The beginning

[QuillPenLove]

When the three delinquents first discover the Namiya General Store and begin answering the letters, how does your perception of them evolve?

What does this opening section suggest about redemption and the unexpected ways people can do good?

[minoko]

I think it's a very simple thing.
To listen to someone who's troubled, and if possible, to give them an answer.
The compassion inherent in all people.
That very simple thing is a miracle everyone possesses.
That's why my perception of them never changed.

Since atonement isn't something forced or done for others' approval, I believe their act of writing replies in the midnight Namiya General Store—a completely isolated, otherworldly space—offers hope for the goodness in people.

[QuillPenLove]

I didn’t really know what to expect.
I was expecting trouble to arise, not necessarily caused by them, but that something bad would happen.
As the book progressed, I was surprise to see how they perceived the world and themselves.