomorrow, alright?

Miss Kito?

Stand up, Miss Kito.

You can't cry here.

Do you understand?

(1 8 years old, Autumn)

Burn... Keep on burning...

Don't vanish, carry on burning.

I feel good.

My costume won't be the same

as the other ones like that.

It's definitely

going to surprise everyone.

Let them know

how difficult it is
to make the background.

But,

those are only our costumes.

You said you want

to make your own too.

At the finale,

people who aren't doing anything

have to come on stage and
sing along together.

That includes Jun and me.

I said no and I mean it.

Why can't I help her?

How do you know you can't manage
without trying?

Do it yourself.

It's part of your training.

You always say that.

You want to turn us
into an army or what?

She came to me for help.

Please try to understand
how others feel.

Alright, don't say it anymore.

No.

Right.

You help her out of sympathy.

That's not good for her.

You give up without even trying.

You can't be like that.

What do you normal people know?

Anyway, our bodies will fail one day

and we won't be able to
look after ourselves.

After we leave this place,

the society and normal people

won't understand us.

You are right.

We won't understand you.

But nothing's going to change

if you always rely
on others for help.

Am I right?

Are you okay?

That evil principal refuses
to tailor the costumes for us again.

Can we do it ourselves?

We shouldn't have asked her
in the first place.

Teacher,

thank you for lending us
the paint and brushes.

Thank you.

You girls have made
a pretty good background.

You girls are hardworking.

Thanks.

Are you okay?

I'm starving.

Let's go make some food.

They'll scold us if we are too late.

Look, it's Emiri.

Oh yes.

Emiri, you are still working on it.

Let's go back together.

I still have something to do.
You girls go ahead.

I've said that

there are no excuses

for not doing anything in class.

How could anyone go forward in life

if she can't even be
punctual for dinner?

Wait a minute. Where are you going?

I'm going to look for them.

Atsuko is very independent.

She doesn't care
that she's handicapped.

She argues with everyone.

I want to be like her.

She's very strong.

I'm envious of her.

I'm envious of her but

she's quite difficult.

She's quite difficult to be with,

don't you think so?

Well...

She's a little.

Am I right?

If she is more understanding,

it'll be easier to be with her.

What are you doing?

We are...

I knew that you girls are here.

I'm sorry.

I made them stay with me.

Did she scold you?

I don't understand you girls.

You want to sew this on?

Atsuko.

Four heads are better than three.

Burn... Keep on burning...

The mountains and trees

are covered with snow.

There are many fruits on the trees.

Burn... Keep on burning...

Don't varnish and keep on burning.

The bees keep honey in the beehives.

There's lots of honey.

The field is filled with wheat

even during winter.

Burn, burn.

Don't varnish and keep on burning.

Burn... burn...

Don't varnish and keep on burning.

Well done! It's a great show.

Thank you, everyone.

Well done.

You did well.

We did it.

We did it even when we are sick.

All of us did it.

We see other people do it
all the time

and now, we did it ourselves.

Congratulations! You did very well.

Thank you.

Miss Sato,

Thank you very much.

We did it all by ourselves.

That's awesome.

Congratulations.
All of you did a great job.

(19 years old, Summer)

Mom.

What's up?

Mom

smells great.

Aya.

You sound softer recently.

Is it because
you are alone at home?

No.

I sound the same. Listen...

I'm worried.

Your lungs would become smaller
if you don't speak.

Should I quit my job?

No.

I don't want you to quit yourjob.

But Aya...

When I was in high school,

I wanted to go to the university.

After I graduate,

I wanted to be like you,

working in a job
that can help others.

Really?

When I went to the special school,

I got up earlier than others.
I got up at 4 a.m.

because I wanted to study and
go to university.

I know.

Although I'm weak,

I want to contribute happily
to the society.

Really?

But when I graduated,

I couldn't even do it.

Mom.

What's up?

Excuse me.

Alright, take it easy.

Keep going.

Very good.

Take it easy.

Very good.

Very good. Take it easy.

Keep it up.

Since you got sick,

you couldn't work.

What can you do?

What kind of tasks can you do?

You can still write.

Sis.

You like to write.

You can still write.

That's yourjob.

Your work is going to

help others someday.

So don't be lazy and
keep on working.

Look.

It's a beautiful day.

I feel great.

Let me lend you some books.

What would you like to read?

What do you have?

Let me think.

Dr. Kobayashi.

Aren't you supposed to be attached
to the surgical department?

Hey...

I just come over.

I've finished my class and
you are still here?

You both get along well.

Doc, this doctor...

says that he loses his way
in the hospital again.

Really?

It's more convenient
to come and ask Aya.

Sorry to bother you, Aya.

He's still learning to be a doctor.
Please forgive him.

I'm sorry.

I'll make a move now.

Huh?

Doc?

-What's up? -How do I get to
the surgical department?

(Where is the surgical department?)

Go find it yourself.

He's silly.

He's funny.

That's right.

How are you feeling, Aya?

You aren't a student anymore.
Now you...

can keep me company.

As long as I'm still a doctor,

I'll look after you.

Okay.

Aya.

How are you?

Actually,

I'm on my way to see you.

What's up?

These flowers are nice, aren't they?

They are for you.

Thank you.

But why are you giving me flowers?

I need to act fast.

What do you mean?

Perhaps you don't know about this.

Do you know that you have lots of

admirers in the Rehab Centre?

I don't.

Well...

Do you know the old man who is
recovering from stroke?

The one who grunts all the time.

He comes here

because of you.

Really?

Of course.

Your hardworking spirit

encourages us to keep going.

And that old man is one of them.

These are for you.

Thank you.

Can I bring them to your room?

Let's go.

Thank you.

They are really pretty.

Who are they from?

The people from the Rehab Centre
gave them to me.

Really?

Great.

Do you still write in
your diary everyday?

Only when I remember.

Writing is a form of therapy too.

I want to be like my mom.

I want to work in a job
that can help others.

But...

You love to write, don't you?

My mom asked me
the same question before.

Really?

Doc, do you have any siblings?

I have a brother but I've always
wanted a younger sister.

He is now running a hospital
for my father.

Where is it? In your hometown?

In Echigo-Yuzawa.

Do you know that place?

It's also known as the snow country.

It snows a lot in winter.

That's great. You get lots of snow.

Slowly.

Take it easy.

Oh, be careful.

Take it easy and keep going.

My hand

can't move properly.

Really?

Your hand will cramp
if you are too forceful.

And it won't be able to move.

Aya,

don't worry and do it slowly.

Good. Keep going.

Doc.

It's good to see you here.

You have to be good

or you'll become like her.

I want to sit in that too.

Don't be foolish.

You can't walk or run
if you become like her.

I'm sorry, wheelchair.

I didn't charge
your battery properly.

You can't move anymore.

Doctor.

Aya,

how are you? You are working hard
in the rehab centre.

Yes.

It's tough though.

Doctor?

What's the matter?

Doctor,

am I be able to

get married?

I don't think so.

Why...

why?

Is my disease hereditary?

You won't be able to recover.

Your condition would only worsen.

Therapy helps to delay it.

They help stimulate the brain.

I'm looking for experts
who know about your disease.

Doctor,

thank you

for telling me the truth.

Thank you.

Aya.

We are back.

I am back.

Welcome back, Sis.

Please take care of the luggage.

Okay.

Aya,

the doctor says that even though

you are much better now,

you have to be careful
if you have a fever.

It could be quite troublesome
if you catch a cold.

Let me bring these in first.

Aya,

are you okay?

I'm fine.

I'm alright.

Really?

What is it, that I am living for?

This is your room from now on.

I've put your bed here.

Let me know if it's
not convenient for you.

Thanks, Mom.

I'll tell you if I don't like it.

This room is near
the bathroom and kitchen.

It's convenient for you.

Thanks, Mom.

You're welcome. Are you thirsty?

Hey...

Hey.

Hey.

What's the matter, Sis?

What's the matter?

I'm sorry.

I forgot that you aren't
in school today.

I'm doing my vocal training.

I see.

I thought something bad
happened to you.

You gave me a shock.

I'm sorry.

What's up?

Thank you.

Alright,

if something bad happens
to me next time,

I'll call out like that.

Don't be silly, I don't want
anything bad to happen to you.

Right, don't be silly.

Does it hurt?

Aya,

you'll be pretty if I push you
on this pressure point.

Aya,

what's wrong?

My teachers and friends
are very healthy.

Although I'm sad,

I can't be together with them.

I don't think that I'm unfortunate.
It's just inconvenient for me.

I love going to school

I love the teachers,

Saori, Yuko and

I love everyone in school.

I love the auntie at the bakery

and my mentor, Sachiko.

The thing is that

they have become part of my life.

In the past, I thought I couldn't
do anything when I'm sick.

But now, I realise that I can do it
if I work hard.

Thank you.

Aya hasn't been so motivated
for a long while.

It's all because of

the love and care from your family.

Aya is working very hard.

I didn't know

Mom feels like that

towards me.

Doctor,

although I'm very sad
to learn about my condition,

thank you for telling me

the truth.

I want to live on.

I can't move and

I can't help others.

But I still want to live.

I want to feel

my heartbeat.

It's still beating.

I'm very happy that

I'm still alive.

(20 years old, Spring)

Are you awake?

How are you feeling?

I'm...

feeling... fine.

Really?

That's good.

Mom...

What's the matter?

Grey... hair

I've more grey hair now.

I was wondering what
you were looking at.

Aya,

I'm

going through what you wrote.

Mom... Mom.

What's up?

I...

still want to live...

What are you talking about?

You've got to hang in there.

(Aya lived for another 5 years...)

(She was 25 years 10 months
when she passed away )

Thanks, Mom.

The pretty trees

shine one day

The sky is soothing during sunset

The clouds chase the plane
in the sky

Where did we come from?

And where are we going?

Nobody knows

We can only carry on walking

I'll keep loving them

As if I'm spreading it to the sky

My love ones

I'll keep loving them

I'll keep loving them

I've found love

My love ones

are right next to me