A person who was involved with this novel asked me, “If you had any skill (like the kind in this book), what would it be?” the other day.
This was actually a very embarrassing question. Even after putting some serious thought into it, I had no idea how to answer.
A skill is something that you excel at doing. So what am I exceptionally good at? It was then I realized that I had nothing that I could proudly declare, “I’m good at this,” to another person. I can list a number of weaknesses, but I couldn’t come up with a skill that I could puff out my chest and call my own.
I thought and thought. I briefly considered saying I could manipulate fire at will, but I knew I would regret it.Then it hit me like a lightning bolt from the gods, bing!
The answer that came to me in that moment was “My skill is meeting people!” I said it proudly.
It makes me laugh with regret every time I think back on that person’s face and my excitement when I found my answer. Honestly, I would have liked to dig a hole and bury myself alive out of embarrassment. But I really do believe that I have a skill when it comes to meeting people.
I learned something by meeting so many people up to this point in my life. I received a lot of support and occasionally much-needed help. All of these “meetings” have given me many connections, and those connections are without a doubt my greatest treasure.
I have been blessed with many “meetings.”
This book could not have won a prize without the hard work of many people. First, I am grateful to all the members of the GA Editing Department, especially the leaders who put up with me and led me on the right path, and to Mr. Suzuhito Yasuda, for creating many illustrations for this novel. I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone I met during production. This publication was completed only because I met all these people and received their support. I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation. Thank you, everyone.
And finally to you, the one who was kind enough to read this novel. This may sound strange, but I’d like to believe that I have “met” you through this book as well.Thank you for reading my message. Let’s “meet” again soon!
Sincerely,
Fujino Ohmori
