Cry, or Smile? — Saying Goodbye

The sunset dyed the hill bright red. "Tomorrow, Nagi's moving far away." On their usual bench, Mio stole a glance at Nagi beside her. The rabbit Mochi, on her lap, gave her hand a little nudge. She had to say goodbye. — But. Mio's chest went tight.

Just like always, the two of them rolled and rolled down the hill. "Wahaha!" The smell of grass everywhere. Down in the town, the lights blinked on, one, then two. Mochi hopped and bounced around too. So much fun. — But each time she laughed, Mio's chest went tight again. "From tomorrow, Nagi won't be here anymore."

They stopped rolling and looked up at the sky. A star, then two. "Hey, Mio." Nagi said it quietly. "…Will we get to meet again?" Mio couldn't answer right away. Far away — just how far was that? Mochi pressed softly against Mio's cheek. Her chest went tight, tight.

Behind Mio's eyes went hot and stinging. The tears were almost here. "If I cry… will it trouble Nagi?" She bit her lip hard. She didn't want to show a sad face to Nagi, whom she loved so much. But really, she was so, so lonely. Her chest went tight. The tears trembled at the edge of her eyelids.

Two feelings collided inside Mio. If she cried and told him "I'll miss you" — Nagi would understand. But he might leave with a sad heart. If she smiled and said "see you" — Nagi could go off cheerful. But maybe her true feelings wouldn't reach him. Both, because she loved Nagi so much.

"Nagi! It's about time to go!" Nagi's mom's voice came up from the bottom of the hill. The sun had set completely now. "…I have to go." Nagi shouldered his backpack. Mochi gazed steadily up at Mio. "I have to say it now." Mio's chest went tight. The time for goodbye had come right up close.

Nagi turned back and said, "See you, Mio." Mio drew in a breath. Cry, and show her true feelings — "Don't go"? Or smile, and send him off cheerfully — "See you"? It's okay to cry. It's okay to smile. …What will Mio do?