We can meet any time

[not_sophie]

I felt the need to write out a translation of an adorable and bittersweet children's book I bought in Kinokuniya in Seattle: いつでも会える by 菊田まりこ/We Can Meet Any Time by Mariko Kikuta. Mariko Kikuta made adorable illustrations for the book as well, but you don't get to see those ha ha ha you'd better buy the book if you want em. Each line break is supposed to represent a new page, in case you're trying to follow it with the book itself (nobody will do this even though this book made me, an adult, cry).


I'm Shiro.
I'm Miki's dog.
I was always having fun.
I was happy.
I was so fortunate.
I loved Miki.
I thought we would be able to be together forever.
I wonder why.
Why is it?
Miki passed away.
I was always lonely.
I was sad.
I was so unfortunate.
I wanted to see Miki.
I wanted to see her so much.
Where? Where? Where? Where? Where? Where is she?
Call me Shiro. Pet my head.
"Shiro, Shiro. We can't play together anymore. We can't eat food together anymore, either. But you know..."
"Even though I can't pet your head anymore, I'm by your side. We can meet any time. Now, and forever. That will never change." The voice that called to me was very nostalgic.
My name is Shiro. I met with Miki.
If I close my eyes, and think about Miki...
I can meet her any time.
She's far away, she's very close.
Behind my eyelids, we won't ever change. We'll be just like we were back then.
My name is Shiro. I can meet Miki any time.