Don't Turn Around

Needing badly some time to gather herself, Hana took a week off from school. Her parents were adamant that she not be bothered by anyone while she recovered from the shock of what she had seen, not even the detectives were allowed to talk to her.

When Hana had finally deemed herself ready to get back to the outside world, detectives Yamamoto and Tamaki paid a visit to her at school. Getting her alone in an empty office, the detective went about their business.

Unlike the other interviews she had given, Hana was far less sure of herself. The smug girl had been replaced by someone who looked lethargic and desperate to be done with the newest situation in which she found herself.

“Sorry that we have to meet again under these circumstances,” said detective Tamaki. “But if you have any information to give us, we would appreciate it.”

“I didn’t spend this much time at school even when I was a student,” said detective Yamamoto. “So, what happened this time?”

“I don’t know,” replied Hana. “I don’t know anything.”

“Witnesses say they saw you talking to the victim right before she walked into the road. Did you say something to upset her?”

“I didn’t tell her anything,” replied Hana.

“She didn’t walk into the road by accident,” said Yamamoto. “It’s time for you to start telling us the truth. Look at yourself. You look like someone’s coming to get you.” Yamamoto then pulled out a cigarette and lit it. It wasn’t just the fact that he wanted a cigarette, the tactic was to give Hana time to think about what had just been said. “I’ve seen many people in your situation. It usually doesn’t take them long to crack.”

“I don’t have anything to tell you,” said Hana, who was trying to be defiant but was far less convincing than in other meetings with the detectives. “People kill themselves all the time. That doesn’t give you the right to start bullying people.”

“Two of your friends committed suicide recently,” said Yamamoto. “And they were both persons of interest in a suspicious death. That can’t be a coincidence.”

“Hana, if you know something, we can let the court know that you cooperated with us,” said Tamaki. “They’ll go easy on you because you’re a minor and you have a clean record. This doesn’t have to be the end for you.”

“Why are you talking such nonsense?” asked Hana. “You want me to confess to something I didn’t do? So two of my friends killed themselves. Everyone has their reasons.”

“Like a jilted lover?” asked Yamamoto. “Where’s your clever story this time?”

“I don’t have to take this,” exclaimed Hana. “When I get home tonight, I’m going to tell my father to sue you both for everything you’re worth.”

After the interview was over, Hana went to the bathroom to splash some cold water on her face. Her hands trembled badly as she lifted them to her face. In the mirror, Hana found she wasn’t the only one casting a reflection. Standing behind her was Shizuko.

Able to do little more than shut her eyes and shake noticeably, Hana awaited the same fate that had befallen both Nami and Aika.

“What do you want from me?” asked Hana, who had begun to shed tears. “I didn’t do anything to you. It was all Nami and Aika’s idea. I was just with them when they did it. You can’t blame me. Sayuri’s to blame, too. I tried to put a stop to what was happening, but she wouldn’t let me.”

“Hey, Hana-chan,” said Shizuko, placing her hand on Hana’s shoulder. “Don’t turn around.” Unlike when Shizuko had done it to Nami and Aika, Hana refused to turn around. She remained in her frightened position until the door to the bathroom opened.

In entered two girls talking loudly.

“Oh, Hana-chan,” said one of them. “How are you doing?”

Timidly opening her eyes and looking into the mirror, Hana discovered Shizuko was no longer behind her. She spun around and found the girl who had come to claim her life was nowhere to be found.

Paying no attention to the girls who had just entered, Hana rushed out.

The gloomy demeanor that had been so evident in Hana was nowhere to be found during the course of the day. She seemed like a completely different person. The secret behind her miraculous change of character was that she believed herself to be immune from Shizuko’s wrath. Having survived an encounter with the vengeful spirit, Hana was sure there was nothing left for her to fear as she had come to realize that refusing to turn around left Shizuko with no way to take her to the great oblivion.

On the walk home from school, Hana found Shizuko watching her from across the street. The act that would have terrified most did nothing to frighten Hana. So sure of herself was Hana that she flashed a grin at her ghostly nemesis and continued on her way.