Three Days of Happiness

84
about her appearance, so it came as a surprise.
“Aren’t you invisible to everyone but me?”, I questioned.
“Essentially, yes.”
“Always?”
“Yes, I’m only seen by those I observe. However, as you are aware,
there are exceptions. ...For example, when you first visited the
shop. When I am not on observer duty, I can be seen by those who
are intending to sell their lifespan, time, or health. ...Is something
the matter?”
“Nah. I was just wondering why you’re fussing over your
appearance if nobody can see you.”
Unexpectedly, Miyagi seemed to take this comment as quite an
attack.
“I do it for myself,” Miyagi retorted as if hurt. “You would take a
shower even if you had no plans to meet anyone, wouldn’t you?”
She really did seem offended. If it had been any other girl, I would
have been rushing to apologize, but with Miyagi, I was glad I could
get back at her. I wanted her to criticize my careless remarks.
While walking around wondering where to go, my feet led me to a
thicket near my old home and Himeno’s. We played there often as
kids.
I regretted how I was falling right into Miyagi’s suggestion. She
illuminated just how boring and ordinary my actions were.
I took quite a detour trying to keep away from my parents’ house. I
visited a candy store I used to frequent, but the shop had folded
and the sign was gone.