I figure there are enough warnings by other reviewers, but i guess i should preface this with the thought that this is not for people that like to read sweet -if unrealistic- lovey dovey stories.
This story was disturbingly profound. Not one you will easily forget. I was crying by the end! Awesome read! And I do mean AWE-SOME.
This story is fascinating. It makes me happy to see that someone is brave enough to explore the darker elements of what is and always has been within human nature. Brave, because a writer of such stories will definitely evoke strong responses of indignation, disgust (or for the more 'enlightened:' squick) and judgement of extremes.
I have no problem with the sweet, lovely, bright stories that deal with overcoming 'acceptable' problems. In fact, I enjoy them immensely from time-to-time. But then why is this 'dark' part of humanity blocked? That is when society gets the TRUE problems: People that become a threat to the respect and well-being of other individuals because they have turned all that repression, pain, guilt and hatred into something that makes them no longer redeemable.
Why or how do people get to the point that society labels them freaks or monsters? Why does someone love another? Is the definition of love so narrow as society defines it?
See what I mean about this story making one think? The characters, with only a few powerfully placed words and illustrations, have depth and background that make their current behaviour understandable. The Baron refusing to believe in love; the two young boy's loyalty to him; the doctor's ruthless desire to get out of his 'poor' life; Godo's lonely and harsh life; even Seiji's love.
I second Yuri21's 'only regret!'