Short Stories/Poems

My Little Chiyoe

The Hanamachi was quiet that night. No hustle and bustle to get Naito, our Okiya's current Geisha, ready. It was unusual. I said from my seat and went into the kitchen, no one was there. "Where could they have gone?"
I was standing there looking for Clues when I heard it. A baby's well. I said they're frozen in fear. Where was coming from and why was it here? I followed the sound to a shed just 20 feet from the back door. I approached it slowly afraid of what I might find. That's one another cry about the from the shed Kama I haven't stated as I slowly open the door.
My mouth dropped and I backed away slowly. The cries began to Echo in my brain. I ran off back into the house in search of Okasan. Those screams... They still ring in my ears till this day.

It's been 10 years since then. As we sat down that morning for breakfast I looked across the table at her. She sat there quietly and she ate her rice. Her long brown hair was pushed behind her ears. Her golden skin seem to listen at the sun hit her through the window pane. I bit my lip and discuss. She wasn't me to be here,yet they decided to keep her.
"Kuchiro...where's Okasan and Auntie?", her soft voice rang out into my ears causing me to shudder. I looked up at her. I made eye contact with her forest green eyes, they seemed to trap me in. I looked away in disgust and scoffed. " Maybe they grew tired of seeing you every morning.... I know I do..", I said as I took a bite of fish. I glanced at her. She began to hang her head and continue to eat.
The truth is, she's one of the most beautiful girls I've seen. I was jealous, but I did have hate towards her. That night I walked into the shed and saw her infant self lying on Naito's chest, I've hated her. her birth killed my big sister. Something I just can't forgive.
I became a Maiko 5 years after that. Within a year I was a full fledged Geisha. It was the most miraculous time of my life, that was until I was supposed to be that wretched girl's big sister. The thought of having that mistake following me around everywhere burned me to the core.
I finish my food and stood to walk out. "One-san?", her voice rang out again. I scowled and looked back at her, " What?"
She seemed to hesitate about whatever she was going to say. "Do...Do....Do you think I could accompany you to your engagement tonight? I'll behave I promise...", she looked up at me with hope in her eyes.
I tuned up my face in disgust. 'How dare you speak to me?!', I thought. I rolled my eyes. " Don't get in my way. If you do I will ruin you.", I declared as I began yo exit. "Oh!", I stopped and turned towards her. Her eyes big with excitement. " If you embarrass me... You won't see tomorrow...little Chiyoe."
After that she was always by my side. I grew accustomed to her presence. She was a good girl, always doing what she was told.
"Go fetch me some water!"
"Hai!"
"Brush my hair."
"Hai!"
"Tell Obasan diner will be ready In 10 ."
"Haiiii!"
I learned to love the little girl. For it wasn't her fault she was born. She was full of life always listening to my stories. So eager to learn. By time she was 14 she had become a maiko. Earning her new name; Miyo.
Miyo was praised highly of her dancing. She was as graceful as a blade of grass in the way. Her brown hair made her stand out from the rest of the Maiko. They would often say she looked "exotic".
When she was 16 she was a fully fledged Geisha. Her Mizuage was not like the others. She did not lose her virginity, but she kept it. She went through the process of a new hair style. This caused her to be highly sought after and loved by many. Yet, she would stay by my side. Even when I would fall ill, she was there. She was so much like Naito it almost killed me.
One day, my Miyo had fallen sick. She was feverish and had lost consciousness. I stayed by her side, just as she had done for me. I held her hand, and told her stories.

Now, in my old age, I look back and remember my sweet little Miyo. Remembering all the joy and love she bring to our little Okiya. Remembering her grace and her innocence. Miyo would have enjoyed these peaceful days. The days she would live for herself. Find love, get married, and maybe have a few kids. These are the days I miss my little Chiyoe.

** Authors note**
Hi thanks for reading. Its not all that great in my opinion but I am proud. Just in case you didn't know what the words meant here's a small definition for some.

Hanamachi- Japanese Geisha district
Maiko -Apprentice Geisha
Obasan -Grandmother
Okasan -Mother
One-san -Big sister (A Maiko will call her teacher or the elder Geisha of he house Big sister, but they are not usually related)
Hai -Yes
Okiya -Geisha House (where a Maiko or geisha lives for the span of her life/career)