Kino no Tabi:Volume6 Epilogue
Dear Diary,
Year XX Month XX Day XX. Sunny.
Today is the most memorable day of my life. Also the most wonderful and greatest day of my life. Could there ever be a finer day than this?
I am so glad I can write down my feelings at the end of this day. Most of the time this is such a boring record. Is it possible I can write down what I am feeling right now? I am not sure of that.
Twelve years from now, I shall still remember this day, and no matter how many times I will have re-read this diary, I shall feel the same joy I am feeling right now.
Oh God, I am so happy, for today, my daughter was born!
The hospital called me in the evening, even as the sun set.
When I first laid my eyes on her, she was sleeping so peacefully. Oh, she is so tiny! I felt my eyes mist over.
Beside her lay my dear wife, who wept happy tears when she saw me there. What a pretty face she has. I tried to wipe away her tears and I kissed her deeply. "You have done so well," I told her. "No, I should say we have both done very well."
Oh God! Even while writing this diary, I can't stop crying. My tears have smudged some of the ink on the page.
I have received the most precious gift in my life. In her little body flows the blood of my wife and mine. No treasure could ever replace her; she is more precious then anything in the world.
I promise -- as long as I live! -- I will give her all the love I have, and make her life a happy one.
Her happiness will be mine, and my wife’s happiness.
We will care for her always, even if it means making enemies with all the world, even if it mean sacrificing everything. We will fight for her.
I think she will grow up to be as beautiful as my wife. To think that I will see her grow and watch her life. I… I cannot put this joy into words. Is there anything in this world more wonderful then this?
When she has grown up, she will work with us. Oh God, I believe I will cry on her wedding day! Now I understand how my father-in-law felt during the wedding. I thought him such a fool, now I regret that I felt that way about him. I must apologize to him when he comes to see his granddaughter.
Our days will be wonderful together. My tiny family of two is now three. Will we live happily ever after? Will all my past worries turn to happiness? Will everything go well, as I pray?
I have already taken a leave from work. Tomorrow I shall go to the hospital. Never mind that I will see her as often as I wish later, I still want to see my daughter!
We must choose her name. We toyed with so many names for both a boy and a girl, but could never decide on one.
On my way home today, I came across some fellows, border guards from the looks of them, and overheard their conversation -- a very fine name was mentioned. They were talking about a type of bright red flower, found just beyond the borders of this country. These flowers bloom and cover the whole of the valley in a bright red carpet at this very season.
Although we have never seen this flower before, and perhaps never shall have the chance to see it, I still want to name my daughter after this flower. I think my wife will agree to it.
Every year, the flower will bloom all over the valley, as if celebrating her birthday.
What was the name of that flower again...?
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