Running my fingers through Meeko’s hair, the breeze coming through the window had the scent of cherry blossom to it. When it met my lips, it was a strawberry kiss, and as I placed that kiss on Meeko’s whispery, pink lips, she said something under her breath—a mumbled word or two in Japanese. She only… Read more

With my ear pressed against the door of my neighbours’ apartment, I could hear the girl sobbing from somewhere inside. There was a raised, muffled voice, presumably belonging to the guy, followed by the slamming of a door. The sobbing momentarily ceased before resuming, albeit somewhat softer. “What are you doing?” Jumping out of my… Read more

Taking the stairs two at a time, for less time than I had wished, I felt five years old again. For the briefest of moments, the optimism of reaching the top reminded me of when a simple pleasure such as this was the only pleasure worth chasing. The illusion, however, was soon shattered. Clutching my… Read more

Up the stairwell breathing in warm, dusty air, and the doors of the other apartments housed stories I would never know. Well, I say that, but some I was partial to as Meeko had a thing for talking at length to the other residents whenever she wasn’t at work. She would relay her findings to… Read more

Hurrying along feeling last night’s beer seeping from my pores, I resisted the urge to have a cigarette but soon collapsed in on myself and stopped in the shade of a doorway to roll a sly one. Fumbling around with sweat dripping into my eyes, it was a prolonged effort, and yet despite being half-blind,… Read more

The smell of Meeko’s unwashed body was one of life’s genuine pleasures. Whenever she went without bathing, her flesh gave off an aroma that was frustratingly addictive. It intensified in the hot weather, and when she spent her time in our apartment lazing around in dirty clothes avoiding going into work, her body became a… Read more