I'll be waiting here 2 ollybolly

Summary

This poignant story reflects on the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, focusing on a grandfather and his dog, Hodu, who return to their abandoned village. Amidst the desolation, they care for lost animals, including a baker's cat and a supermarket lady's fish bowl. Despite the bleakness of the world around them, a sense of hope emerges as the grandfather and his dog nurse the remaining creatures back to health. The narrative explores themes of loss, resilience, and the bond between humans and animals in times of disaster, culminating in a bittersweet moment of peace beneath cherry blossoms.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story follows a grandfather who returns to his abandoned village to care for the animals left behind after a natural disaster and nuclear crisis.
• 😀 Grandfather's loyal dog, Hodu, joins him on his journey to find and care for the other animals in need, including a missing cat named Myomyo.
• 😀 After the village is rendered unsafe for humans, the grandfather makes the arduous journey back, despite his frailty and exhaustion, driven by his love for the animals.
• 😀 The grandfather and Hodu manage to find Myomyo's body, but eventually discover her two kittens, who become their new companions.
• 😀 The narrative highlights the emotional impact of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster on both humans and animals, with a focus on abandonment and survival.
• 😀 The story explores themes of loss, resilience, and hope, showing how love and care can endure even in the harshest circumstances.
• 😀 The grandfather’s deteriorating health contrasts with the recovery and strengthening of Hodu and the kittens, underscoring the cyclical nature of life.
• 😀 The animals’ loyalty and companionship provide emotional support for the grandfather, emphasizing the deep bond between humans and animals in times of crisis.
• 😀 The writer’s note shares a personal reflection on the impact of the 2011 disaster, particularly the emotional distress of seeing animals left behind and abandoned during the evacuation.
• 😀 The story concludes with the hope that the villagers will one day return to their homes, as Grandfather, Hodu, and the kittens wait under a cherry tree surrounded by falling petals, symbolizing renewal and waiting for a return to normalcy.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The main theme of the script revolves around the emotional struggles of individuals who are forced to leave their homes due to a disaster. It particularly focuses on the bond between a grandfather and his dog, Hodu, as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world, caring for abandoned animals and coping with the loss of their village.

How does the grandfather's journey illustrate his deep love for his pets?

The grandfather's journey demonstrates his deep love for his pets through his determination to return home, despite physical exhaustion. He walks through the night, weakened and injured, just to reunite with his animals, especially Hodu, whom he is deeply connected to. His care for Hodu and other animals left behind highlights the emotional and physical sacrifices he is willing to make for his loved ones.

What role do the animals play in the grandfather's life during this crisis?

The animals, especially Hodu, serve as both a source of emotional support and a motivating factor for the grandfather. They remind him of the home and life he once had, pushing him to endure the hardships of his journey. The companionship and care he gives to the animals also provide him with a sense of purpose in the midst of the devastation.

What does the story suggest about the impact of the disaster on the community?

The story suggests that the disaster has caused irreversible damage to the community, leading to the abandonment of homes, pets, and personal belongings. The villagers can never return to their homes due to the contamination and pollution of the area, highlighting the long-term effects of such catastrophes on individuals and their sense of belonging.

How does the grandfather’s relationship with Hodu reflect themes of loyalty and sacrifice?

The grandfather's relationship with Hodu reflects deep loyalty and sacrifice, as the grandfather endures immense physical suffering just to ensure Hodu's safety and well-being. Hodu, in return, shows unwavering loyalty, even licking the grandfather's bloodied toes in a moment of profound connection. This bond underscores the theme of mutual care and the sacrifices both are willing to make for each other.

What does the scene with Myomyo, the baker's cat, represent?

The scene with Myomyo, the baker's cat, represents the harsh reality of loss and the bittersweet nature of survival. While Myomyo is found dead, its two kittens appear shortly after, symbolizing hope and renewal amid despair. This juxtaposition of loss and new life reflects the ongoing cycle of life in the aftermath of the disaster.

What is the significance of the cherry blossoms in the final scene?

The cherry blossoms in the final scene symbolize fleeting beauty and the passage of time. Their blooming during the spring offers a sense of renewal and growth, even in the face of tragedy. For the grandfather, Hodu, and the kittens, it serves as a peaceful moment of respite, suggesting that life continues despite the hardship they have endured.

How does the writer's note at the end relate to the story's themes?

The writer's note connects the story to real-world events, specifically the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and emphasizes the emotional impact of the Fukushima disaster. The note highlights the writer’s personal feelings of fear and despair, paralleling the themes of abandonment, loss, and survival in the script. It underscores the human and animal suffering that often accompanies such catastrophic events.

Why do the villagers, despite the hardship, continue to care for the animals left behind?

The villagers continue to care for the animals left behind because of the deep emotional bond they share with their pets. The animals represent a part of their lost lives, and caring for them gives the villagers a sense of purpose and connection to their former lives. It also speaks to the theme of loyalty and the responsibility that comes with owning pets.

What does the story suggest about the resilience of the human spirit?

The story suggests that the human spirit is deeply resilient, even in the face of overwhelming loss. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the disaster, the grandfather finds the strength to walk home for the sake of his beloved pet and to help other abandoned animals. The narrative highlights the perseverance, hope, and love that endure even in the darkest moments.