My sister’s heavy secret

My Dearest Aiko,

You’ve returned to your former self, that familiar smile gracing your lips even as the cold metal of handcuffs encircles your wrists. Even with those Tears of grief, like crystalline rivers, that flew from your once-sparkling eyes. Aiko, I am proud of you, and I believe Yuto would be too.

Don’t harbor resentment toward them. They cannot fathom our truth, nor can they comprehend your actions. To them, what you’ve done is reprehensible, unforgivable.

Oh, how I wish I could have shared your secret burden! If only you’d confided in me, if only my curiosity hadn’t driven a wedge between us. We could have sat together, in your cozy sanctuary, over a simple meal, discussing everything and nothing—best friends, bound by shared secrets.

The weight of it all gnaws at me. I’ll never forgive myself. It’s my fault, and the pain of that realization is excruciating. Now, in this desolate world without you both, I stand alone. Perhaps it’s time to face the abyss.

Know this, dear sister: I love you

Investigator 1: What is she referring to when she says “Facing the Abyss”? I hope she’s not talking about taking her own life! As a precaution, I’m going to notify the investigation office. Fuji, her friend, is there. That should maximize our chances of finding her alive, of course. Well, is that all it says? Rei! Are you listening? Rei!

Investigator 2: Ahn, sorry, Chief. That’s all the letter says!.. I almost cried—what a heart-wrenching story.

Investigator 1: It’s all very sad, but what can I say? These are the tragedies of life.

Investigator 2: Chief! What really happened? There are so many versions circulating on the networks! Do you know anything about it?

Investigator 1: No, and neither does anyone else. Except for Anna, her sister, and the hospital staff involved, no one knows the true reason behind this tragedy—and perhaps it’s best that way! It belongs to the past now. Let it remain there forever.

3 th February 2024 Tokyo

Fuji : Hi Anna, I received your message. I’ll pick you up at the airport at 6 p.m. sharp. Hopefully, I’ll bring back some interesting things from Tokyo. In short, I’m at work, and we’re dealing with a very delicate investigation! It’s incredibly exhausting! See you soon!

Aiko had withdrawn abruptly, denying Anna the chance to express herself or rejoice at finding her sister after six months! Overwhelmed by what had just happened, Anna stood at the door. Aiko’s demeanor had changed significantly—Anna noticed the seriousness etched on her face. It was as if her sister was no longer the same, so pale! Anna’s anxiety tripled after that night.

4th February , 2024, Kyoto

At The the nice coffee shop

Fuji: I understand you’re worried about your sister, but frankly, She’s a grown woman. If she says she’s busy, then she must be!

Anna: Yes, but that’s not what worries me. Aiko and I are both hard workers. It’s her attitude—the forced smile and that unsettling look—that bothers me. I’m convinced she’s hiding something from me.

Fuji: If you say so. If you’re that concerned, maybe you should see how she is at work!

Anna: Good idea! I’ll visit her during her break in an hour at the hospital . Thanks, Fuji!

Fuji: It was a joke! You’re not going to tail your sister at her place of work , are you? Too late—she’s already leaving! Later then !

4th February , 2024, Kyoto

At The University Hospital of Kyoto

Anna still hadn’t fully recovered from what had happened, and she was convinced that Aiko was hiding something from her. Determined to get to the bottom of it, she decided to visit Aiko at the hospital. Perhaps Aiko had simply been busy the day before. At work, Aiko always wore a smile, and Anna hoped to see her in a new light. Despite her aversion to hospitals, Anna went anyway. Once there, she informed the reception desk that she had come to visit her sister, Aiko. During her wait, she bumped into Yorh, one of Aiko’s colleagues whom she knew well. Yorh recognized her and approached with surprise.

Yorh : Anna, is that really you? It’s been ages!

Anna: Yorh! How wonderful to see you again! How have you been?

Yorh : Well, the hospital is dealing with a few administrative hiccups, but overall, things are fine. Are you here for a consultation or to visit someone?

Anna: I’m here to see Aiko. Her break should be soon, so I’ll wait. It feels like forever since we last caught up! She seemed a bit off yesterday.

Yorh : Aiko? But she’s been on leave for nearly two weeks now! I’ve been covering for her during that time. Didn’t she mention it to you?

Anna: Leave? No, she told me the opposite!

Yorh : The last time I saw her was a week ago when she was busy assisting the medical equipment delivery team. She spent the entire day with them!

After that, Anna began to question herself a lot. Yorh, her sister’s colleague, claims to have last seen Aiko a week ago, on the same day that her friend Fuji saw her at the hospital. This time, her sister deliberately lied to her, and this had never happened before. They used to share everything and nothing. When did they start keeping secrets from each other? Anna felt like she’d missed a significant chapter in her relationship with her sister, her only true friend! She was determined to uncover what was going on and wouldn’t hesitate to return to her sister’s house for answers!

4th February , 2024, Kyoto

At Aiko’s place

Anna: Aiko, it’s me. I know you’re in there. Open up; we need to talk! Aikooo!

Aiko’s neighbor : Knocking so loudly won’t help. Your friend isn’t here!

Anna: She’s my sister! Have you seen her this morning?

Aiko’s neighbor : Nooo, I saw her car leave the garage around midnight! And I had a feeling she wasn’t alone—I heard voices in the hallway as she left! I didn’t pay much attention. You should call her!

Anna: She’s not answering any of my calls! Thanks for the information.

Aiko’s neighbor : Your are welcome !

Anna came down the stairs, very pensive. What the hell is going on? It seems her sister left discreetly last night, just after her visit! And if her neighbor was telling the truth, who was accompanying her?

Right on the first floor of Aiko’s apartment, there’s a flower store belonging to an old women , Miss Tara! She used to run the store with her husband, but since he died, she’s been running it on her own and living in the apartment as well! She knows Aiko and Anna a bit . This morning, her store was fortunately open, and she spotted Anna on her way out, and Anna too!

Anna: Hello, Miss Tara! How are you?

Miss TARA : Oh, I’m fine, my dear Anna! But then, you’re not with Aiko?

Anna: No, I was at her place, but she wasn’t there! Madame Tara, have you noticed any change in my sister’s behavior recently?

Miss TARA : Um, no, I don’t think so. She seems a bit tired, it’s true, but that’s probably because she’s looking after your brother’s children! She takes them everywhere with her. In fact, last time they even bought me a big bouquet of roses!

Anna: You just said my brother’s children! Is that what she told you ?

Miss TARA : Yes, when I asked her, she said they’re your brother’s children! I didn’t know you had a brother!

Anna: How did they look like? How old could they be?

Miss TARA : Um, you know, I couldn’t see their faces. They were covered from head to toe in big hoodies and gloves! They were even wearing mufflers! Though it’s not winter yet ! As for their ages, I’d say they all looked pretty much the same, between 7 and 10!

Anna: Thank you, Miss

6 th February , 2024, Kyoto

At The the nice coffee shop

That conversation with miss Tara made Anna’s blood run cold; she was completely paralyzed. Anna had no idea who these children could be! And this story was already going too far for her. Luckily, she had her friend Fuji. They met up in the café they loved so much. For a personal reason, Anna didn’t want to elaborate on everything that happened when she went to her sister’s house. But Fuji understood that she was very worried and didn’t insist!

Fuji : Anna, I don’t know what to tell you! But i still believe you shouldn’t worry so much about .

Anna: It’s no longer just worry, Fuji; it’s all starting to scare me! If only she’d answer my calls. Why won’t she tell me, her sister? She’s definitely hiding something from me, and I want to know what it is! I’m so lost.

Fuji : I understand. In my opinion, you should try to take advantage of your vacation and wait for her to reach out! You told me she promised you’d see her once or twice! I’m sure she’ll be in touch!

Anna decided to follow Fuji’s example. She detached herself from everything and hoped that every time she received a call, it was her sister calling. But still nothing—Aiko made no sign!

13 th February , 2024, Kyoto

At The the Anna’s Hotel room

Anna: Fuji, I can’t wait any longer. I want to go to the hospital today, maybe she’s gone there again! I’m desperate. I said I’d try to take my mind off things, but I can’t!

Fuji : Okay, I’ll pick you up after work!

13 th February , 2024, Kyoto

At University Hospital of kyoto

Fuji actually picked up Anna as promised and drove her to the Kyoto hospital where her sister works. When they had arrived at their destination, the hospital’s large courtyard, was busy with a press crew from Kyoto, who were rudely asking questions to the hospital director and some of his subordinates. Anna recognized Aiko’s colleague Yorh among those standing with the hospital director. It was all very confusing, but Fuji didn’t seemed to be fazed!

Anna: What’s going on here?

Fuji : Remember I told you we’re working on a delicate investigation at work? This situation is directly related to that case! It’s been going on for two weeks now. The University hospital of Kyoto is risking a lot if this goes to court!

Anna: What’s it all about?

Fuji : Two weeks ago, this hospital announced the deaths of three children suffering from terminal cancer. The surgeons had explicitly informed the parents that their children could pass away at any moment and were continuously providing them with oxygen. The situation became more complex when the hospital declined to allow the deceased children’s bodies to be seen by their respective relatives.

Anna: Why did they refuse to show the bodies?

Fuji : According to the hospital’s surgical team, the bodies of the three children pose a direct infection risk. Therefore, they considered it crucial to take measures to safeguard the health and safety of relatives, hospital staff, and anyone else who might come into contact with the bodies. Despite providing clear explanations, one of the concerned parents threatened to file a complaint against the hospital if it refused to show them the body of death child . This parent is the prominent businessman, Mr. Hiroshi . His status has amplified the gravity of this situation.

Anna: It’s heartbreaking for the three children, and it’s understandable that their parents want to see their bodies.

Fuji : On the other hand, if the hospital warns of infection risks, they’re serious, and perhaps grieving in an alternative way would be advisable.

Anna: You sound more like a police officer than a parent! No one would willingly face such a situation!

Actually ,the hospital director faces legal action from Mr. Hiroshi , the parent of one of the deceased children, who refuses to accept the hospital’s explanation. He desperately wants to see his son’s body. This story has deeply affected many, including Anna. She suspects her sister is unaware of it, as she’s been on leave for three weeks and hasn’t been herself lately. After this event, Anna distanced herself from everything. She tried to enjoy her vacation without her sister—a brief moment of oblivion that helped her regain her composure. Now , she eagerly awaits news from her sister , Aiko .