Toshiko, former pupil:
[Takako is visiting her in a church, where she lies critically ill with radiation sickness]
Ah, Teacher.
Takako Ishikawa:
You still remember me.
Toshiko, former pupil:
I didn't at first but it came to me.
Takako Ishikawa:
Have you live here all this time?
Toshiko, former pupil:
Yes, for six years. The priest saved me the day of the bomb. I've been here ever since.
Takako Ishikawa:
And your mother and father?
Toshiko, former pupil:
Everyone was killed. And I decided to stay here. Here I can say prayers for them. I ask God to grant us peace forever.
Takako Ishikawa:
That is a very good thing to do.
Toshiko, former pupil:
Now I understand that war is the greatest evil. War is hell.
Toshiko, former pupil:
[continues]
Teacher, will you sing for me?
Takako Ishikawa:
What shall I sing?
Toshiko, former pupil:
The one you always sang at lunch. About the red ship.
Takako Ishikawa:
You remember very well!
Toshiko, former pupil:
I want to hear it just once more.
Takako Ishikawa:
Alright, then...
Takako Ishikawa:
[starts to sing]
Dear Mother, go to sleep and don't cry. Father will come home tomorrow in a red boat.
Toshiko, former pupil:
Is it nice on your island?
Takako Ishikawa:
Beautiful. I wish you could visit me. The sun rises out of the eastern sea, and sets in the west.
Toshiko, former pupil:
I'd love to, but I don't think I will. I'm going to die. But I don't mind because I'll go and join my mother and father.
[turns away, folds her hands on her chest in prayer]
Riportata da il
05/03/2025 alle ore 08:38