Nanako - 22

"I'm Nanako," she whispers. "Most importantly, I'm Hiroki's sister."

Even though I met Hiroki because I was searching for Nanako...

Even though Nanako is my idol....

I care about Hiroki more.

Where did Hiroki go? Is she healthy? Is she happy?

"Is Hiroki alright?" I ask. Upon hearing my question, she emits a heavy sigh.

"Hiroki is..." As she speaks, the wrinkles on her face seem to become more prominent, "Hiroki died."

No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.No.

No.

Not Hiroki.

"When did she die? How did she die?" I wail, "She didn't deserve to die... Why did she die? I never got to apologize to her!"

"I'll tell you," Nanako replies, "but it'll take a while. Let's sit down."

We sit, side by side.

It doesn't feel real.

It doesn't feel right.