Ch. 21Mocking Laughter
Key Plot Points and Events
- Mihara Chisa collects animation cels from various artists around Kyoto.
- She arrives at a freelance animator's house during a heavy rainstorm.
- The animator hands over the completed cels, expressing his struggles with the changes in her requests.
- Chisa leaves, braving the storm, and accidentally drops the cels into a puddle while lost in thought.
Character Developments
- Mihara Chisa: She shows determination in her work, willing to brave harsh conditions to collect cels. She also demonstrates humility and gratitude towards the freelance animator. However, she struggles with self-reflection and guilt regarding her past actions.
- Freelance Animator: He is professional, patient, and caring, providing guidance and support to Chisa. He expresses concern for the struggles women face in the industry.
Significant Themes
- Responsibility and Guilt: Chisa feels guilty about her past actions, which affect her present mental state.
- Gender Inequality: The animator mentions the inherent disadvantages women face in the industry.
- Nature's Indifference: The storm and Chisa's accident highlight nature's indifference to human struggles.
Character Interactions
- Chisa and the Freelance Animator: Their interaction is cordial and respectful, with the animator providing guidance and Chisa expressing gratitude.
- Chisa and Her Past Colleagues/Self: Chisa's internal struggle with her past actions and colleagues is evident, affecting her present behavior.