act27side

The setting sun seems to be the last customer of the small shop. The one behind the counter is no longer a familiar old man, but a coffee-colored creature.

It cranks a grinder handle, and the aroma of coffee wafts into the air with bits and pieces of finely ground beans.

A record spins slowly as a loudspeaker sings leisurely.

Oh, welcome.

I don't think I saw you earlier. Are you new here?

I think so, because I don't have any memories from yesterday. I don't know why I'm here, but I thought I'd make a cup of coffee... Oh, would you like one?

Coffee has a nimbly wonderful flavor that comes only when you brew by hand. Now let's see... where did I put those newly arrived beans? I should have stored them myself...

Seems like it's behind some kind of guitar. Hm... talk of guitars is suddenly making me a little angry. How odd, what's got my heart frazzling?

Guitar? Angry? Are you okay?

Never mind. Maybe it's because that guitar looks a bit boring.

Please, sit anywhere you like. The one you're waiting for will soon be here.

The one I'm waiting for...?

Are you waiting? Or is the other? I can't tell.

Oh, you're here.

I... remember you.

Good evening, Adele. So sorry I'm late—did you remember to have breakfast today?

Yes, I did.

Huh? Why do you ask?

Good girl.

You've changed your clothes. are you ready?

Clothes...? Huh, isn't this Mutti's coat...?

Pack your things and let's go shopping. We'll go buy some things we need to climb a volcano.

The sun inches down bit by bit as the streetlamps along the path light up like stars. Adele's vision is a little fuzzy, as if she has seen a sky like this somewhere, sometime before.

Was there a short street in that small town on Leithanien's southern border, or on the road back home from her school in her memories?

She can even remember the smell of the air then. Slightly moist, with a hint of sunshine and plants growing, exactly the same as now.

Is this your shopping mall?

Yes. We have to make some preparations before we climb the volcano.

I know there's many things we need to bring. A compass, protective clothing, a camera... A tent and some flint too, if we're camping overnight.

No, we won't need those in here.

First, we need to buy enough 'knowledge,' 'courage,' and 'curiosity.' Check the prices before buying one of each, and lastly buy a little 'luck.'

But 'luck' is very expensive, and often the fastest to sell out, so it's alright to skip it if you don't have the budget.

I see...

The fluffy creature shakes itself, and several soda bottle caps fall from her wool. They clink and tinkle into the merchant's pouch.

Thank you for your generosity!

Hm... I may need to buy a bit more 'courage.'

I have enough 'courage' to climb the volcano, but I need a bit more 'courage' to leave home.

The fluffy critter shakes itself again, more caps falling out. The merchant opens its pouch, waiting for more.

Not enough, not enough.

If the pouch isn't full, I can't give you 'courage,' if the pouch isn't full.

If you don't manage to buy 'courage', will you be able to climb the volcano?

It's alright, Adele. Things like this happen all the time. I've gradually become used to finding 'courage' by and for myself.

Adele, let's get moving. We must be careful on our journey, and look after our things well.

Things? But I didn't bring anything with me.

Someone wants to steal the 'photograph.'

Follow me, and keep an eye on my package, okay?

What did you just say? I didn't catch that...

We can't go on like this Adele. Here, for you.

The cuddly creature shakes itself, and a fluff of wool falls out.

What's this...?

Go on, put it on your ear, and you'll be able to hear.

Now, we have to find the next one.

There is yet another fluffy critter covering a window in front of him with photographs. He turns his head at the sound of footsteps.

His fluffy back fidgets repeatedly, covering the window full of photos.

Oh, um... you two... you're finally here.

We have much to prepare. How's the weather looking?

The sky is full of thick clouds, I'm afraid it might rain soon.

Do we still have time?

Not much left. We'll need to hurry.

Adele looks at the sky without a cloud in sight.

Do you need me to buy an umbrella?

No, Adele. Look, I'm an umbrella.

We can't let the 'photograph' get wet, or be stolen. I'll keep it safe in my package.

What is this 'photograph' you're talking about?

Shh. I hope you never find out.

And if you do, that it happens far, far in the future.

The solemn creature lowers his head.

Let's go. We'll head upwards in a bit, and that's where we want to go.

You don't have enough wool yet, Adele. here, this is mine.

Eh...? O-Okay.

The two creatures seem to have shrunk a little, and Adele looks just like one of them.

Um... Oh! The wool seems to be bumping me upwards?

That means our trip is about to begin.

How's the view up there?

Always great before the rain falls.

And how are you feeling?

...Always great before the rain falls.

And you, Adele?

I...

Hm, you seem to be in a good mood?

The petite critter follows them, skipping and hopping.

Along the street, the lights, the clouds and the stars, it tries its best to get higher and higher.

Wow... I think it's gotten stronger.

Will it come with us?

The fluffy critter doesn't answer, and she bites onto a corner of Adele's coat. Clink, clank, they step on the lights.

Adele feels as if she's flying. People are come and go on the street—no, it is sheep that are moving to and fro.

——Oh! Be careful, you might run into someone.

They're selling flowers up ahead! I need to hurry.

No need to rush still, your rainbow is all crooked. Here, let me help you straighten it.

Alright, off you go.

Thank you, see you, so long!

Little Black Sheep shuffle through the streets one after another, going in and out of shops. The streets at night have taken on a different look.

Adele turns her head to look for her two companions who were separated by the waves of Little Black Sheep. As soon as she turns, she is greeted by the sight of two fluffy creatures quietly standing right behind her.

It is as if they have been waiting here for countless years.

Adele, you have to plant a pebble when you return this time.

A pebble?

Yes, just like we did with a small hunk of rock before.

We buried it in the ground, which was originally in a very dark shade, until it met many different kinds of rocks.

Let me guess. Because you bought a lot of 'luck' for it?

The two fluffy critters continue jumping upwards, towards the sky, seeming more distant than ever.

Adele stands in between, her hands outstretched holding onto their wool.