Episode Title:
The Promise in the Snow.
Episode Description:
Rei reflects on that double suicide pact that she and Fukiko made shortly after Rei's mother committed suicide, when Rei was soon to be properly adopted by the Ichinomiya family. Fearing any further abandonments by those she loved, Fukiko convinced Rei that they could preserve their happiness in death. Fukiko cut Rei's wrist for her, but was overcome by the horror of what she had done and did not follow on her own, instead panicking and screaming for help as she carried the dying Rei. Both Rei's bracelet and doll were gifts from Fukiko as compensation - presumably due to the perceived singular suicide attempt, Rei was no longer to live with the Ichinomiya family. In the present, Rei confronts Fukiko, saying that she had wished to die not for the sake of their happiness, but instead in response to the pain of losing Takehiko. Fukiko vehemently denies this; in an act illustrating the extent to which her misery and antipathy for life has maintained, Fukiko prepares to leap from a tall building, inviting Rei to join her. Fukiko jumps; Rei pulls her back at the last moment, tearfully apologizing for ever doubting her. Her unhappiness now apparent, and her fate still to live, Fukiko screams.
