Chapter 14: Energy

Chapter 14: Energy is the fourteenth chapter of Breathe Deeply.

Characters

 * Sei Inaba
 * Oishi
 * Yuko Kazama
 * Ryo

Synopsis
Sei sits beside Oishi on a sea wall, the former is giving up research with Sei reasoning that his is finished. It had ended the best possible way.

Oishi says that fifteen years ago he wanted more than anything to keep Yuko alive, but when he saw her again he realized how painful that must be. He feels guilty for putting his desires over hers. Asked why he helped, it was because Oishi also realized that what Yuko really wanted was a life with Sei.

They think back to their summer together with Yuko, Oishi is set on continuing his research, for him the joy of learning is equal to the joy of love. Oishi does thank Sei for changing his life, but declines to visit Yuko since it will be too hard to say goodbye.

Departing, Oishi is left with thoughts of Yuko telling him that he was the first person to ever make her smile, which causes him to cry.

Yuko has been taken to the ocean in her wheelchair by Sei. Speaking as if she were responsive, Sei contently tells her he is going to get her some water. Alone, Yuko can faintly manage to speak the word “water”.

On his way back Sei is stabbed but makes his way to Yuko, he says he has found them an island where it never snows and asks her to stay there with him. Yuko’s eyes move towards him and she appears happy.

In different locations, Ryo and Oishi note that snow is falling. On the pier Yuko and Sei are missing, we breathe in deep, as deeply as we can. To live, for as long as we have the strength.

Yuko’s crucifix is seen sinking down into the water.