The house was still that night so still Atsuko couldn't sleep. She'd woken up and was now sitting in the dark living room. She began to think about what her cousin had said when they were sitting outside.
"Have you heard of the Hell Correspondence?"
"Its a website...if you want revenge on anyone all you have to do is type the name of that person into the site."
"Hell Girl..." Atsuko trailed off quietly remembering Koto's words. Curiosity got the best of her and she went to sit at the computer in her room. She looked at her clock: 12:59. She was right on time. Waiting a few seconds Atsuko typed in the URL as the clock struck midnight. Waiting she expected one of two things: one-the site would be a fake and nothing would come up or two-the site was real and it would be filled with horrid things.
As she pressed the ENTER key she was surprised when only a black screen came up with the words 'I will exact your revenge' written in small print at the top. Followed, shortly, by a small flame that revealed a blank type box. Other than that the screen was practically empty, except for the letters above the box, 'your bitterness, I will dispel.' Atsuko began scrolling down to see if anything else was there. She barely moved the mouse when a loud crash came from the end of the hallway outside her door. Minimizing the screen she quietly opened her door. The darkness, however, overwhelmed her. She could not see anything clearly all she could make out was the small shifting of what sounded like a bag and the silent ticking of the round hall clock. As she stepped into the darkness of the hall a small shining object caught her attention. Maneuvering her way around the hall decorations she gingerly picked up the small object. Unable to examine the object in the dark the fragile teenager turned back to her room but remembered the noise coming from the end of the hall.
Placing the small stick-like figure into a drawer of a nearby desk Atsuko continued down the hall. When everything seemed normal, and she was ready to turn back, Atsuko noticed a light coming fro a crack in a door.
"Hello?" She said and was about to open the door when it flung open itself.
"Atsuko! What are you doing up, it's past Midnight!?"
"I...I heard a noise."
"Its nothing, go to bed."
"I...cant." It was nearly a whisper.
"Well try. Go. To. Your. Room." Her father said suppressing a yell and shoving the surprised girl down the hall.
Atsuko stumbled but caught herself, before hitting the floor, with her hands. Scared to look back she picked herself up and ran the rest of the way to her room. Once safely inside she closed the door, locked it and climbed into bed, knowing fair well, she wouldn't sleep that night.
When morning came, and she couldn't stand the bright sun anymore, Atsuko stood from her spot on the small bed and pushed her ear to the door. Nothing. Quickly Atsuko showered and dressed for school. She grabbed her schoolbag from the closet near the door. She was now outside and opening the gate to walk to school when a voice spoke to her.
"I arranges for you to have the day off today."
Turning to face her father, who was sitting on the bench not far off, Atsuko replied. "Yes, but I was felling okay and thought I'd attend class today." Silence. "Besides I shouldn't miss too many classed." she finished, keeping her head down, avoiding eye contact. Silence again. For a while Atsuko just stood, looking to the ground, allowing the cool air to blow her hair back and fourth. Listening to the sound of blossoms falling to the floor from their once high spot on their tree. Looking up she saw her father sitting on the bench eyes closed. When he didn't say anything Atsuko finished opening the gate. Before she could say a word her father spoke.
"You are not going to school today, go inside and change we have dome things to do involving your Mother." He said in a harsh tone and putting extra distaste in his last word. His expression softened, however, when he saw the frightened look on his daughters face. He also noticed the light bags under her eyes: she hadn't slept last night, he concluded, again guilt erupted on his features.
When he spoke again his voice was soft. "I'm sorry. Its just Aoi..."
"I know dad, I miss her too."
"Well go get changed, I'll wait for you in the car" With that he disappeared in back of the house and Atsuko went inside to do as her father said.
When she finished changing, Atsuko tapped her computer to check the time. When her screen came up she realized she forgot to close the Hotline to Hell. Maximizing the age she noticed it was white and read: "page not found" upon seeing this she remembered the small object she found last might. Closing the blank screen ans walking in the hall she found the object tucked away in the desk the way she left it last night. Picking it up it looked like a weird pen but somehow familiar. Not wanting to keep her father waiting Atsuko put the pen-like thing in her schoolbag and joined her father in the car.
Atsuko waited in the car as her father talked to various people most of whom she didn't know. That is until they arrived at the hospital where her mother spent her last days. Her mind wandered to the many days she spent here with her mother. The countless times she sat in that waiting room while her father talked to her mom. She remembered the familiar aroma of rubber, steel, and disinfectant. She was reminiscing when a nurse she knew fairly well walked in.
"Atsuko!" She said running up to her and hugging her. "I'm so sorry. It was so tragic."
"Its not your fault, you don't have to apologize... do you know what happened?"
The nurse, Sakura, extended her arms out to see Atsuko and said with a sad face "It seems she took too much insulin. Your father didn't tell you?" She sounded concerned.
"I wasn't told anything."
"I'm sorry dear... I have to get going, but if you need anything you know how to reach me." She kissed Atsuko's forehead before exiting the room.