He stood upon the bridge, watching the clouds drift across the night sky. Bathed in the moonlight peeking through the gaps, he listened to the stillness of the night that enveloped his surroundings.
A cool, gentle breeze brushed against his skin. The drifting clouds gradually began to shroud the moon. Just as the moon was completely hidden, he leapt from the bridge.
His consciousness remained sharp as he plummeted toward the ground. His entire life played back in his mind at high speed. Ah, so this is the “revolving lantern” of memories, he thought. He gazed at the images flickering through his brain—vaguely, yet with startling clarity.
Whether at school or at work, he had mostly been alone. He never started a family, nor did he ever have a lover. It wasn’t that he hated people, but few truly understood him. He was an eccentric. True to his eccentric nature until the very end, he watched the record of his life as if he were an indifferent observer.
Suddenly, one image caught his attention. It was a memory of an idol he had admired. While he was sitting idly at an event venue, she had approached him of her own accord and taken a photo with him. It was a warm, intimate event, much like a small party. He remembered the moment she spoke to him so kindly.
“Please, make sure you have a wonderful time.”
Ah, I really did, he thought. A faint smile crossed his face as he felt his consciousness slip away, and in that moment, he fell into a deep sleep.
