By the time I came home, the sky was already turning dark. The smog got worse, making it look like night had already fallen. There was a glowing red streak across the horizon, as if the clouds were burning.
After a successful adventure, I dreaded going back home. Surely, Father would punish me for running away like that. I made up my mind to endure whatever punishment he sets. I had too much fun today to imagine missing out on it.
Walking up the path to the house, I didn’t even reach the front deck when the door opened. Father stepped out, and stood still in the doorway. Of course. He waited for this opportunity. There was no way he would let me return silently.
I avoided his stare and walked past him, into the house. Give him as little interaction as possible. That’s what he wants.
“I was worried, you know.” Father’s voice was tense, but there was no anger. “This smoke is not a good sign to be outside.”
I said nothing as I unpacked my bag. I returned the watch to the kitchen and took out the remainder of my rations, leaving them out on the table in clear sight. Checking the bottom of the bag, I closed the flap and went down the hallway, towards my room. Father watched this slow shuffle from the door, since the moment I entered until I lost sight of him.
In my room, Hotaru was already fast asleep under the mosquito net. She was sprawled out across the entire futon, snoring peacefully. Sliding the door shut, I changed out of my clothes in the darkness. I expected Father to come scold me. If he does, I’ll make sure he woke up Hotaru as well.
Now that I was back inside, I realized how much my clothes smelled of burnt firewood. My hair had the same tang, but I couldn’t be bothered to wash myself right then. I slipped under the covers and continued to wait, prodding my sister to gradually roll over. Once she finally did, I snuggled in, absorbing the warmth she had left.
I stared at the pile of clothes I left at the entrance. Light still glowed through the paper door, but I didn’t see any moving shadows. Father still didn’t come over. I was unnerved by how silent he was, as if he’d already taken the necessary steps of punishment. I lay still, thinking through all the possibilities as I watched the door. However, under the warmth of the covers, my eyelids were growing heavy. Before I knew it, I fell asleep.