"Hachisakusama"

Chapter 1- Late night sounds

I learned that my parents were heading on a two-week business trip, so I thought I'd spend that time with my grandparents in Japan. The idea appealed to me because I cherish the time spent with them. My parents were a bit unsure, but after a calm conversation, they agreed.

A few days later, I arrived in Japan. When my grandmother opened the door, I greeted her with a hug and a simple "How are you Jiji?" Despite her limited English, our communication flowed smoothly with uncomplicated sentences. Shortly after, my Aunt, who is fluent in English and returned from the US a year ago to care for my grandparents, joined us. We shared warm hugs, and they showed me my temporary room.

After a day filled with captivating conversations, an abundance of delicious food, and intense rounds of board games, I collapsed onto the bed. The soft embrace of the cozy mattress made me feel at home, providing a haven for my exhausted body. Ready for a well-deserved night's rest, I snuggled into the warm blankets, swiftly succumbing to the soothing promise of slumber.

In the dead of night, a sudden thirst jolted me awake, I tiptoed down the stairs to the kitchen. The house was hushed, bathed in an eerie stillness. As I returned the empty cup to its place, a deep sound echoed through the silence.
"Po......Po......Po.......Po......."
Intrigued and slightly unnerved, I peered outside, only to encounter a mysterious figure. A tall silhouette, draped in long, flowing black hair, adorned in an immaculate white dress and a matching hat that concealed most of her face. I rubbed my eyes, and in an instant, she vanished. Dismissing it as a trick of the tired mind, I returned to bed. Yet, the haunting rhythm of those cryptic sounds lingered in my thoughts, as  I drifted back to sleep.