TV Animation Free! Novelize/Episode 08: Ano Hi



''Synopsis: Makoto muses on meeting Haru when they were very young. His thoughts make him sleepy and he dreams about how things might have been if Haru hadn't raced Rin on that fateful day while they were in middle school. He imagines a positive future, waking up to Haru's voice telling him surprising news.''

Makoto recalls his oldest memory of Haru being that of Haru extending his hand to help him up after he'd had fallen down in a sandbox. They've been by one another's sides ever since, sharing family events and mutually enjoyed adventures known only to the two of them. Knowing that Haru loves swimming, Makoto thinks it would be a good idea for them to join the local swimming club. He thinks it will make Haru happy and seeing Haru happy makes Makoto happy. After joining, however, Makoto discoversthat 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 Haru today since Mr. Nanase is home from his away-from-home job. But, Makoto thinks, at least they can do homework together......

Haru is in his room and they eat snacks, chat and talk about heading to the local Iwatobi Swim School to meet up with Ikuya and Asahi, maybe even Nagisa, to swim for awhile. Haru 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 Haru 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 Haru's house. He recalls finding out from Coach Sasabe that Haru won which led to Rin quitting swimming altogether and Haru leaving competitive swim, as well.

Makoto wonders if things would have turned out differently if he'd only gone to Haru's house that day. That's when he realizes that he's dreaming about a peaceful middle school past that doesn't exist, though he wishes it did. He imagines Haru and himself swimming in relays with their middle school friends, including Natsuya-senpai and Nao-senpai. 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 Haru's voice from somewhere calling him back into reality. Makoto opens his eyes and Haru 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 Haru a huge nod.