Shinara woke up from her sleep, got out of bed, and walked toward the door.
She opened it only to be surprised to find her doll lying right outside.
She picked it up, placed it gently on the bed, and left the room.
She looked around the house for her grandmother, but couldn't find her.
So she sat in the living room, waiting.
After a few minutes, Shinara heard footsteps.
She stood up quickly, thinking it was her grandmother—but no one was there.
She thought she was imagining things.
When she returned to the living room, she saw her doll standing upright.
Before she could even process what was happening, the doll spoke
"Hello, Shinara. I'm Kagiri.
I've come to make your dream come true.
Do you have any questions? ...
Oh, sorry, I forgot.
Anyway are you ready?"
Shinara nodded silently.
But then, the sound of the front door opening broke the moment.
Kagiri returned to her lifeless form.
Shinara picked her up and went to see who had come in—it was her grandmother.
She tried to tell her that the doll was alive, but her grandmother couldn't understand.
Instead, she patted Shinara's head gently and said she should get ready to visit her mother's grave.
Feeling disappointed, Shinara went to her room and tossed Kagiri onto the bed.
Kagiri stood up, scolding her:
"No one is supposed to know I'm alive—except you!"
Shinara felt guilty but said nothing.
She changed her clothes, and soon she and her grandmother were on their way to the cemetery.
On the road, Shinara noticed the same man who had killed the cat.
He walked toward them and stopped in front of them.
Her grandmother spoke sharply
"This isn't a coincidence, is it?"
He replied calmly
"I was just coming to visit you."
Her grandmother glared at him.
"Don't even try. I don't want you talking to her ever again."
The man smirked.
"We'll see about that."
He walked past them slowly.
Her grandmother took Shinara's hand and continued walking.
They reached the cemetery—the only peaceful place Shinara knew.
They stopped before her mother's grave.
Her grandmother handed her a yellow flower.
Shinara took it and placed it on the stone.
her grandmother asked.
"Shall we go now?"
Shinara nodded.
They left the quiet cemetery, and after a while, returned home.
Shinara rushed to her room, grabbed Kagiri, and shook her until she opened her eyes.
Kagiri groaned
"Stop shaking me! Put me on the bed first!"
Shinara did as she was told. Kagiri stood up and said
"Alright, I have to ask—do you want to go to a beautiful world, one that feels like a dream?"
Shinara nodded again.
"But there's a condition," Kagiri continued.
"You have to solve a riddle.
The answer will be your key to that world.
You must discover it on your own."
Shinara nodded reluctantly.
Then, her grandmother's voice called from the kitchen
"Shinara!"
Shinara went there, and her grandmother told her to sit down.
She pulled out a chair and waited quietly for breakfast.
After a few minutes, her grandmother set a plate in front of her and sat down as well.
"I went to your school today," she said, "to speak with the principal again... but he refused.
I'm really sorry. It's the only school in the town, and we can't go to the city.
I'm such a terrible person."
Shinara stood and hugged her tightly.
"That's sweet of you, my dear," her grandmother whispered.
"But it's all my fault."
Shinara shook her head.
Her grandmother smiled.
"That makes me feel better already. Thank you.
Now go ahead and finish your breakfast."
Shinara nodded and continued eating.
When she finished, she hurried back to her room—Kagiri was waiting for her.
"Finally, you're back! Now, here's a hint for your riddle," Kagiri said.
"Go to the place you love the most.
You'll meet a fairy there who'll ask you a question.
If you answer correctly, she'll give you a piece of paper.
Once you collect all the pieces... no, never mind—you'll understand everything then."
She paused, then added
"Now, let's wait until your grandmother takes her nap."
But Shinara picked Kagiri up and headed toward the kitchen.
Kagiri shouted:
"Damn it! Are you stupid? She won't let you go out!"
When they reached the kitchen, Kagiri froze back into her normal state.
Shinara stood before her grandmother and pointed toward the window.
"You want to go outside?"
Shinara nodded.
"Alright. Stay close and don't be late."
Shinara stepped out of the house, Kagiri in her arms
heading toward a new adventure...
into a world where flowers could speak.