Why did Itsumi die?
I still don’t know why.
It’s only been one week since her death. I really can’t believe it. You’re all as devastated as I am, right? It’s only natural to feel this way. To think that someone as happy as Itsumi would die like that…
—I’m sorry for crying.
What?
Yes, of course, I’m aware. I know there’s a rumor going around that someone in our club killed Itsumi. Do I believe it, you ask? Hmm, well…
Was it a suicide or murder? We don’t even know that much.
It’s true. Itsumi’s death is shrouded in mystery. You all know that we weren’t allowed to attend her funeral and that none of her family would tell us what happened, right? Itsumi’s father, mother, and younger brother Kazuki wouldn’t say a thing.
I still have dreams about it. I see Itsumi lying face-down, covered in blood—
You were all there to see the body. Why did she die on school grounds? Why had she fallen into a flowerbed on the lower terrace? And why was she holding that when she died? What was she trying to tell us?
This is all I’ve been thinking about every day for the past week.
Which is why I’d like to commemorate her tonight. In her beloved salon, with all the Literature Club members in attendance.
I may be your host for the night, but the true star of the show is none other than our dearly departed friend, Itsumi Shiraishi.
I honestly considered cancelling tonight’s meeting until I remembered what a pivotal role our club played in her high school career. You could even say that this is where she spent all of her adolescence. She used to come here every day after school to read and passionately discuss various works in her earnest attempt to become a writer and literary critic. Her father was so taken by her passion that he gave her this salon. I thought it would be much better for us to mourn together as a club rather than separately and alone. It’s a very Literature Club way to show our respects…don’t you think? You all came here because you agree with me and don’t think this is improper, right?
I think Itsumi is happy about this. I would know.
✦ ✦ ✦
But, no matter what it takes, I need to find out what was going on.
What on earth happened?
I asked you all to write about this incident, from your own point of views, so that we can find the answer.
Short stories about Itsumi’s death. Short stories dedicated to Itsumi. I wanted you to remember everything you can about that unfortunate incident and write it down, and then read it aloud to everyone in our club. We are bound to learn the truth about her death, which has sublimated into your writing. Why did Itsumi have to die? And—did one of you really murder her?
What terrible thunder. The sound of the rain is growing louder. And yet, isn’t a summer storm fitting for the evening?
Well then, it’s about time to begin.
I am going to turn off the chandelier. Is everyone ready?
Once the lights are out, I will only rely on candlelight to guide me as I start to add things to the stew. Then, I will have you take turns reading aloud. I’ve created a space next to the sofa and arranged a candlestick near the fireplace. Please read your stories in that space.
Now, let the St. Mary’s Academy for Girls Literature Club’s 61st Meeting and Mystery Stew Reading begin.