Michiko’s Notebook

Observation Log

Nishi-Oka Station — late night
Standing near the emergency phone after the last train. No phone. No bag. No sign of waiting for anyone. Watched the departures board, then the tracks, then the platform lights. Did not answer clearly when asked if he needed help.

Carnival — dusk
Seen near the ferris wheel. Not riding. Not waiting in line. Watching the lights turn as if seeing them for the first time.

Library — Wednesday afternoon
Periodicals section. Reading old newspapers, or pretending to read them. Said: “I’m here. For now.” Left before further questions could be asked.

Park — afternoon
At the fence near the children flying kites. Watching quietly. No attempt to speak. No one else appeared to notice him.

General note:
He does not behave like someone lost. He behaves like someone studying the world carefully before it disappears.

Michiko’s Notebook begins as a practical record. She has worked the late window at Nishi-Oka station long enough to trust documentation, so when the same strange boy appears in places he should not be, she writes down what she can: dates, locations, what he says, and what he seems to be watching.