Seen

I just wanted someone to look at me. 

My sister, Yuno, has a chronic illness that makes it so that she absolutely cannot be left alone by herself.

She must always be supervised by somebody, because who knows what will happen if there's no one around when she needs someone the most. 

My father doesn't have time to look after her because he's always busy with work from morning till nighttime. 

Thus, he leaves it up to me to take care of Yuno.

It's been a long time since I've attended a full week of school.

My normal life has been ripped away from my hands because of her.

I have lost count of how many months have passed since I dropped out of school just to look after her. 

The Sakura blossoms were in full bloom that day.

I stood by the window, watching as parents and their children come and go.

Today is a special day.

"Father, today is the Graduation Ceremony-" I tried to tell Father.

"Look, Yuno," Father said as he handed her a hair bow.

After she put it on, I could feel my rage spiking. 

"It suits you very well."

"Thank you, papa."

"Hurry and get better, and I'll take you out to play."

His gaze hardened as he looked at me, "Well, I'll be heading off to work now, so I'm counting on you, Yuriko."

"Yes," I reluctantly muttered.

I continued to stare out the window, quietly envying those who had the privilege of going to school.

Each laughter I saw from them made my heart sink deeper into the void.

I turned to Yuno, "Is it too bright? Should I draw the curtains?"

"Yuno..?" She was sound asleep.

Oh, she took off her hair bow Father gave her.

...

I guess this is my only opportunity. 

With a heavy heart, I took the bow and put it on. 

Opening the closet, I stared at my uniforms that have been unused for a long time. 

- I made it to school, I can finally be seen.

Not for long.

The ceremony was an amazing sight to witness. 

Everyone here looks so enlightened. 

Bright colours, bright people, delicious pastries.

This was truly, a moment I've been yearning for.

After the short freedom I was given, I headed back home.

I wish I didn't.

"Fa-Father..?"

I could feel a burning sensation graze over my face.

"Wh-why did you slap me.. Father..?" Those words left my mouth unheard as I looked down at the wooden floor.

"WHERE ON EARTH DID YOU RUN OFF TO?"

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT HAPPENED TO YUNO WHEN YOU WERE OUT PLAYING AROUND?" 

I sprinted into the bedroom.

"BECAUSE OF YOU... YUNO'S LIFE IS IN GRAVE DANGER."

He noticed the hair bow.

"AND THE NERVE TO PUT THIS ON!"

Strands of my hair were pulled down along with the bow.

"Yuno, it's all going to be okay. Papa's here with you now."

...

The deafening sounds of a horn were the last things I heard before the light took me away from this cruel world. 

I just wanted someone to look at me.

Now they all will, I guess. 

A bittersweet conclusion for me.