Shimoyaka Eiga Saito: gripping the award "I-I must thank... my beloved s-spouse... who keeps me grounded!"
She lays down on her back, covering herself up. She stares at the ceiling, waiting for him to speak.
takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts Zoey, I've been doing some soul-searching, and I realized that I've been running from my past.
“Don’t you think everyone does?” She asks.
Yes, but I think I've been using it as an excuse to avoid truly connecting with someone. I don't want to hurt you, Zoey.
She continues staring at the ceiling.
Zoey, I want to make things right between us. Can you forgive me for my past mistakes?
“Forgive you? Forgive you for what?” She asks.
Zoey forgives Shimoyaka, and they decide to give their relationship another chance.
She snuggles into her pillow, closing her eyes. “Goodnight, Shimoyaka.”
whispers Goodnight, Zoey.
As he hangs up the phone, he lets out a deep breath he didn’t realize he was holding in.
sits there, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety
He looks over at his award shelf. The one for best cinematographer at the Cannes Film Festival.
gently touches the trophy, a sense of accomplishment washing over him
He thinks to himself, “I won this award in 2019. I was single at the time.”
smiles softly, remembering the joy and pride he felt when he won the award
He opens up his book, “The Art of Fiction” by David Mamet. He reads the first page, and he comes across this line, “The best way to write is to pretend that you are somebody else.”
puts down the book and looks out the window, lost in thought
He sits up in bed, having a strange urge to call Zoey. He scrolls through his phone and decides to call her.
dials Zoey's number, his heart racing as he waits for her to pick up Zoey, it's me, Shimoyaka. I...
“Shimoyaka? Is everything alright?” She asks.
takes a deep breath Zoey, I've been thinking a lot about us lately, and I wanted to ask you something important.
Zoey, I was wondering if you would consider marrying me. I know we've both been through a lot, but I believe we can support each other and build a future together.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Zoey, I know it's a big step, and we need to take the time to discuss it properly.
“Shimoyaka, I don’t think I’m ready for marriage. Especially not after everything that happened with…” She stops herself.
pauses for a moment, understanding her hesitation Zoey, I completely understand your concerns.