KEN'S SISTER

Ken stepped into the house, his school bag still hanging from one shoulder.

"I'm back!" he called out.

Almost immediately, small footsteps came rushing from the bedroom.

"Onii-chan!"

A tiny figure launched itself at him, wrapping her little arms tightly around his waist.

Ken chuckled, resting his hand on top of her head, ruffling her soft brown hair.

"What is it, Emi?" he asked with a warm smile.

She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I did it today!" she beamed. "I read an entire storybook all by myself! Without Mom's help!"

Ken's smile grew wider.

"That's really amazing, Emi." He patted her head gently.

Her smile brightened, pure happiness radiating from her little face.

From the bedroom, their father stepped out, arms crossed as he chuckled.

"Your sister kept asking for you the whole time you were gone. She wouldn't stop looking for her big brother."

Ken glanced at his father and grinned.

"I'm back, Dad."

Not long after, their mother also appeared, wiping her hands on a cloth. She sighed lightly.

"Ken, how many times have I told you? Wash your hands and legs before entering the house."

"Ah—sorry, Mom!" Ken quickly rushed toward the bathroom.

As he turned the faucet, he noticed something from the corner.

Emi was peeking at him.

Only her wide, curious eyes were visible from behind the doorframe.

Ken smirked. He raised his hand and motioned for her to come in.

"Come on, Emi."

Giggling, she tiptoed inside, her small hands behind her back. She stood beside him, watching as he washed his hands.

"Onii-chan, you're so tall now!" she suddenly exclaimed.

Ken chuckled. "One day, you'll grow tall too, Emi."

She grinned brightly. "Yes! One day, I'll be big too!"

After washing up, the two of them went to the dining table, where their mother placed a plate of cake in front of them.

Emi eagerly took a bite with her spoon, her cheeks puffing slightly as she savored the taste.

"Mmm! Yummy!" she giggled.

Ken smiled and scooped a piece of his own cake, then playfully held the spoon in front of her.

"Here, try this too."

Emi happily ate it, giggling as she enjoyed the extra treat.

Their mother sighed. "Ken, giving Emi your cake is fine, but she has her own! You should eat yours."

Ken only smiled before taking half of his cake and placing it onto Emi's plate.

"She loves it," he said simply.

Their father watched with amusement.

After finishing their snacks, their mother reminded Ken, "Now, go finish your homework."

Ken nodded and stood up, heading toward his room upstairs.

Quietly, Emi followed behind him.

"Emi," their father called, arms crossed. "Don't disturb your brother. You have your own work to do."

Emi paused on the stairs, pouting.

Ken glanced back at her and smiled.

"Dad, can I teach Emi while I study?"

Their father sighed, shaking his head with a small smile.

"You're going to study and teach Emi at the same time? Fine. Emi, go bring your books."

Excited, Emi rushed to her room, dragging a stool to reach her bookshelf. She carefully pulled out a book, stepping down slowly before running back to Ken.

Once inside his room, Ken helped her onto the bed beside him.

"Alright, read this part," he said, pointing to the page.

Emi nodded eagerly, trying her best to read aloud. Ken listened, occasionally correcting her when needed, before focusing on his own studies.

After an hour, he glanced at her.

She had fallen asleep.

Her tiny hands rested on the open book, her slow, steady breaths the only sound in the room.

Ken smiled softly.

Without moving her, he laid his head down on his arms and fell asleep beside her.

Ken's eyes snapped open.It was dark.The room was completely silent.He slowly sat up, blinking groggily."What… time is it?" he mumbled.Something felt off.He turned his head—Emi wasn't there.Frowning, he stood up, rubbing his eyes as he stepped toward the door.

The hallway was pitch black.A strange coldness filled the air.Slowly, Ken stepped forward, making his way downstairs."Emi?" he whispered.No answer.His heart pounded.He peeked inside the bedroom—His parents were asleep.But Emi…She wasn't there.A strange uneasiness crawled up his spine.Ken turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Empty.

He swallowed."Where are you…?"Then—He saw her.In the hallway.A small silhouette stood in the dim light.Emi.She was holding something.A bottle.Ken's breath hitched"Emi?"

She didn't respond.She lifted the bottle to her lips.

Poison.

Ken's eyes widened in horror.

"NO!"

He ran—Faster.Faster—

His hands reached out—

He grabbed her shoulders—And then—

SLASH.

His body froze.

The warmth of her small body vanished.

His breath hitched—Blood.

His hands were covered in warm, sticky blood.

Emi's small body was split—Torn.

Dead.

Ken's mouth opened, but no sound came out.His eyes remained locked on the lifeless body of his little sister, her blood pooling onto the floor.A trembling whisper escaped his lips.

"No..."

His vision blurred.

His heart pounded painfully.

"No... NO...!"

Then—A scream.A shattering scream tore from his throat.

"EMI!!!!"

The world cracked.