I’ve never seen ‘goodbye’ expressed so well

In one single night I’ve seen two amazing and beautiful expressions of saying goodbye to someone precious. It’s a little hard to explain in language though, because truly in these presentations goodbye isn’t literally said, it’s almost as if it’s done, expressed through actions greater than words, and greater than just the movements of the body with which it is expressed.

The closing moments of the final episode of Honey & Clover shows two characters separating and one of them learning one of the greatest lessons in life. The last scenes of Strawberry Panic, episode 25 shows an older character expressing goodbye to a younger student with such a selfless grace, it truly is a beautiful moment that lingers long after it has passed.

I can’t elaborate too much without spoiling, so I’ll hold my peace for now. Previously the best I’d seen letting go and separating expressed was in Marimite – Haru (Maria-sama ga Miteru – Haru) in episode 5 when the Roses finally graduate. I’d have to watch it again, I know my response to it was extremely strong, so it’s probably just as powerful as the two I’ve seen today, but certainly Hachikuro and Strawberry Panic have risen to the highest of highs in regards to expressions of deeply complex emotions.

Made of love, hope and understanding, this is how goodbyes should be.