"Finally, it's over."
"Yeah."
"Commuting from here to that elementary school was exhausting. We had to leave about an hour earlier than usual to make it on time."
Today marked the eighth time that we had graduated from elementary school. Although our new house was outside the school district, the teachers kindly allowed us to continue attending our old school since it was so close to the end of the school year.
"Today is the last day we'll use this surname, huh?"
"I don't see the need to change it, but the law requires it, so it can't be helped."
To avoid unnecessary questions, we had kept the surname Kayoru until we graduated from elementary school. From middle school onward, we would use our new surname. The thought of cutting another tie with our parents filled me with complex emotions.
"So, we'll be called Shirochi in middle school, huh? I wonder if I'll respond quickly enough when someone calls me by that name."
"Don't worry so much. You'll get used to it."
"...I know it's a bit late to ask, but are you really okay with not going to that middle school?"
The new house we moved into was still within the commuting range of the prestigious middle school we had always aimed for, but I hadn't even taken the entrance exam this time. We were too busy with the move and, to be honest, I didn't feel like going there anymore. But now, I found myself wondering why I hadn't taken the exam, so I decided to ask my sister.
"It doesn't matter which school I attend; nothing will change. I've already memorized everything taught in middle and high school, and there's no point in going without you. On the contrary, I'd like to ask you something. I don't mean to criticize, but why didn't you pass the exam? The questions were the same, and you'd passed it once before. What happened?"
"Haha, I guess it's only natural to be curious. But you know, when you live a normal life, you quickly forget the questions. When I passed the exam before, it was because I had memorized the questions from the previous life and died shortly after, so I still remembered them. But after I realized that passing the exam wouldn't change anything, I lost motivation to study, and I probably couldn't bring myself to care enough to pass the exam this time."
I wasn't entirely sure myself, but it was true that deep down, I felt that passing wouldn't make a difference. And part of me believed it was wrong to cheat my way into a school I wouldn't have normally gotten into.
"I see. That makes sense... Then let me ask you another question: Are you really okay with not going to the same middle school as before?"
I was relieved she understood, but her next question left me confused.
"What do you mean?"
"...You talk about Mashibu Mai quite often, about how you want to thank her and all. So, I thought you might prefer going back to that school. We still have time to change our minds."
"Oh, that's what you meant. But it's okay. I did want to thank Mai-san for everything she did, and she was the reason I realized so much, so I'm grateful to her. But I'm already saved."
"And how does that mean you don't need to go?"
"Because I think Mai-san helped me out of kindness, out of a sense of responsibility. Of course, there were other reasons, but I believe she felt she couldn't just leave me alone. But now I'm okay. I want her to share that kindness with someone else, and besides, Mai-san doesn't remember me."
Yes, she doesn't remember. That's probably the hardest part. But Mai-san was one of the people who shaped who I am now, so it's okay if only I remember.
"You're right. It would be strange to talk to someone who doesn't remember you."
"It would be really stressful to know things about someone when they don't know you. I even accidentally called Mai-san by her first name the first time we met. Speaking of which, I've been meaning to ask: How does Shinobu-san remember the past? You know something, don't you?"
I had been meaning to ask this for a while, but time kept slipping by. Since Shinobu-san lived on a different floor, I rarely saw her unless she came up for dinner.
"That's right. Just like you suspect, she has a unique ability, just like us. She has the ability to recall past lives."
"…To recall past lives?"
"Yes. Well, according to her, it's not an ability but a kotodama—a power of words. But you should ask her about it yourself. It's not something I should explain."
"Thank you. That clears things up. I'll ask her if I get the chance."
So that's how it was. If she knew the name of her ability, she probably knew a lot more. If I get the chance, I'd like to ask her more questions.