Thirteen Months

Man

TW // mild descriptions of sexual assault, groping

Mizuko sat in class, a pounding headache preventing her from paying attention. She just wanted to go home. There was only an hour left before classes were over, but then she would have to stay and watch the boys' team practice.

Wait a minute. She technically didn't have to stay. Mizuko had only been staying because she was too scared to take the train by herself. Maybe today was the day to conquer that fear.

Mizuko stealthily pulled out her phone and texted Daichi, watching as he pulled his phone out under his desk and read her message.

MIZUKO: still feeling under the weather, is it ok if i don't stick around for your practice today?

DAICHI: Are you sure you're ok taking the train back by yourself?

MIZUKO: yea, i know the route now. i'll be ok.

DAICHI: Are you sure?

MIZUKO: i'm sure, don't worry

DAICHI: If anything happens, call me.

MIZUKO: i will

DAICHI: Text me when you board the train.

MIZUKO: ok.

DAICHI: And text me when you get home.

MIZUKO: i will.

DAICHI: And text me if anyone comes to the house.

MIZUKO: ok.

DAICHI: Don't let anyone in unless it's me or Mom and Dad.

MIZUKO: got it. you're such a dad. you're worse than your parents.

DAICHI: Am I not allowed to worry about my little sister?

MIZUKO: does it ever feel weird calling me that?

DAICHI: What?
MIZUKO: you know, since we're not actually related. doesn't it feel weird to call me your sister?

DAICHI: Honestly, no. It feels like the most natural thing in the world. I don't know why, but it just feels like you were meant to be my sister. It's like even though we're not blood, like the universe knew we were meant to be siblings and figured out a way to put us together.

MIZUKO: you mean that?

DAICHI: Of course.

MIZUKO: thank you, brother.

DAICHI: ...

MIZUKO: are you there?

DAICHI: Sorry, I think I short-circuited when you called me that.

MIZUKO: you're such a dork.

DAICHI: Rude.

MIZUKO: we should probably get off our phones before sensei catches us. see you after your practice.

DAICHI: You're probably right. See you!

***

Sugawara was frustrated. His mother had asked him to watch the twins tonight so he had to skip practice. Apparently one of the other nurse's husbands had had a heart attack over the weekend, and Mrs. Sugawara had offered to cover her shift at the hospital so that she could stay home with him.

He sighed to himself. Maybe a break will be nice, Sugawara thought to himself as he boarded the train. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the small girl near the front of the train. He placed his headphones in his ears as he reached up for the handle, settling in for the ride.