On that night, Girl A decided to see if the rumor was true. She planned to summon “Kozue-chan” from the ghost stories she heard at school. The time had come when her mom left home to go to her part-time job at 10 pm. Standing in front of the door with thoroughly washed hands, she chanted “Welcome home, Kozue-chan.” In the perfectly quiet room, she could only hear her own heart beat. The door opened with a creaky sound. There was a beautiful girl, “Kozue-chan.” The rumor was true. Her school uniform had wrinkles, her hair was tangled and knotted, however, she looked so healthy that Girl A couldn’t believe she was a ghost―not a living human. Rapidly easing the tension, Girl A led her to the dining table with excitement. Kozue-chan’s lips were merely quivering as she was led by the hand.
Girl A took out two pre-packed bento boxes bought at a convenience store. She was really glad to have someone to eat dinner with. She clapped her hands firmly together and said, “Itadakimasu.” Kozue-chan was still moving her lips like a fish, trying to say something. Her eyes were open so wide, like her eyelids disappeared. In the little air coming from her mouth, she could hear the sound―”FAMILY.”
From the following day, no one saw Girl A at school.
