Eri, The Girl That Missed Her Mother

There was a man, standing in front of me. An old man that looked familiar but I couldn't look at his face. He took off his old eyeglasses and sat across from me at the table. He was wearing all black as if he were going to a funeral or turning back. ''Can you tell me what happened to Eri? Do you know anything?'' he asked. I wanted to ask who he was but I couldn't. Instead, I started talking:

''When I was a kid, there was a girl named Eri in my building. A nasty one, always yells, breaks stuff, cries when she can't obtain something, etc.

One day, Eri came to my house with a sad face. And asked: 'Will you be my friend?'. I hesitated at first but then I was worried, about her. Even if she was infamous for her actions. And I said 'Sure why not?'. After that moment, I learned a lot about her. The reason for her persona, the intention of her actions, and more. 

The reason why she was yelling was because she thought that her mother could hear her if she screamed, her dead mother. The reason why she was breaking things was because her stepmother was trying to throw away Eri's mother's things and put hers around the house. And the reason why she was a crybaby was because she knew how many times she tried her mother wouldn't and couldn't come back. After I saw and understood everything she felt different and... I felt different. 

One day, I woke up and she wasn't there, at our usual meeting spot. I got worried and started to look after her. After some moments, I saw her, lying on the ground. Lifeless, painted all red. And people were running towards her. With worry on their face. About like... 2 years later of her death, I learned that her mother died in a car accident like her. I guess she thought 'If I can't bring her here, I will go to her.' or else.''

He cried. So did I. I didn't know which one hurt, remembering old painful memories or not being able to help my dearest and only friend. 

''I couldn't even protect her... What kind of father I am?'' He said softly and tiredly while crying quietly. 

I heard yet still couldn't look at his face. What was I scared of? Her father's sadness or the resemblance of her, Eri's face. 

''Am I cursed? Lost both of my wives and my daughter...'' 

My crying stopped but the bitterness that was stabbed in my heart didn't vanish. I looked outside from the window, there was a hearse. Waiting in front of the cafe. 

''Want to come? You can see Eri too.'' He said. His voice was trembling.

''Of course,'' I said, softly. 

I am sorry Eri. Couldn't keep your pain as a secret from your father. But I am thankful... That I can stand next to you once more. He cried and cried and cried yet... Wiped his tears to not look bad her dearest friend.