I'm guessing that the headlined magazine cover is fictional and that Umiko hasn't actually won any awards for acting (yet)?
After reading donpom's comments from last chapter, I can't help but see Umiko's passport photo as a precusor to her funeral portrait. This uneasy feeling isn't helped by the fact that she has to do medical check-ins to ensure the safety of her air travel. But this is also an essential part of Umiko's awareness of her remaining time, as she's been saying throughout the whole series.
I'm glad that Umiko's daughter encouraged Umiko so that she was able to reframe her decision to go to Canada as one of intent rather than just going with the flow.
I'm appreciative of Kai's ability to knowingly or unknowingly bulldoze through Umiko's uncertainties so that they can enjoy their time together. I like getting to see his idle thought process as well.
The fisheye lens(?) of Kai waiting in the airport terminal was really cool and a fitting metaphor for Umiko's meditations on how far away he seems to be getting.
I can understand both of their perspectives and I do think it was a long time coming, but this relational flare-up still sucks. It's a necessary and inevitable growing pain for their relationship, but I want to get out of these turbulent waters soon. Umiko's been more open about her emotions with her female classmates, but she's more guarded with Kai right now, probably because she's so aware of his success in this moment. I hope she can find the strength to just lay things out soon.
Thank you to the Swaggoneers for yet another marvelous chapter. My stomach's churning from the secondhand stress, but I'm still happy I get to read this work. I hope you all have a wonderful week.