Ep 9. Menma and the Rest

In episode 9 of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day season 1, titled "Menma and the Rest," the group of friends continue to try and figure out how to help Menma move on. Jinta has been feeling guilty about not being able to see Menma like the rest of his friends, and he decides to go to their old hideout to try and make amends. The rest of the group follows, and they all end up having a heart-to-heart about their feelings towards Menma and each other.

As they talk, it becomes clear that everyone has been carrying around their own feelings of guilt and regret. They all wish they could have done something to prevent Menma's death, and they all feel like they let her down in some way. But as they share their stories and feelings, they begin to understand that they were all just kids back then, and there was nothing they could have done to change the outcome.

Despite the heaviness of the conversation, there are also moments of levity and humor. Anaru, who has been struggling with her own feelings for Jinta, gets flustered when he thanks her for always being by his side. And Tsuruko, who has been stoic and reserved up until now, opens up about her own complicated emotions towards Menma and the group.

As they talk, Menma begins to appear more frequently and vividly. She runs through the fields and plays with the group, but her appearances are always fleeting. It's clear that she needs something from her friends in order to move on, but they still aren't sure what that is.

At the end of the episode, Jinta has a breakthrough. He remembers a moment from their childhood when Menma made a wish to the group, but nobody took it seriously. He realizes that her wish was never fulfilled, and that's what's been keeping her tethered to the earthly world. The group makes a plan to grant her wish, but they realize it won't be easy.

Overall, episode 9 of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day season 1 is a poignant exploration of grief and guilt. The characters are all struggling with their own emotions, but they come together to support each other and try to help Menma move on. There are moments of humor and lightheartedness, but the episode never loses sight of the weight of the situation. With only a few episodes left in the season, the stakes are higher than ever, and it's clear that the group has a long road ahead of them.