beta
okay i reread the very first panel again and here’s my shinpei theory, as if he had written the letter to satoko:
“women are property and exchanged like objects and gifts”
this could be talking about the prostitutes being paid and “exchanged” for safety on the island through sex(not marriage as we all originally thought)
“don’t get married”
shinpei was probably taught this at a young age from the men on the island since it would only be to a prostitute or he’s just too crazy and will bring them harm(?), satoko definitely always wanted marriage but this part was worded so either of them could have said it
“and yet, i did it myself. i fell in love with someone i shouldn’t have. i was very happy”
so the middle part could also be older shinpei saying he shouldn’t have fallen in love with satoko, should’ve just helped her escape the island and left him to find a “suitable” marriage partner but instead he kept her their to fall in love with an assassin that was completely inappropriate to her family requirements
ARGH IDK MAN ALL I KNOW IS SOMEONE DIES BUT I REALLY HOPE ITS SHINPEI SO HE ISNT LEFT ALONE ON THIS EARTH WITHOUT HER
plus it wouldn’t be as dramatic if she died since she’s already dying anyway. now shinpei dying would kick us all in the nuts and our souls would fly away
this has been my ted talk