HIM

New year's and spooky spirits.

It has been 5 years  since I moved. 5 years since I saw 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 

My name's Akio Suzuki. I'm 15 and currently I'm living in the UK. I moved here from Japan five years ago moreover it is New Year's Eve 2021, instead of partying or doing whatever a normal teenager would do... I have the power to talk to the deceased. Yes you heard me, I can talk to dead people. Now here is the thing, this power can only be used on certain days, those days being; my birthday, my mothers birthday and New Years Eve. I know, I know its honestly such a stupid power. My mother always says that its a "gift" from God and I should be grateful that I was gifted with such a tremendous ability but honestly, it is quite a burden. However with this power I can talk to my father, he passed away five years ago and his death was the reason my mother decided to start a new life.

*five years ago*

"What do you mean we are leaving.... you can't be serious right? This is a joke right?" Akio stuttered

"This is a grown up matter, something you wont be able to understand right now dear." Tears fell from her eyes as Akio's mother spoke these words.

"You want to leave dad here all alone, you know dad does not like being alone"

"Aki-" she cuts him off

"NO! Don't grab my hand I'm not leaving. I'M NOT. I'M NOT. I'M NOT." cried Akio

" SUZUKI AKIO. Stop with the nonsense and come with me this instance!"  his mother bellowed

"Can we at least wait for dad to come bac-"

Akio's mother fell to the floor and her false stoic persona ceased to exist. She dropped her mobile phone and the screen showed a message between her and her sister in-law. Akio read the conversation and was at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry Akio, I'm sorry I couldn't protect him"

PRESENT DAY-

My mother started this tradition where every New Year's Eve, I use my power to communicate with my deceased father. Right... and I forgot to mention, once I activate my power I can allow another person to see the spirits within the area by placing my right hand on their left shoulder. This way, both me and mother can talk to father.

"Akio are you ready dear?" My mother asked. I could feel the uneasiness in her voice.

"Of course. I've been preparing for this day all year." I said trying to lighten the mood.

My mother tucked her luscious black hair behind her ear revealing her sunken, dark brown eyes. I often get told I resemble my mother. We have the same dark and empty eyes and broad nose however my mother has quite fairer skin than me.

Akio began the ritual, placing his right hand on his mother's left shoulder and glanced around the room. The room was filled with darkness with only the moon as a source of light. A cool breeze touched his cheek and he heard the whispers of what sounded like a young boy. The spirit spoke the words "Suzu" and disappeared with a flash.