Chapter 7

Afterword I first had the idea for this novel when I was invited to watch the filming process on the set of Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight. So many people were working together to shoot one scene, and you could cut the tension with a knife; everyone held their breath while the camera was rolling. Then, at the sound of the director’s call to cut, the set would burst to life again. I was impressed by the whole operation, and I started thinking about writing a story related to movies. Sometimes, you live through something that makes you think, If this were a movie, maybe the credits would roll here—but life goes on. Having one of my novels adapted into a film had always been one of my goals. I’d imagined the credits rolling after it actually came true, and how I would live out the rest of my life. But then I realized that life doesn’t simply go on—it starts anew. You have to keep starting over. All sorts of things can happen in a person’s life to make them lose their way in their own story—losing something, for instance, or giving up on something. Some people can start a new story straightaway—and of course, there are some who can’t. However, I believe that everyone can begin afresh and embark on a new journey no matter how painful it is or how long it takes—to live a new chapter in their lives while treasuring all their past memories inside them. Now for some words of thanks. Life brings people together, just as it carries people apart. My editor changed while I was writing this novel. I am truly indebted to my old editor for guiding me ever since my debut as a writer. I am also incredibly grateful to my new editor for lending me their support and wisdom, even after they took over partway through. I look forward to our continued collaboration. To Koichi, who created the cover art for this book—thank you, as always, for your beautiful work. We finally met at the premiere. I’ll never forget that day, when I watched the finished film next to you, with Fukumoto in the seat in front of us. I look forward to our next meeting. Finally, thank you to everyone who picked up this book. I always thank my readers, and not once have I written these words of gratitude without actually bowing my head in thanks at my desk. This time is no exception. Thank you very much for reading this novel. I would thank each and every one of you in person if I could, but since that’s impossible, please accept this as my sincere gratitude. I hope we meet again somewhere in the future. MISAKI ICHIJO