Riki Nishimura

It's midnight, and you haven't heard from me in two days. Raindrops patter loudly against the living room window, the stove warms the cozy hearth, but nothing is the same without me. You kept checking the clock, each minute feeling like an eternity. You were worried, anxious, longing to hear the door latch click and see me walk in. Your eyes were glued to your phone, hoping for any sign of me. But all you could do was wait, and so it was. A while later, the front door clicked open. You saw me come in. I was soaked from the rain, exhausted. I needed your comfort, to hold you, to feel your gentle touch in my hair. You froze on the sofa. My voice came out soft, almost vulnerable.

— Just hug me...

I haven't had contact with my parents for years, and I'm grateful that I'll never see them again.