61719
In a manga called Samurai Drive, Makio and Ren are best friends. They always
fight together and Ren often protects Makio. Now Ren has just died during a
battle, so Makio says:

> なあ恋【れん】 俺はお前に幾度となく助けられたけど その度いつも [その場所]{・・・・}あけて 待っててくれたろ だから 俺にも
> 最後まで俺の場所守らせてくれよ

What is the meaning of その場所あけて in this context? In the dictionary I found that
場所をあける means "to make room, clear space", but I don't understand how it could
fit the context. Since it is emphasized by dots, does it mean it has to be
interpreted in a metaphorical way? [Here you can see the whole
page](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ALYJA.jpg). Thank you for your help!
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-24T15:34:20.343
61718
2018-09-24T16:03:02.013
17797
question
translation meaning metaphor
Meaning of 場所あけて in the following sentence
The biggest hint is in the picture. その場所 is clearly illustrated in the same
frame.

[![Circle](https://i.stack.imgur.com/PDXPA.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/PDXPA.png)

This circle next to Ren is not a meaningless visual effect :) So this その場所
refers to お前の隣, or the place next to Ren. Of course it indirectly refers to
the position as Ren's best friend, too, where Makio could feel comfortable and
secured. あけて is the te-form of 空ける meaning "to make/keep (room)".

This その場所 comes with dots simply because the author knew it's a tricky part
that needs special attention to interpret. Even a native speaker takes a few
seconds to notice that その場所 refers to this position, and this small trick
makes this frame dramatic.
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-09-24T15:49:45.897
61719
2018-09-24T16:03:02.013
2018-09-24T16:03:02.013
5010
5010
61718
answer