Haru is a lonely woman. She’s never really moved on with her life, even as she has lived it. There was once a girl who had meant something to her, but Tsumugi left, and had a child and now, Tsumugi is dead. Tsumugi’s daughter, Midori is living with Haru, and they are both struggling a little find out who they are out of Tsumugi’s shadow. But to do that, they need to enter that shadow.

Haru to Midori, Volume 3 (春とみどり), by Fukami Kon, was lovely.

Midori discovers one of the teachers in school knew her mother, but an interview with her leaves the girl unsure of who Tsumugi really was. What does become clear is how much of a effect her mother had upon her guardian’s life. And, maybe, it’s a little more understandable that having a lookalike of the only person Haru ever really cared about in her care, would be awkward. When her aunt sends a letter saying that she has a room free now, Midori decides to go live with her. Not to repudiate anything Haru has done for her, but to avoid complications with legal matters and to give both her and Haru space.

Haru isn’t sure what she wants or needs. She finally admits to herself that she was, genuinely, in love with Tsumugi and that her loss has stopped her from moving on. She decides to be able to see Midori off when she heads off to to live with her relatives and, that she’ll wait for her to come back.

And Midori does come back, when she’s graduated. She’s taller. And she needs a place to stay for university. Haru assures her that she has the space and she’s always welcome. Where Midori had been a reminder of what Haru had never had, now she’s a reminder of what she’s gained.

There were a lot of admirable qualities in this manga. The art was gentle, the storytelling sympathetic. Both Haru and Midori are given plenty of room to make their own decisions about themselves and each other. In the end, best of all, they choose to grow as individuals and as a family. A very satisfying end to this series. It was an enjoyable read – I’m glad I read it. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 9
Characters – 9
Yuri – 4 Haru finally confronting her emotions about Tsugumi was cathartic
Service – 0

Overall – 9

For a look at the series, you can read two sample chapters on Pixiv Comics, in Japanese.