Ever heard of the following quote?
“One day someone is going to hug you so tight that all your broken pieces will stick back together.” — Unknown
I think that’s what happened to Candy as described in her letter to Albert in the epilogue of Candy Candy Final Story (CCFS). I have already explained in my previous post, A memorable embrace, that while being in Lakewood with him, she had the courage to revisit that dreadful place, the forest where Anthony had had his fatal accident.
She recapitulated that particular visit as follows (from CCFS spoilers):
If only there wasn’t that fox hunting held for my introduction as an adopted daughter, Anthony hadn’t died that young.
“Because of me … Because of me Anthony was …”
I began to cry, then you tenderly took me in your arms.
“… It was me who adopted you … it’s also me who ordered the fox hunting.”
Your painful voice penetrated to my heart.
I learnt — you have been keeping the same anguish to yourself.
I’m sorry I cried so hard on your chest. I made a mess of your fine shirt.
It’s obvious that the guilty feeling had been deeply rooted in her heart for years, but after being comforted by Albert, the weight of the guilt was lifted from her. Candy felt that she had been given a new life since then, and she no longer blamed herself for the horse accident. I read somewhere that “a tight hug can do so much for someone who’s hurting”. That’s so true, isn’t it? I have a feeling that Candy and Albert wouldn’t mind returning to that forest again, even when they became old one day like this cute elderly couple. 🙂
In any case, I like this scene so much that I have described it in detail in the second chapter of my story “The Diary”, and since my friend Antlay is currently translating this chapter to French, I felt like drawing this scene again. Some of you know that I have drawn one last year, but this time, I attempted to draw the moment when Albert spoke those painful words to Candy. Besides, I drew the background myself. I’ve been quite busy lately that I haven’t drawn since September! Even this one has taken me a long time because I could only do a little bit every day. I know I could have done even more, but I decided not to. 😛
Anyway, my new drawing is dedicated to a bunch of people listed below:
First, I have to thank my anonymous friend for providing me a snapshot of CCFS so that I can read a part of Candy’s letter to Albert in Japanese. It was indeed beautifully written! Other than my friend, to those who have given me feedback here on my blog (2 comments or more), Facebook (top 5 based on number of likes and/or comments) or Twitter, during the period from November 1 to 16, I would like to give you all my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support! Here are the names:
Blog:
Antlay (6 comments)
QuevivaCandy (2 comments)
Olenka Vértiz (7 likes 4 comments)
Hana Ramos (6 likes 2 comments)
Delia Golds (4 likes 2 comments)
Susan Adam (5 likes)
Gelmi Porras Castellon (4 likes)
sarina abarca (5 favorites)
I hope I haven’t missed anyone (please let me know otherwise), and I hope you like my gift. 😀 I will upload this fanart to Facebook so that you can tag yourself or download it. I’ll also give each of you a variant of this drawing later on Facebook with your names. Please wait for me. Thank you for your patience! 🙂
To those who have sent me your feedback but not enough to be listed: Thanks for your understanding that I have to shortlist the people. I will try to draw another one in the near future. 🙂 I don’t guarantee anything at this moment, and it really depends on my schedule. 😉
Candy said Albert wore a ‘fine quality’ shirt , so I imagine him wearing a black silk shirt (like the one he wore in the manga when Candy discovered his true identity in Lakewood). I also gave Candy a new dress (different from the one I drew before). Note that I typed the Japanese words myself (the equivalent is shown in bold above), and if any of you find that I have made any mistake, please kindly inform me. Thanks in advance! 🙂
Albert and Candy in Lakewood forest