がんばれ

がんばれ

がんばれ

The boy smiles. Again his efforts paid off. Reaching the top of his class, the only one with a perfect score.

がんばれ

The girl stands motionless, alone in her despair despite the others around her. They talk about the latest gossip. She listens but does not hear.

がんばれ

The teacher repeats his chant to his students. Final exams are approaching. Then come spring, a new school year will begin. Then entrance exams.

がんばれ

Living each day in accordance with an assigned routine. Is it his or theirs? Everyday he comes home, mother greets him with the usual, "welcome home!" And "how was school?". He's the perfect son, isn't he?

At 18 years-old he has his own car and driver's license before any of his peers. The train schedule is foreign to him.

His father returns late from work. "Welcome home!", his mother repeats. Is it her or is it her expectation?

Will this be his life?

がんばれ

She struggles in her studies, though her bubbly persona makes up for it. She's well-liked amongst her peers, alive. Though her emotions are dead. She is surrounded yet lonely. Her friends must secretly hate her. Perhaps her assertiveness to approach people first is annoying.

Her mother scolds her when she comes home late. Yet she doesn't care. Why does it matter? Her life will be dictated by those around her, why not enjoy it all now?

If it can be.

がんばれ

He is secretly emotional. He hides his pain behind a carefree facade. He's friendly, he's a good person, but he's not. His generosity is his motive. Yet he craves the same thing.

Wanting is selfish. He cannot want. He can only give. Even if it hurts, he will give.

がんばれ

It's a dog eat dog world. She only has herself. Those around her despise her and she will despise them in turn. Yes, their kindness is superficial. No one could ever want her.

Giving is foolish. She cannot give. She can only take. That's what it means to survive a meaningless existence.

がんばれ

He dreams for the first time. It's vivid, yet he does not remember. But it gave him something. He took. And he smiled.

がんばれ

Her dreams are devoid of feeling, but she feels content. Perhaps her dream went to someone else. She doesn't experience loss, but satisfaction. She gave. And she smiled.

がんばれ

Maybe it's okay. He will cry today. And he will take. Maybe it's okay.

がんばれ

Maybe it's okay. She'll finally scream into the abyss like she's always wanted. And after that, she will give. Maybe it's okay.

がんばれ

A new day comes. Perhaps there is another chance. They just need a change.

He will walk to school.

She will walk to school.

がんばれ

She speaks first.

"GOOD MORNING!!", She screams.

The boy laughs. For the first time, he laughs.

"Good morning!" He replies.

For the first time, she speaks first. She gives. For the first time, he is greeted first. He took.

And it felt great.

お疲れ様

がんばれ = Do your best

お疲れ様 = Great job