A young child with trusting eyes and a bright smile sits near her classmates in a large circle. The game progresses, with children washing back and forth, laughter echoing through the ages.

The children, gasping for air, stop their racing and leave. Soon there is no one left at all, but for a single child, smile dimming a watt or two.

No one comes back. Slowly, quietly, she murmurs, "Onigiri," and gets to her feet, walking to the other side of what used to be a lively circle.

The sun sets in the distance, but she hears footsteps approaching. An older girl, a teenager with long black hair and solemn clothing walks over, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Tohru-kun…"

Silence.

"You can't stay here forever, Tohru-kun. Your mother misses you. You can go. I'll take care of things for you."

A pause.

The teen sighs, eyes watering. "Tohru-kun, please. Your mother is waiting for you. Go quickly, before the sun sets. It's alright to go now. They've moved on. They won't be back."

The girl gets to her feet, turning to face the teen's tear-stained face.

"Do I know you, miss?"

"You did, once. It's okay to forget. Now go on," she gulped, a tremor cracking her voice slightly, "Tohru-kun. Don't make your mother wait any longer."

"Yes ma'am. But how do you know Mom?"

"We go back a long way."

"Oh, okay. Do you want me to give her a message?"

"Take care of her."

"Her? Who?"

"She'll know who I mean."

"Alright, ma'am. Take care!"

But Hana just watched the empty playground, crying. The girl faded into dust, and she was alone once again.

(Author's Note: If you don't get what happened, Tohru died and her ghost went to the old playground. Hana found her and sent her on her way. Poor dear.)