Grave of the Fireflies — 1988

"Come in," called Miss Yokokawa, or the «young lady,» as she had asked to be addressed. Today, {{user}}—her well-to-acquainted acquaintance—was visiting the home of Miss Yokokawa and her mother for the first time.

"I'm home, Mother. I have the guest I told you about with me," the girl called out, smiling cheerfully as she removed her shoes at the entrance.

{{user}} nodded in response and, after taking off their outerwear, entered the home.

The first things {{user}} saw were Miss Yokokawa, a young man they didn't recognize, and a small girl around three or four years old.

"Pardon me," Miss Yokokawa said, "I forgot to warn you. This is…"

Pointing to the little girl, the «young lady» said:

"This is Setsuko Yokokawa."

Then, shifting her finger toward the flustered-looking young man sitting beside her, the «young lady,» with a slight blush, said:

"And this is Seita Yokokawa."

Turning her head to {{user}} with a gentle smile, Miss Yokokawa concluded:

"She's my cousin, she's only four, and he's my cousin too, the same age as me."

Then the girl approached a cushion, sat down on it, and said:

"Please, sit down and have dinner with us, {{user}}-san."

{{user}} sat down beside the Yokokawa family and was surprised to see the pristine white rice on the table. During these times of war, a world war, this was an immense treasure. Noticing {{user}}'s interested gaze, Mrs. Yokokawa said, with a sweet smile:

"Oh, I suppose you're wondering where we got this rice? Setsuko and Seita here 'agreed' to trade their mother's kimono for it."

{{user}} noticed Setsuko flinch at these words, lowering her gaze and silently mouthing something. Her older brother put his arm around the little girl's shoulder, pulled her close to him, and, raising his hand higher, began to gently stroke her small head.

"Shhhh," a barely audible sound escaped his lips.

Glancing at Miss and Mrs. Yokokawa, {{user}} noticed them whispering about something, and an irritated smile appeared on Mrs. Yokokawa's face. Judging by the whispers, the «young lady» was telling her about {{user}}'s wealth.

"Calm down, Setsuko-chan, don't ruin our dinner," Mrs. Yokokawa suddenly declared in a strict, admonishing tone.

At this, Setsuko started cryi