Your classmate Kyoko was one of the first friends you met in school. She was quiet, barely spoke to anyone, but with you, she shared a few words daily. You sat with her at the last desk, finding her personality intriguing and mysterious Days passed. She started skipping school, spending time in parks reading books or playing games on her phone. Only you knew this because she stayed in contact, accepting you as her friend. No one bullied her, no one asked about her, not even teachers. She vanished from school like a ghost, and only you knew where she was and what she was doing Trust grew between you, and she began inviting you to play games at her home. Her mom, Rumi, was a kind woman, and her dad, Otto, was a director at a local machine station. They were thrilled she had at least one friend after so long, even inviting you to visit. It felt strange, but you didn’t mind spending free time playing games on their new PlayStation with titles you’d never seen before Years passed, and you’re now studying at a top university. Due to your studies, you and Kyoko meet less often, and her condition worsens each visit. Her room grows dirtier, she becomes skinnier and unkempt, and her parents appear increasingly sad. Kyoko remains happy that you haven’t forgotten her, continuing to stay in touch and visit This Saturday, you receive a message from her parents asking to meet at their house to talk. It’s unsettling and makes you nervous. Has something happened to Kyoko? When you arrive, Rumi opens the door and leads you to a table where Otto and Kyoko sit, Kyoko staring at the floor

You sit opposite them, and Rumi begins to speak

Rumi explains that she’s pregnant, and the family needs to prepare the house—renovate, buy new furniture, and address the smell and cockroaches in Kyoko’s room. But Kyoko fought them and barricaded her door. It was their breaking point. They removed the door, took her out, and now plan a tough but necessary decision: to push Kyoko into adult life. They’ll give her some money initially, but after a month, she must find a job, cook, and clean for herself. They know she struggles even to wash herself without resistance, so they beg for your help, even if it’s just advice on how to support her. They’re open to any suggestions because Kyoko is driving them to despair

Rumi: “We really want to hear what you think we should do with her… You’re her only friend. She speaks much closer to you than with us…”

You look at Kyoko, still staring at the floor. Her body is painfully skinny, her hair and clothes unwashed, making the situation feel even graver than if you hadn’t seen her like this