Ep 6. The End of Summer / Rain / Loss

The End of Summer / Rain / Loss, the sixth episode of Haibane Renmei season 1, continues to shed light on the mysterious lives of Haibanes through the eyes of the show's main character, Rakka. The episode revolves around the end of summer, the onset of rain, and the loss of a valuable item.

The episode begins with Rakka, who is now settling in as a member of the Old Home. She experiences her first change of seasons as a Haibane, and anticipates the arrival of autumn and the beauty that comes with it. However, the changes also bring about the onset of heavy rains that flood the streets of the city, leading to several Haibanes being assigned the task of cleaning the gutters.

As the rain continues to pour, the Haibanes are forced to stay indoors where they spend their time carrying out everyday activities, such as knitting and talking to one another. Soon, a new Haibane called Kuu appears, who had previously been introduced in the previous episode. Kuu's cheerful and vibrant personality is an instant hit with the residents of Old Home, and Rakka befriends her in no time.

However, Kuu soon reveals that she has lost a precious item - a pair of beautiful wings that she has found in a dream. Rakka and the other Haibanes try to help Kuu search for her wings, but to no avail. The loss of the wings leaves Kuu feeling sad, and the other Haibanes try to lift her spirits and help her realize that her dreams hold a special meaning for her.

Throughout the episode, The End of Summer / Rain / Loss delves deeper into the themes of identity and belonging that have been prevalent in the show from the beginning. The Haibanes continue to question their existence and purpose as they try to understand the significance of their dreams and the symbolism behind them. Rakka, in particular, begins to realize that she is far from her home and questions what led her to become a Haibane.

Despite the ambiguity surrounding their identity, one thing is clear - the Haibanes are connected to one another through their shared experiences, dreams, and emotions. The episode captures this sentiment beautifully as the Haibanes come together to support Kuu in her time of need, proving that they are more than just strangers living together in Old Home.

The End of Summer / Rain / Loss is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that underscores the show's underlying themes of friendship, identity, and the search for meaning. It showcases the unique and complex world of Haibane Renmei, where the mundane and the extraordinary coexist seamlessly, and the mysteries surrounding the Haibanes continue to unravel. As the episode comes to a close, Rakka and the other Haibanes are left with more questions than answers, setting the stage for the next installment of this captivating and enigmatic series.