#memory cassette

[Send 📼 to see an early childhood memory of my muse’s]

A group of 5 children are gathered around a small shrine off to the side of a hiking trail, hands clasped together in prayer. Their ages range anywhere from 8 with the oldest looking to be around 15. Amongst the group is a young girl who couldn't have been older than 13, fluffy black hair pulled into a messy ponytail. The younger members of the group are clearly mouthing a rehearsed prayer, rushing through the words to try and wrap up faster. When their prayer is finished they give a quick bow and bound off to grab their bikes from the trail once again.

One by one the children finish their recitations, with the exception of one. The little girl continues to pray, taking things slower than the others. She follows the rituals in the way she was taught, uninterested or unwilling to rush the work that needs to be done.

“Kaoru, hurry up!” The oldest calls out to her and she jumps. 

“But I was just–Ugh fine!” Turning to give one final bow to the shrine she wraps up and goes to join the others. “I hope Ōnyūra Bayo makes you fall off your bike!”

“They don’t do that!”