B2-13 / CEFR B2 / EPISODE 13

Homesick Playlist

Talking about nostalgia and belonging now

SceneTina has been building a playlist. Frank texted to ask if she was okay, and she invited him over.

The friends discussing a playlist on a laptop.
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STORY English with optional Japanese translations

Narrator

Tina has been building a playlist. Frank texted to ask if she was okay, and she invited him over.

ティナはプレイリストを作っている。フランクが大丈夫かとメッセージを送り、彼女は彼を家に招いた。

Frank01

You've been quiet today. I brought coffee.

今日は静かだね。コーヒーを持ってきたよ。

Tina02

Thanks. Come listen. I made a playlist for homesick days. It's called "Home."

ありがとう。ちょっと聴いて。「Home」っていう、ホームシックの日のためのプレイリストを作ったの。

Frank03

What's on it?

どんな曲が入ってるの?

Tina04

Ten songs. They remind me of home — rain on the roof, my mother's kitchen, the street market.

10曲入り。故郷を思い出す曲なの。屋根を打つ雨とか、お母さんの台所とか、通りの市場とか。

Frank05

Does it help?

効果はある?

Tina06

Yes and no. Like family photos, they bring back good memories, but they also make me miss everyone.

あるような、ないような。家族の写真みたいに、楽しかったことを思い出せるけど、みんなに会いたくもなるの。

Frank07

Would you rather turn it off?

聴くのをやめたほうがいい?

Tina08

No. They keep me company. Track three especially. Listen.

ううん。曲たちがそばにいてくれるの。特に3曲目。聴いて。

Frank09

Slow, low strings. Is it from your planet?

ゆっくりした、低い弦楽器の音だね。君の星の曲?

Tina10

No, they play it at our café. It used to remind me of Mom's kitchen. Now I also picture having coffee with you at that café. I feel at home there, too.

ううん、いつものカフェで流れてる曲よ。前はお母さんの台所を思い出してた。今は、あのカフェであなたとコーヒーを飲んでいるところも思い浮かぶの。あそこでも、家にいるみたいにほっとできるのよ。

Frank11

So Earth is starting to feel like home, too?

じゃあ、地球も帰る場所だと感じ始めてるんだね?

Tina12

Yeah. Two homes. And this one comes with coffee delivery.

うん。帰る場所が二つ。しかも、こっちはコーヒーの配達付き。

Frank13

Then call it "Homes." Just don't start calling me "Room Service."

じゃあ、名前は「Homes」にしよう。でも、僕のことを「ルームサービス」って呼ぶのはやめてね。

WORDS & CONTEXT

Words & context

“They keep me company.”

Keep someone company means to stay with them so they feel less alone. It can describe pets or music as well as people. Although the songs also make Tina homesick, she describes them as companions who stay beside her.