[Guardian Enzo]

Originally Posted by Triple_R

A speculation I have pertaining to Tsuruko...

Spoiler for Major Tsuruko speculation:

I wonder if Tsuruko (kid) ended up getting into a scuffle with Menma? A scuffle that ultimately resulted in Menma falling off of that cliff and dying?

I don't think Tsuruko, or anybody else, deliberately pushed Menma off of the cliff - I think that's a bit darker than what Okada would aim for here - but I have to wonder if kid Tsuruko was jealous of Yukiatsu's feelings for Menma, and ended up getting into an ultimately disastrous fight with Menma over it.

That could help explain some of Tsuruko's actions and statements.

She might be wearing that old hairpin as a way to atone for how her actions helped caused Menma's death. Her suggestion that Menma's ghost might actually be there to attack them makes a bit more sense if Tsuruko feels that there's a good reason that Menma would want to attack her.

Just an idea I had that I felt might be worth sharing.

Honestly, I hope not.

My selfish hope for the ending is pretty simple. Menma died, but it wasn't anybody's fault. She helps Jintan deal with his pain, and everyone moves on. The message: sometimes bad things happen to good people, and it's no one's fault. Life is pain, but life is joy too - and you need to celebrate those that love you and appreciate every minute you have, and treasure the memories of the ones who aren't with you anymore.

Now, that may be too simple - not "dramatic" enough. But I think it's plenty, especially given the way this series has gloriously portrayed the power of simple, everyday emotions. I don't think it needs any "new" deaths, or shocking revelations about the old one, or any other theatrical stuff. I'd be very happy with a simple, humble coda that respects the characters and the pain they've been through and offers a little hope for the future.