One evening, after dinnertime, I secretly prepared to head out. It was a special day. My friends and I decided we would go on an adventure into the rice fields further southeast from where we usually played. However, before I could get to the door, Father pulled me aside.
“Ai, can you wash the dishes? I need to finish some work tonight…” He then eyed my bag. I knew what he was going to ask next, and didn’t give him the chance.
“I can’t. My friends need me today.”
“For what?” He placed a pan in the sink. “If you’re going out to play, your friends can wait. It only takes a few—”
“No, it’s different today!”
“… There’s no need to yell.”
“… Ugh, I don’t have time for this. If I’m late, it will hurt my reputation!”
“…! Aimi!”
I ran to the front door and jerked it open. Once outside, I hastily shut it behind me, slamming it harder than I intended, then I ran away. Down the dirt path and towards the forest. My heart was pounding. My bag swung wildly at my side. I never defied Father like this before. I glanced back several times, half expecting him to run out the door and chase me. But he didn’t.
Once I was in the forest, I slowed to a stop. Looking back, I was still alone. The front door was still shut. After a long stare, I forced myself to drop my concerns and focus. Today was a critical mission day. I turned around and continued forward at a brisk pace.
I tried to recover my breath. My hands fumbled into by bag, taking out the small little watch and opening the lid. It was still bright out, even under the shade of the forest. I slipped it back into my bag and returned my gaze forward. Down the snaking path, as far along as I could see.
It felt different. Despite the numerous times I’ve taken this path, it felt new again. My senses were alert, keenly observing. The kind of feeling when I come across something new. Yet, this was also a familiar sensation. Harkening back to the beginning of the summer, back to that late night wander.
I didn’t know why this sensation was returning. Unlike that day, I could see my surroundings. There was, however, a sort of luminous haze. As I walked, numerous pillars of light glided past. Some of them hit my face, briefly blinding my sight before it returned. I watched these rays drift around me, like a silent procession. They all progressed in one direction. And I was swimming upstream.
There was an uncanny air to them. They were too easy to see. Spectral ghosts that purposely revealed themselves to me. I could feel them watching me. Pushing me backwards. Pulling me backwards, as if they were trying to drag me back home. My balance faltered, and I felt as if I would fall backwards at any moment.
I started to sprint again. I needed to get out of this place.