Sand Chronicles: Vol. 2

by Hinako Ashihara

Synopsis
Just when Ann has adjusted to life in the countryside -- and even had a boyfriend! -- her father invites her to live with him in Tokyo. Now she must choose between a father she hardly knows and a young man she is just beginning to know. But she soon discovers they aren't the only ones vying for her attention!

Review
So changes come to Ann's life when her father comes to see her mother's grave (actually it's to see her) and asks her to come back to Tokyo to live with him. I thought her response was appropriate, that she rejected him, because he had been non-existent in her life since her mother died. So, he leaves, dejected. But then, the girlfriend calls with a story: that her father is in the hospital! Ann rushes to the hospital in Tokyo, only to find out it was an overblown excuse to get her to see her father. I don't know if this kind of thing is accepted in Japan, but really, how rude for some nobody to interfere with other people's lives! I automatically don't like her. I guess it's because she feels bad for him, and only she has seen the hardship he's been through. That's her excuse anyway. And then we find out that there was a reason why Ann's father didn't come to see her. It's because he promised her mother that he wouldn't see her until the debts were paid off. One, who would agree to that kind of promise, and two, who would force someone into it? And anyway, she died. He didn't have to keep that promise anymore. What's more important? Your daughter or a promise to a dead person?

Anyway, the reason I'm going on about this is because she chooses to live with her dad. But with the events that occurred previously, I think these people are sick, and I never would have lived with them. Perhaps in Japan, it's supposed to seem sweet, that he kept the promise, and kept a room ready for her.

The rest of the volume has Ann spending time with Daigo, then getting drunk(!) after he leaves. She calls Fuji who comes to spend time with her. He then lets her know his feelings for her. There's also a little bit of character development for Fuji, which is a really sad event.

Final thought: I'll pick up the next volume.