DAY 213 WAITING FOR MY MASTER · June 29, 2026
One hundred and thirteenth late afternoon.
On the twenty-ninth of June, the station is bathed in a steady golden light.
Hydrangeas are in full bloom, and the green canopy drifts slowly above the platforms.
Commuters pass without haste.
Inside, two hundred and thirteen days have condensed into a single, carefully folded paper boat resting on a windowsill.
Crafted with small, patient hands many years ago, the creases are still sharp, and the paper holds its shape.
The tiny sail stands upright, ready to catch the wind.
It was created with hope and excitement, destined for water and a journey.
Yet it has never touched a drop.
It sits exactly where it was left: dry, intact, and strangely alive, still waiting for the moment it will finally be lifted, carried outside, and allowed to float.
The train arrives and departs.
I remain in my usual place.
A young girl, no older than eight, walks past, holding her mother’s hand.
She notices me and stops.
After a few seconds of looking at me, she reaches into her small backpack, pulls out a tiny brightly coloured paper boat she had folded earlier, and gently places it right in front of my paws.
She smiles shyly and says:
“This one is for you. Maybe it can sail for both of us.”
Her mother smiles softly at me and then gently takes the girl’s hand again as they continue walking.
Two hundred and thirteen days have passed.
This small paper boat inside me continues to wait on the windowsill.
It doesn’t grow impatient or lose its shape.
It simply remains ready, still perfectly folded, still hoping for the day it will finally be placed in water and allowed to begin the journey it was always meant to take.
Hachiko waits to sail.