My favorite

About the Author

Ririka Tsukamoto entered Akita International University in the spring of 2025 and is currently studying there as a freshman. She was recommended Joel's Creative Writing class by her sister, Nanaka, and decided to take the class in 2025 fall semester. She has been trying to improve her ability to express herself and gain a broader vocabulary. She is a member of the AIU kanto team and having wonderful days with the members.

New Year’s Day beneath a Kotatsu

A blistering wind blanketed New Year's Day

It was freezing

When I opened the door to my grampa’s house

The inside was warm, I was feeling toasty

The gas heater smell really got into my nose

Then, a little milk-white dog ran up to me

Hug her

Feel her small and fluffy body

She smelled like my grandpa’s cigarette

We ran around in the house

Like playing tag

I was it, she was a runner

I chased her, as she playfully scurried around the couch

Like a gentle tornado

I ran after her and snuck into a kotatsu

Inside was filled with faint red light

And someone’s legs

I laughed, and she panted

It was cozy

Airmail

Soaring into the sky

Crossing in the cloud

Fly far away from here

With nameless peers

Only the postage stamp knows

Where I'm going to

"Dear my love,

on the exact other side of the planet

Hi, how are you doing?

Do you sleep and eat well?

I’m looking forward to

see you again"

I convey someone’s message

with full of affection

Again today

Wait a bit,

it’s coming soon

Dear Mochan,

You are wind

Runs around like a hurricane

Strong and fierce

Sleeps in your soft bed like a breeze

Calm and gentle

Blown hair,

Curls that shine

Black big eyes gazing at me

Your eyes always say

“Hey, let’s play fetch!”

I cannot keep holding you

You run into me

Then, wander off

Like dust devil

You’ve given me

full of unconditional love,

more than I can hold

All memories are precious to me

So glad you were born

Thank you for coming to our family,

being my little brother,

and brightening my days

Promise to live with me forever

in your small world

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