『路傍の石』, or "The Stone on the Side of the Road," is a famous Japanese novella written by Kibō Shōnen in 1956. The story follows a young boy who encounters a stone while walking home from school. This stone becomes a symbol of his struggles and the challenges he faces in life. The narrative explores themes of childhood innocence, societal expectations, and the passage of time. Through the boy's interactions with the stone, readers gain insight into his thoughts and feelings, reflecting the broader human experience of growth and resilience in the face of adversity.