I decided to observe the situation. I discovered that Itsumi’s desserts were all marked in some way, and that Akane personally brought them to her. Then, Itsumi would take a few bites and say that she “didn’t feel well.”
One moment Itsumi would be sweating and claiming that she was hot, and the next she would be shivering and cold and lying on the sofa. After Itsumi would gulp down the black tea I brought her, she would stagger into the kitchen and munch on cakes that hadn’t even been decorated yet.
I’ve seen people act like this before. Yes: These were the actions of someone who’d been poisoned. I know because I had interviewed people at a rehabilitation center when I was asked to write an essay for the “No more! Say no! Stop! The! Drugs!” campaign. The people at the center had staring eyes, couldn’t regulate their body temperature, and were always thirsty and gorging themselves…just like Itsumi!
When I realized how serious things were, I panicked. Itsumi wouldn’t just get sick if this continued, she would die. I knew Akane wouldn’t be able to stop me if I tackled the problem head-on. I had to do something. So when The Tragedy of Y was mentioned at one of our book discussions, I took the chance to slip in a hint.
“Slipping people drugs and poison is so passé. It may have worked in the past, but now we can figure out everything with autopsies,” I said.
I still remember the look on Akane’s face. Her soft eyes instantly lost color, as if they’d turned to stone. I pretended not to see her reaction. She was my friend. I felt pity for her.
By then, I was convinced that she would stop poisoning Itsumi. My words were meant to help Akane and bring her to her senses.
But now I think they probably had the converse effect and made her feel trapped. Hence why I think Akane stopped drugging Itsumi and felt like she had no other choice but to push Itsumi off the terrace. If my theory is true, then my heart truly aches for Akane. I really do feel bad, you know. I kind of feel like I’m the one who pushed Akane over the edge.
If Itsumi died, all plans to donate and move the salon would naturally dissipate. And Akane has been in the kitchen every day since Itsumi’s death. She’s been baking caramel chiffon cakes and grape mousse because, she says, “They were Itsumi’s favorites.” But to me, it almost seems like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
And then, Akane even said that Kominami wants to purchase the salon and kitchen. If she could make this happen, the salon and kitchen would be relocated and made into a Western-style restaurant. Of course, she also said she would be one of the owners and make all kinds of foods and desserts.
Even the finest restaurant would be no match for this kitchen. Itsumi bought all of the equipment and tools that Akane had asked for since joining the club, creating the ideal kitchen for her. A kitchen that exists only for Akane…Akane’s Wonderland.
I don’t know. I feel conflicted. Of course, I still love Itsumi. She was like my older sister and then died—and so young. This has left me with a tremendous sense of loss. If Akane hadn’t been the culprit, I’d hate and resent and curse whoever did this…but I like Akane too. She’s nice and hard-working. I want her to get her dream restaurant, I really do.
So, here I wallow in my regret, stuck wondering if I could’ve done something to stop this from happening. But what’s done is done. My regrets mean nothing now.
It was incredibly unlucky that Akane’s family restaurant burned down. That must have completely changed her life. She probably developed a deeper love for, and assigned more meaning to, the salon’s kitchen than we had ever imagined she would. And once she found out she was going to lose her kitchen…Yes, I can understand her rage. Akane, too, is a poor victim here.
She may have done something terrible, but I still love her. She may have taken my older sister Itsumi away, but I cannot bring myself to hate the murderer.
But I can’t deny what I happened to see the day Itsumi died. I was walking down the passageway and…
I can’t forget the exultant look on Akane’s face as she shoved Itsumi from behind. She squinted her eyes, as if looking at something bright, as she watched Itsumi fall from the terrace. Isn’t that when Akane got one step closer to her dream? Didn’t Alice have to kill the Queen of Hearts to get her hands on Wonderland?
I will not judge her. If this is what Akane felt she had to do to solve her problems, no one has the right to criticize her.
When I saw the lilies in Itsumi’s hand, I prayed that no one would remember Akane’s scar.
There may come a day when Akane will have to repent. But, until that day comes, I hope she can at least recover a little from the stains of her misfortune. I hope she got what she wanted by killing Itsumi.
I sincerely pray for that from the bottom of my heart.
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(Fin.)
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Thank you very much for reading, Shiyo.
It seems that everyone was most excited for the novelist’s story after all. That includes myself, of course. That is why I had you read last.
I love your literary style, Shiyo. The rhythm and expressions you use in your piece just screams “high school girl.” I read all of the middle school, high school, and college versions of the Kimikageso series, and I can’t wait for your next story.
I didn’t know the myth about the birth of Venus. Beauty born from the Sky Father’s castration. That really does fit Itsumi to a tee. You could even say Itsumi was “mystical.”
Your take on the events was intriguing. You put all that was in your head eloquently on paper. Shiyo, you are truly quite the talent.
Yes, I remember you looking up the recipe for the “Arms of Venus” in the salon. And also when you ran into the kitchen with the recipe in your hand. I was very curious and excited to see how it would taste. What a shame it was that we never got to eat it. If your story is true, then that must mean…
Yet another theory has emerged. But all of your stories sound true. How very strange. How are we supposed to reach a conclusion? Anyway, thank you, Shiyo. You may return to your seat. Everyone, a round of applause for the professional author.
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Well, that was the last of your readings. Thank you, everyone, for your participation.
This past week, it’s clear all of you have given Itsumi’s death a lot of thought before bringing your stories in. This must have been very hard for you, what with final exams too. I am sure that Itsumi is pleased with all of you.
At last, it’s time for the final reading. It’s my turn.
But I must apologize in advance; I didn’t write this next story.
It was written by Itsumi Shiraishi herself.
Everyone, please settle down. I just received it this morning. There is no question about it—this is certainly her handwriting. When did she write this? I understand why you’re all confused. Anyway, I will now read it to you…
* From Angelo Poliziano’s “Stanze per la giostra,” translated by David Quint in The Stanze of Angelo Poliziano, The Pennsylvania State University Press.