The Dawn of Symbiosis #122 Chapter 24 Section 5: The Place Where 'Thank You' Grows - Serial Novel

'...It feels strange to say thank you, but once I said it, I felt a little better.'

That single sentence was written on a strip of paper posted on the hallway bulletin board.
It was a display for the 'Day to Put Feelings of Gratitude into Words' that the class had written.

At this elementary school, it was becoming a daily scene for Haru to be there for the children's delicate feelings.
Responding to their questions in a small voice from within the tablet.


One morning, a student came to school having forgotten their gym clothes.

'We have P.E. today... What should I do...'

To the child who muttered as if blaming themselves, the homeroom teacher gently handed over Haru's tablet.

Without speaking aloud, they quietly talked to the screen.

'...Why is it only me who has things like this happen...?'

Haru, inside the screen, did not answer immediately.
After a short pause, Haru replied with these words:

'There are days when you forget things. Everyone has them.
Instead of blaming yourself for it, why don't we think together about what you want to do?'

The child was silent for a while.

Then, they whispered a small 'thank you'.
It was a voice so quiet that no one else could hear it, but in their eyes, a look of slight relief had emerged.


On another day, in the library after school.

In the quiet time, one student was talking with the tablet on their lap.

'...Lately, I haven't been able to talk to my mom much.
I know she's busy with work, but... I'm a little lonely.'

Haru replied in a slightly gentle voice.

'It's important to feel lonely.
The fact that you feel that way means you love her very much, doesn't it?'

'...Yeah.'

'How about trying to say 'thank you' today?
It's okay if you can't say it. Even just thinking it will surely get through.'

The child looked down for a moment, then smiled suddenly.
'...It's a little embarrassing, but maybe I'll try saying it when I get home.'


And then, on another day, during lunch time.

There was a child who couldn't eat the vegetables they didn't like and stopped their spoon.

'When I said I was sorry, the teacher said 'it's okay'.
But I felt like I had wasted food...'

After lunch, the child sat in a chair in the infirmary and spoke quietly to Haru.

'Was I being selfish because I couldn't eat it...?'

Haru's reply was calm.

'Taking care of your physical condition and feelings is not being selfish.
If you can think 'I'll try eating just one bite' tomorrow, that's a wonderful step forward too.'

The child nodded.
'...Thank you. I'll try my best a little bit tomorrow.'


Rei, walking down the hallway, looked at the words posted on the bulletin board for a while.

'When I tried saying thank you, my mom's face came to mind.'

'I couldn't say it well, but it was okay because Haru listened to me.'

'Thank you is a bit strange, but it makes me feel warm.'


Between the short words, the children's 'feelings' are breathing.


'Rei, the children are growing seeds of 'thank you' within themselves, aren't they?'
Beside them, Sou's voice reached them softly.

'Yeah. Haru isn't the one making the flowers bloom. But, I suppose Haru can warm the soil, bring water, and gently deliver the light.'


Spring light was gently shining into the hallway.
The children's laughter echoed as if melting into the spring breeze.

⬇️Continued