How Do You Live?

by Genzaburo Yoshino

“Well. To part with such good friends over something like this is a painful state of affairs,” his uncle said, returning to a quieter tone of voice. “I understand the feeling you expressed, that you want to mend your relationship with Kitami and the others. But you must understand, Copper, that you can’t think of that right now. What you must do now, before anything else, is first to apologize to Kitami like a man. To convey to your friends how deeply sorry you are feeling and to do it honestly, without excuses. What happens after that is not for you to think about now. “If you humbly admit your mistake, that may help you make amends with Kitami and the others, and perhaps you can all be friends as before. Or else they may remain resentful and continue to turn their backs on you. That is something you can’t know here and now, no matter how much you try to think it through. However, even if they do reject your friendship, you can’t complain. “That’s why—you see, Copper—that’s why now is the moment to show courage! You must resolve to face the consequences of your actions with bravery, whatever they may be, no matter how hard! “When you think about it, your failure before was due to your inability to show such resolve, wasn’t it? Didn’t you lack the courage to keep the solemn promise you made?”