TV Animation Free! Novelize/Episode 08: Ano Hi

Ano Hi (あの日 lit. That Day)
'Synopsis: Makoto Tachibana muses on meeting Haruka Nanase when they were very young. His thoughts make him sleepy and he dreams about how things might have been if Haruka hadn't raced Rin Matsuoka on that fateful day while they were in junior high school. He imagines a positive future, waking up to Haruka's voice telling him surprising news.'

Makoto recalls his oldest memory of Haruka being that of Haruka extending his hand to help him up after he'd had fallen down in a sandbox. They've been by one another's side ever since, sharing family events and mutually enjoyed adventures known only to the two of them. Knowing that Haruka loves swimming, Makoto thinks it would be a good idea for them to join the local swimming club. He thinks it will make Haruka happy and seeing Haruka happy makes Makoto happy. After joining, however, Makoto discovers that he loves swimming, too.

Thinking about the past makes Makoto sleepy, especially with the heater in his room turned on against the cold December day. His homework is laid out but he's bored. Swimming club during the winter is only about building stamina and he hasn't seen Haruka today since his father is home from his away-from-home job. But, Makoto thinks, at least they can do homework together......

Haruka is in his room and they eat snacks, chat and talk about heading to the local Iwatobi Swimming Club to meet up with Ikuya Kirishima and Asahi Shiina, maybe even Nagisa Hazuki, to swim for awhile. Haruka lays down under the kotatsu and falls asleep. It's peaceful and Makoto is happy until he spies the date on a nearby calendar. The date marks the day Haruka and Rin raced while on winter break during their first year of middle school. Makoto recalls falling asleep while doing homework that day instead of going to Haruka's house. He recalls finding out from Coach Goro Sasabe that Haruka won which led to Rin quitting swimming altogether and Haruka leaving competitive swim, as well.

Makoto wonders if things would have turned out differently if he'd only gone to Haruka's house that day. That's when he realizes that he's dreaming about a peaceful junior high school past that doesn't exist, though he wishes it did. He imagines Haruka and himself swimming in relays with their junior high school friends, including Natsuya Kirishima and Nao Serizawa. He imagines everyone following their dreams while being friends and rivals. He even dreams about a future where Rin is their friend again, having fun swimming with them like before.....

That's when he hears Haruka's voice from somewhere calling him back into reality. Makoto opens his eyes and Haruka is in front of him saying, "Wake up, Makoto. We're going to swim in the relay." Makoto's previous wish to stay in his dreams vanishes and he's glad he woke up. Filled with joy, he gives Haruka a huge nod.