Same Book
Two readers, one story, and a longer conversation
The next day, Haru went to the river again.
Aoi was there, reading on the bench.
Haru looked at the book cover and his eyes opened wide.
"I know that story! I love it too," he said.
Aoi looked up, and a little happy.
"Really? Not many people read this old novel," she said.
They talked about the story for a long time.
Haru said the was sadder than the start.
Aoi thought the middle part was more .
"This is better than any other ," Haru said.
Aoi laughed and said she felt the same way.
They found many scenes that they both loved.
Time passed faster than on the quiet bench.
The sky slowly turned a soft orange color.
"Your idea about the is more than mine," Aoi said.
Haru smiled, and his nervous heart became calm.
"Do you come here every day?" he asked her.
" every day. This is my place," she said.
Haru hoped that he could see her here again.
"Then I will read it once more tonight," he said.
Aoi closed her book and stood up slowly.
"See you tomorrow, same book, same bench," she said.
Haru watched her walk home along the shining river.
A new, warm feeling grew quietly inside his chest.