The Demanding Anpanman

Morning Drama "Anpan"
On the Final Episode
Written by Koharu Kirino

A quiet classroom. Morning light streams through the window. Koharu gazes at a single anpan placed on the desk and speaks.

"Come on, eat me.
......Don't bite me.
Oh, the red bean paste is spilling.
The bread dough where you tore it is getting tough.
There's not enough bean paste there.
I recommend one-third of the whole thing.
It's properly sourced from Tokachi.
I'm against mislabeling the origin......"

(The bread's voice continues inside Koharu's heart)

"My head is too big and I can't fly.
I want to be a little cooler.
I don't want to punch germs.
Currypan should do it.
Why isn't it Uncle An?
Batako-san, please don't throw me.
That's food abuse."

(Tears well up in Koharu's eyes)

"Why red bean paste?
I'd prefer white bread.
Raw donuts would be nice too.
I don't like Currypan.
......But, even so, I'd still want to be an anpan if I were reborn."

(She gasps softly)

"What is a bell of courage? That's a foreign object contamination.
It's not 100% courage, it's 71% red bean paste.
I don't need a new face.
I want to reach my expiration date in peace.
More than everyone's dreams, my own dream.
My dream is—three Michelin stars."

(Koharu smiles faintly, but her voice trembles)

"At least, eat me deliciously.
I'd rather meet you at a bakery than a convenience store.
I don't like 7-Eleven's curry bread.
Don't cry...... I'm the one who wants to cry.
......In the end, thank you for eating me."

"The poppy seeds left in your mouth are my little prank.
The Demanding Anpanman—."

Sound of a bell. Enveloped in light, the curtain falls.

"*This work is fiction. It has no relation to any real-life heroes or bread."