Combs and Memories (櫛と思い出, Kushi to Omoide?) is a short story written by the author of the novel, Akumi Agitogi. It is included in Manga Volume 1 and is accompanied by an illustration by the mangaka Rito Kohsaka.
The story takes place shortly after Kiyoka Kudou has gifted Miyo Saimori a comb after their first date.[1]
Summary[]
That night, Miyo places the newly received comb and her old comb besides each other. As she gazes at the pair, her thoughts return to when she lived in the Saimori household. As Kanoko confiscated most of her belongings when she was a little girl, her daily effects were gifted by the servants. They were all so worn it would be no good anymore. Half of the teeth were already missing from the comb she got, but Miyo still used it to brush her hair every day.
One morning, around five or six years ago, her comb snapped right in half. She used her fingers to rake through her hair to make herself presentable. When Kanoko saw her, she threw a heavy porcelain ornament at her, chastising her for not being able to groom herself. Miyo whipped her arms up and the object hits her arms. Without complaining about the pain, she bowed and apologized. Kanoko continues to curse at her, wishing for her death. Miyo apologized until her stepmother was satisfied and left.
The wound was so severe that Miyo collapsed near the servants' entrance. As she was on the verge of passing out, an unfamiliar young servant asked her if she is alright. When the servant rucked up Miyo's sleeve, a dark red swollen bruise was visible. Returning with a box of medical supplies, the servant began treating her arm. Miyo warns her that if Kanoko or Kaya find out, they will punish her. However, the servant says that there is no need to worry, as she will be quitting the job soon to return to her village. When Miyo thanked her, the servant apologized for ignoring all abuse directed at Miyo in the past two months of her working here and felt that helping her now makes her feel better. She handed Miyo a practically brand-new comb as an apology for using Miyo to assuage her own guilt.
Back to the present, Miyo tries to remember the girl and wishes both this girl and Hana happiness for being the only ones who brought her warmth in a cold household. Despite the fact that the old comb is of no use anymore, she would always keep it with her. Thinking about the way Kiyoka gifted her the comb, she believes combs always brings kindness with them.
Characters[]
- Miyo Saimori
- Kanoko Saimori
- Unnamed servant
- Hana Kanao (mentioned)
- Kaya Saimori (mentioned)
- Kiyoka Kudou (mentioned)
References[]
- ↑ Novel, Volume 1 Chapter 2
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