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The first few days were blissful.
Anthy was basked in sunlight as she strode through the towns neighboring Ohtori. They were lively, filled with birdsong and idle chatter. It was a bustling slice of the world, in which people existed as they were.
With Chu-Chu perched on her shoulder, she had her possessions stored in her humble suitcase. It had never been used, appearing brand new as if recently purchased. She had an assortment of outfits, from sweaters to socks. Within it was everything she needed, forsaking her glasses, school uniform, and dress upon exiting his tower.
Spread on the table in the local cafe she visited was a map of the planet. There were innumerable places to search. From the quaintness of the current, peaceful towns to sprawling, adventurous continents across the wide seas, Anthy traced her finger under the small print of the names catching her intrigue. From Tokyo to Boston to London and to Mount Kilimanjaro, countless locations had opened their doors to them.
Chu-Chu, nibbling on a madeleine, tilted his head and hummed.
“Oh, yes, Chu-Chu,” Anthy said, cupping her mug of hot chocolate, “we’re going to see as much as we can on our journey.”
The incoming weeks stirred a blend of emotions.
Anthy had some money, but it certainly wasn’t enough to fund a worldwide extravaganza. She was prepared to stop and settle momentarily. But first, she had flitted through cities and explored their inner workings, watching men playing on saxophones in busy subways and exploring museums full of artwork spanning across history.
When her funds started dwindling, she retreated to a city halfway across the country from Ohtori. Her new jobs were fresh starts, in the beginning. From bagging produce to rearranging articles of clothing in a department store, the monotony of her endeavors weighed on her shoulders as she returned home each night. Then, she made herself dinner and watched television with Chu-Chu, the commercials speaking to her with riches no longer affordable.
But as she curled into bed, which was a simple air mattress until she saved extra money, she reached for a hand that was no longer there. Somewhere in the world was Utena. Lingering, stretching nights, with hours mocking Anthy as they lunged forward, was time wasted.
And yet, Anthy closed her eyes, Chu-Chu cradled to her chest. Tomorrow was always another day in a world without castle walls.
The ensuing months flowed with a rush of clarity.
Anthy became immersed in her community. She knew the ins and outs of alleyways and remembered the faces of her neighbors. They always had kind words for her and treats for Chu-Chu. She found companionship in the coworkers around her age. When they made plans, they extended the invitation to Anthy, and she always accepted, not minding at all the staleness of the popcorn when slathered in salt and butter as the movie played.
But tingles traced through her legs. She still felt the urge to move. The world and Utena were waiting, but she remained steadfast in her decision. Living for the sake of someone else was not living at all, a lesson Utena had instilled, but not spoken, to Anthy. Utena had given Anthy the chance to walk through the gates, and now, Anthy was free, the wind in her wings, a skip in her step down the familiar sidewalks.
She smiled at friendly faces. She helped strangers find their way to the library. Anthy was living in her clothing, purchased with her own money, and with a new bag of trinkets, Anthy continued on to her apartment, beaming.
The year slowed to an end, and Anthy was moving.
Everything she owned was wrapped in plastic and in boxes. Everything else was sold for hotel fares. Her friends and neighbors gathered to say farewell, exchanging phone numbers and last-minute presents. Chu-Chu nuzzled everyone who came, squeaking his sorrows, and later, he tearfully waved a napkin from the window as Anthy loaded herself into her car, a humble, deep blue Pinto.
Turning on the radio, her backseats and trunk crammed full with her belongings, Anthy parted, her hand reaching out the window. They became dots in her side mirror. Although her eyes burned, she continued. The world was her oyster, and the sun was dipping into the horizon, casting deep orange and scarlet hues across the mottled sky, welcoming her as she ascended.
Anthy gripped the steering wheel, gently urging, “Chu-Chu, buckle up. I don’t want you falling out.”
He scrambled into his seat, and as she rolled to a stop, the red light flickered on. She was first in line, watching as people crossed. They were of all ages, each moving to their own tune. And as Anthy turned the knob, changing the station, she decided to just drive.
The subsequent year ushered Anthy toward fortune.
Again, she found herself at a red light. Her hair had grown and caressed her shoulders, the ends rising in the breeze. She was between cars, jobs, and states. She had traveled across many lands and sailed overseas, breathing in rich scents and tasting an array of food. Anthy gained new skills and stored leftovers in her memories, utilizing what she accrued for her new position in the seaside town.
As the people crossed, once again, she was in front. She had a seat to witness everyone walk, their eyes focused on others, their pets, or the ground.
But at the sight of short, nape-length pink rose hair, Anthy, gasping, slammed on the horn.
Chu-Chu screeched, his cry louder than the human yelps. And yet, he was silenced when Anthy hurried out of her car and charged after her. He was as breathless as she was when he climbed on her shoulder.
Standing in front of Anthy’s car, Utena was frozen. The bag she held slipped from her fingers. Her lips trembled, and her eyes watered.
Anthy smiled, reaching one journey’s end and beginning another.
“Hello, Utena,” she crooned, “I finally found you.”