"Thank you," Ami accepted the book.
"It's unusual for you to forget your study book," commented the teacher, "Is something bothering you?"
"Nothing at all," replied Ami.
"You'll be facing entrance exams this year," advised the man, "I'm counting on you. By the way, I hear that you're looking after some low grade students..."
" I hope they aren't taking away time from your studies. If they're being a burden, you can send them to me any time."
"Even if you're the vice principal," replied Ami firmly, "I don't think that's very nice thing to say."
"I mean, if they are," amended the vice-principal, "I want you to concentrate on your own studies.
"A burden?" thought Usagi, "Maybe I am."
Naru came up behind Usagi. "I hope you haven't forgotten your
promise to treat me to pizza for letting you copy my homework."
"Ha... is that right?" Usagi tried to worm her way out of it.
"You have to buy some for Umino too," added Naru as she dragged Usagi
away.
The vice-principals words echoed in Ami's mind.
"Just study..."
Ami sat alone on some
steps in a park. Mamoru was passing by and saw her."Something bothering you?" asked Mamoru, "You look dazed. You don't seem ike yourself."
Ami asked Mamoru, "If you take studying away from me, what do you think would be left?"
"What do you mean?" said Mamoru.
"I'm sorry" said Amy, "Never mind. It's just that the idea occurred to me. My mother is a doctor and ever since I was little, I wanted to be doctor as well. And I've been studying all the time just for that. I thought it was my dream to be good doctor, but..."
"It isn't?" asked Mamoru
"I've started to feel as if I have no dreams," said Ami.
"What makes you say that?" asked Mamoru, "To be a good doctor is a very noble dream."
Ami continued to explain, "But people who have a real dream shine. Usagi-chan's got so many dreams, and she seems so radiant. There's no way I can be like her."
"I admit she's got too many dreams," commented Mamoru.
"There's no way I can be a good doctor just by studying a lot," said Ami.
"Well, that would be a shame," said Mamoru, "I think I could probably stand an injection, if it was given by a pretty doctor like you!"
"You mean you can't stand injections?" Ami was surprised.
"I hate them!" declared Mamoru.
Ami laughed. "Is that funny?" laughed Mamoru.
"Yes, it is," said Ami, "Thank you, I feel a little better."
"I see," nodded Mamoru, "Going to study now?
"Yes," replied Ami, "but I want to go for a swim first. Bye!"
Ami left, looking more cheerful. Mamoru watched her go.
"You shine enough as you are now."
Kaolinite was watching them from a distance. "She must be the genius girl I heard about," mused Kaolinite, "She must have a pure heart filled with knowledge and confidence..."
[The park where Amy is sitting is a real place in
Tokyo: see Missing and Changed Episodes
for more information.]
Ami went to an office tower that had a sports complex on the top floor. The pool area was deserted and Ami seemed to appreciate the peace and quiet.
"Your previous life must have been aligned with water," commented Michiru.
"Hmm?" replied Ami.
"Will you race with me?" asked Michiru.
Haruka was sitting on the deck by the pool.
"Ready?" she asked.
"To the other end?" asked Michiru.
"Sure," replied Ami.
The girls took up their start positions. Haruka motioned for the race to begin. "Go!"