Onmyōza Hyakumonogatari Story XII "Your Shadow"

(Omokage begins at 16:28)

How long has it been since you passed away? I've grown all old, but you're still the same strapping young man smiling in the photograph. When you first met me, you just kept admiring the design of my kimono instead of me. Do you remember that? "Those are very pretty wisteria flowers," you said without once raising your blushing face. Out of disappointment, I haven't worn that kimono at all since then. But when the war was over, that was the only thing I never sold, even when I needed the money.

When I received news of your passing, I cried until my tears ran dry. I actually intended to follow you right away. I wanted to burn myself in the flames of the war and be with you once again. Even though the air raid sirens were ringing and the sky turned deep red, I walked in the opposite direction of the people running for their lives. That was when you came to me, didn't you? "You just keep getting yourself in trouble. Come on, this way," you said and lead me by the hand, like back when we used to walk by the riverbank. I felt so happy.

That was when I decided that I would keep on living even if I was alone. No, forgive me. I forget that I haven't been alone at all. Through hard times, through painful times, and through happy times too, I have always felt your presence. You must have come to check up on me since I always get myself in trouble. Still, together with your shadow, I've managed to live long enough to become a wrinkly old granny. My dear, I'm sure we are going to meet soon. When I meet you I'll be as proud as a peacock. I've worked hard enough, haven't I? I know! I think I'll wear that kimono with the wisteria flowers on it. That way you'll recognize me right away, right? But this time, say something nice about me instead of just admiring my kimono, okay?

陰陽座百物語　第拾弐話「面影」

貴方が逝ってしまって、もうどれ位になりますかしら？私はすっかり年老いてしまったのに、写真の貴方は清清しい青年の姿で、今でも微笑んでいますね。貴方は私に始めて会った時、私の事より着物の柄ばかりを褒めたのよ。覚えているかしら？とても美しい藤の花ですねって、始終うつむいて真っ赤になって。何だか悔しくて、あれきり一度も着なかったけれど、戦争が終わって物入りの時も、何故だかあれだけは売らなかったの。

貴方が逝ってしまったと知らせを受けた時は、涙が枯れ果てるまで泣きました。急いで私も後を追おうと思ったわ。私も戦いの炎に焼かれて、貴方の許に行こうと思った。警報が鳴り響いて、空が真っ赤になっても　、げる人達と反対の方へ歩いていったの。でも貴方、あの時、私の所へ来てくださったでしょう？「まったくお前は危なっかしいな。ほら、こっちだよ」って、いつも二人で河原を散歩していた時の様に手を引いてくださったの。嬉しかったわ。

あの時私、一人でもちゃんと生きてみようって決めたんですのよ。いいえ、一人じゃなかったわね。辛い時、苦しい時、幸せな時、いつも貴方の気配を感じたわ。きっと私があんまり危なっかしいから、様子を見に来てくださっていたのね。でも、貴方の面影と共に、こんな皺くちゃのおばあさんになるまで、生きてこられたのよ。ねえ貴方、きっともうそろそろお会い出来ますわね。私、大威張りで貴方に会うわ。頑張ったでしょうって。そうだ！あの藤の花の着物、あれを着ていこうかしら？そうすれば貴方、人目で私だと気付いてくださるでしょう？でも、お願いですから今度は着物じゃなくて私の事、褒めてくださいね。