This time, she came alone. No parents. No holiday pretense. Just her, a duffel bag, and a small box of homemade mochi.
It’s been years since I last saw my cousin, Tomoda Ayaka. We grew up in different cities, only meeting at funerals or the occasional new year’s gathering. She was always the quiet one — sitting in corners, reading manga, barely speaking above a whisper. -DS- -21 - I Met My Cousin - Tomoda Ayaka - Dec...
Title: DS-21 – I Met My Cousin: Tomoda Ayaka (December Reflection) This time, she came alone
I didn’t know how to respond.
We talked until 3 a.m. Turns out Ayaka isn’t quiet anymore — she’s just selective. She told me about her art school rejection, the part-time job at a vinyl record shop, and how she’s been learning to play bass. She showed me her sketchbook: dark, surreal portraits mixed with tiny doodles of cats and vending machines. Just her, a duffel bag, and a small box of homemade mochi
“I’m staying the night,” she said, like it was already decided.
Late December. Cold air, warm tea, and an unexpected knock on my door.