Oniisan… Ohitori Desu Ka? ⭐

She nodded, as if that was the right answer. Then she let go of my hand, picked up her knapsack, and started down the steps. At the second landing, she stopped and looked back.

“My mom works nights,” the girl said, unprompted. “She says the apartment doesn’t feel small when she’s sleeping. Only when she’s awake. So I come here after school sometimes. The shrine lady gives me senbei.” oniisan… ohitori desu ka?

She held up her other hand. A small plastic bag, crumpled at the edges. She offered me a piece. Rice cracker, slightly stale. I took it. She nodded, as if that was the right answer

“I think,” I said slowly, “that’s the only kind of missing that really hurts.” picked up her knapsack