2002 June 1 (Saturday)

Dear Diary,

My name is Inoue Miyako, and today is my twelfth birthday. Birthdays aren't really special in my family, but I think that comes from having four kids. Four kids are four too many in Japan, and money gets tight.

I'm the youngest, which also means I'm the last. The last to get food at dinner time, the last to be in elementary school, and the last to turn twelve. Things stop being special when you have to do it four times in a row, and I think that's why I didn't even get a birthday party this year. None of that stuff matter, though, because I got you.

I've been asking for diary for forever, but sometimes things get in the way. It's always Mantarou needing bus money or Momoe needing school clothes. It was finally my turn to need something, and I'm glad my parents picked this.

I need someone to talk to. The kids at school don't like me because I sometimes laugh too loud or have to wear hand-me-down clothes or because I always have to pack my lunch, but I can't help that. They never swap snacks with me or let me jump rope with them, even though I practice really hard.

The only friend have is a third grader named Iori, and he isn't exactly a conversationalist.

This diary is going to be my best friend. I can tell you anything and everything, and you won't even be able to talk back! It's going to be so much fun!

Oops, I forgot to do the dishes (which is totally unfair because it is my special day, but whatever).

Bye!

Miyako

2002 June 7 (Friday)

Dear Diary,

I am SO sorry. I accidentally put you on the family desk meant for school work, and you got covered up with all of my overdue homework assignments (there's way too many). You've been missing for days! Chizuru found you, and I think she might have peeked because she has been awfully nice to me since.

From now on, I think I will keep you in my underwear drawer! I know it's kind of gross in there, but no one will go snooping.

School was awful today. Mama's alarm clock broke last night, so we all woke up in a tizzy. My hair was a mess, and I didn't have time to brush it because she was pushing us out the door so we wouldn't miss the bus. The girls behind me in homeroom called me "Bird's Nest" for the rest of the day. I'm used to things like that, but there was a new boy in class today, which made it even worse!

Things at home are boring. Mama and Daddy are thinking about having me work at the family convenience store to help ends meet, but I don't want to. How am I supposed to make any friends at all if I don't have any free time?

Speaking of no free time, it's my turn to make dinner.

Miyako.

2002 June 9 (Sunday)

First the first time in forever, the house is empty. My parents are at work (Daddy works at the store full time, and Mama picks up shifts whenever she needs to), and my sisters have birthday parties to go to. Mantarou went to the mall with some friends, so I am home alone.

Since all of the chores have to be done by Saturdays, I have the whole day to do whatever I want. Well, mostly what I want. Normally, I think I would like to spend time in my room, but it's not even really mine. Because our apartment is so small, I have to share a room with both Chizuru and Momoe. It's really annoying because all they do is gossip about boys and makeup and things that don't really matter at all.

I like working on computers and programming and figuring out how things work, not about how to make myself pretty. Being pretty doesn't help if you're dumb, anyway.

Anyway, back to my boredom. Iori has kendo to practice, and he can't skip because his grandfather is his instructor. That doesn't matter anyway because I'm in the mood for an adventure, and Iori would rather stay home.

There's a gathering of trees behind my apartment complex that nobody ever goes in. Why? Does it have ghosts? Maybe there's hidden treasure! I think I should go and find out.

I'll let you know if I find anything cool.

Miyako.

2002 June 13 (Thursday)

It's been such a busy week, and I haven't had any spare time to write. A lot has happened since this past weekend.

I guess I should go in order. After I packed my exploring bag (it just has some snacks and extra socks in it), I walked to the little gathering of trees. It didn't take me long to get there but sweat was already running down my face. The trees were taller than I thought they would be, and most of the ground was covered in shade.

At first, I thought I was just wasting my time. Bugs kept flying in my face, and the sun shone directly in my glasses. Just I was about to go home and sulk (I'm always sulking about something), I saw it.

Most of the trees I had seen so far had been skinny and tall. In the middle of a small clearing, there was a big tree with the thickest trunk you have ever seen. That's not even the coolest part! On top of this fat tree was biggest tree house I could ever dream of.

I thought tree houses were just in America. Who would have known we have one right here in little Odaiba?

There was a small, wooden ladder at the base of the house, so I climbed inside. Looking back, I realize that this tree house could belong to anybody, but it was just too exciting. I have a hard time sitting still when my emotions fun wild, but nothing bad happened, so I guess it is okay.

Inside, the sun peaked through some of the walls, and I could see the apartment buildings that were nearby. The room was big enough to fit my entire bedroom.

Because it took me so long to find this place, it was starting to get dark. Mama doesn't like it when I miss dinner, so I packed my bag up and ran all the way back to the apartment.

It didn't matter if I ran or not, because no one even noticed I was gone. My brother was too busy in his video games, and Momoe was running her mouth over the phone. Chizuru called to tell our parents that she was spending the night with a friend, but no one said anything about me being late.

At least the food was good; rice balls are my favorite.

Miyako.