This chapter makes references to the original YYH manga, which has details of Shuichi's relationship with Shiori that the anime never included.

Dearest Shuichi

2. All Alone

Dearest Shuichi—

I know that my moving to the hospital is hard on you. You're all alone in the house now, and you've taken on most of those responsibilities. It's hard. But I think you might be enjoying the freedom on a subconscious level; after all, what normal teenager wouldn't? Not that you're normal. You've never been normal, Shuichi. I know that now. Perhaps I always knew it. I love you anyway—or maybe because of that. Either way, I won't be around very long. My arms itch. I lied to the doctors about the scars there.

Signed,

Your mother.