The sound of cicadas and the warning alarm of a railroad crossing echo through the air. Standing in front of the safety barrier, his skin is so pale he seems as if he might disappear, so fragile. When I tell him to hurry and come over here, he smiles so, so happily, and says something that is drowned out by all the noise.

That alone, I heard clearly. I couldn't help but hear it. Even though the roar of the approaching train is growing louder and louder, he climbs over the safety barrier, looks at me, and smiles again. The next moment, a cicada cries out with an extraordinarily loud voice.