"So this is your house? It kinda looks very old," David said as he arrived at her home.
The house appeared quite old, almost like something out of a horror movie. It stood apart from the rest of the town.
"Haha, I knew you would say that. The reason we're in this house is that we can't afford a normal one," she replied sadly.
David felt a wave of concern wash over him at her response.
The two of them entered the house. Inside, it was very simple, with only two oil lamps and two suitcases in the corner.
David moved to sit on the floor.
"Hey, wait! Don't!" she shouted.
"Why not?" he asked.
"The floor is dirty. Just a second; I'll give you my clothes to sit on. You don't want your fancy jeans getting dirty, right?" She opened her suitcase as she spoke.
She turned around to find David already seated on the floor.
"Why are you sitting already? I told you I was going to give you clothes to sit on!"
"I don't want to make you dirty either," David replied.
She smiled at that.
The two of them sat on the floor and began to talk.
"So, where do I start?" she asked hesitantly.
"From the beginning to the end, of course," David replied straightforwardly.
She smiled, feeling more at ease.
"My name is Josie Blackwood, and my big sister's name is Rosie Blackwood. We live in a village called Shirakawa, and our family is very happy there. It felt like no one could take away our happiness...until the day it happened."
FLASHBACK
13 years ago
IN SHIRAKAWA VILLAGE
IN THE JOSIE FAMILY HOUSE
The family was celebrating Josie's 6th birthday, and joy filled the air.
"My father is American, and my mom is Japanese. They met when he was here for business, and it turned into love. They got married, and then my father started working in Japan as a carpenter," Josie told David.
"Hey, Daddy, what gift are you going to give me this time?" young Josie asked her father with a bright smile.
"Ah, just watching you every day, my dear. I noticed you like something," he said.
"What is it?" she asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Like hitting this! When you do that, your face is full of happiness, so that's why I'm going to give you this." He handed her a slingshot.
Her face lit up with joy, and she started jumping around.
"And now your mom already gave you that dress you're wearing, so the last present is from Rosie. Right, Rosie? What did you bring for your little sister?" he asked.
"Why should I give a present to this little brat? Being her big sister is the biggest gift for her," child Rosie said sarcastically.
"You big meanie! I don't want your stupid gift!" child Josie shot back angrily.
The two of them began to argue and squabble.
Just then, their mother appeared behind Rosie, looking stern.
"I already told you not to talk to your sister like that, haven't I?" she said, her expression as scary as a ghost.
Rosie gulped in fear.
"Okay then," she said reluctantly, handing over a hairpin. "Don't get me wrong; I bought this at the last festival. I didn't like it, so I'm giving it to you."
"Wow, it's beautiful! Thank you, Mom!" Josie exclaimed, beaming.
Rosie shot back, "Yeah, but you know you got that hairpin with Mom's money, so it's practically a mom's gift anyway, right?" She clipped her hair with the pin, emphasizing her point.
"Oh my, disrespecting your big sister's present? How dare you! Rosie, teach her a lesson," their mom said sternly.
"Got it, Mom," both girls replied, matching expressions of mock seriousness.
Josie dashed out of the house, with Rosie chasing after her.
"I don't know how she picked up that dirty attitude; it must be from you, honey," their mother said, looking at her husband.
"Oh no, I have to escape! Ah, I forgot to buy some wood for tomorrow's work. I've got to go! Bye, honey!" he said, darting away like a startled mosquito.
"This is our family. We always scold each other and fight, but we never lose the love we have for one another. One day, I found out about our dad's secret," Josie continued, telling David about her past.
OUTSIDE THE JOSIE HOUSE
Josie practiced with her slingshot, aiming at a leaf on a tree.
"Where is big sis? And what's Dad doing in the house? Does he have work today? Maybe they're eating some kind of candy without telling me. Those jerks, I'm coming for you!" young Josie thought.
She raced toward the house and burst inside.
"Daddy! Sis! Daddy! Sis!" Josie shouted, calling for them.
Then she noticed the storeroom door under the house was open.
Curious, she climbed down the stairs.
"Oh my God," she gasped, unable to believe her eyes.
Continue....