The Riverside Sisters
by Julyannah Emralino
The Japanese have always believed in ghosts, goblins, and spirits, and this story brings to light the tale of Akira and Kawa, a wedded couple bound by a tea ceremony near the riverside. It's a narrative of mistakes, remorse, and revenge.
Haru, the beloved older sister of Kawa, met up with her every third of the month at their favorite restaurant, the Izakaya. During one meeting, as Haru adjusted her kimono, a strange breeze passed through. 'That's weird,' she thought, but dismissed it. As the wind passed, the shoji, or sliding door, revealed Kawa with a troubled expression.
"What's wrong?" Haru asked when Kawa sat in front of her. "I believe he is having an affair," Kawa answered.
"An affair?" Haru's voice rose, silenced by Kawa's hush. "What makes you think that?" Kawa replied in silence.
"I cannot prove it," Kawa sorrowfully confessed.
For weeks, Akira, Kawa's husband, had been coming home late with a kimono stained by rouge makeup and a kiss smelling of alcohol. Kawa suspected infidelity but couldn't prove it.
"I want to call him out on it," Kawa said.
With a heavy sigh, Kawa changed the topic, and the sisters' meal continued as usual. However, Haru didn't see her sister the next day or the following ones.
Determined, Haru went to the riverside house where Akira and Kawa lived. It was a cold night, and the door was unlocked. Inside, the air smelled like iron. Haru pressed forward, her steps echoing on the wooden floors.
Beyond the kitchen, a backdoor led to the riverside. Haru opened it quietly, only to find Akira behind her, a kitchen knife pressed against her abdomen. 'It hurts,' Haru thought, and that was the last thing on her mind.
Akira withdrew the knife and flung it aside. Near Haru's limp body lay Kawa's lifeless form, a horrified expression etched on her face. Akira disposed of both bodies in the river.
That was the last anyone heard of them. Legend has it that every third of the month, in the middle of the night, you can hear the vengeful screams of two women by the riverside, each carrying a bloodied knife and searching for the man who stole their youth.
Bound to this earth, their souls help those in need. However, if you are wicked, it is advised to run for your life.
The End