At the End of the Matinee

by Keiichirō Hirano

The value of work and hobbies was the easy comfort they provided to lonely people who suffered from not being loved because they were not beautiful or lively. But such people forgot to dream fervently of becoming beautiful or lively in order to be loved.

The notes shone like gems polished with white gloves.

“Respect the gods and Buddhas, but do not rely on them.”