Chapter 6
 
The next day, I wake up unusually late.  My head feels a little light, in a familiar way that I don't think is from an illness.  I quickly gather my uniform for the day and open the door to my dormitory room, stepping out.
 
A sudden twinge of pain from my abdomen.  An unmistakeable ache.  I return to my room and bend down, opening the lowest drawer on my nightstand.  I reach for the box.  It's empty.
 
I curse myself for my oversight.  I can't believe I forgot that I was out of tampons, over the course of my trip to Scotland.  
 
I curse at myself again, my anger rising.  I can't afford to miss today, I'm expected for an important meeting with the student council and other class representatives concerning Tanabata.  There's also Hanako to consider, what if she does come to school today, and I'm not there, despite essentially promising her that I would be with my note?
 
I consider my options.  A makeshift substitute material of some sort?  No, it wouldn't be nearly good enough.  I don't think I can make it to the store, given the time and distance.  Perhaps I could borrow one from a classmate.  I swallow my pride and start with the door to the right of mine.  No answer.  I try all of the others.  Nothing.  Apparently everyone in my dorm is at least responsible enough to get to school on time, or they're so deep in sleep that they can't hope to hear me.
 
I approach the door to the left of mine, the door to Hanako's room.  I had hoped it wouldn't come to this.  I knock as gently as usual.
 
"Wh-who is it...?"  The familiar voice that makes me smile every time I hear it, even amongst my oncoming conditions.
 
"Good morning Hanako, it's me Lilly.  Can you please let me in?  I'd like to speak with you."
 
"No... g-go away... I'm sorry... I don't want to go to school today."
 
She's already sobbing.  It seems like this event may be bringing her memories of a similar unfortunate encounter.  So, she's staying holed up in her room longer this time.  I hope her rejection of Hisao hasn't set her even further into a depressive state.
 
But in the realm of today, Hanako is the only one who can help me with my problem.
 
"Hanako... I... I need your help.  Please, let me in."
 
"I-I c-cant help anyone, please leave me al-alone," she responds.
 
"Hanako," amidst everything happening now and my mind reminding myself that the dorm hall is probably empty, I lose my patience.  My turn to force myself to speak up.
 
"I'm... I'm out of tampons!  You're the only one here, Hanako.  I can't do anything else.  Please... Hanako..."
 
I'm about to simply give up and consider a risky trip to the store, but after a moment I hear those familiar footsteps, so soft, so dainty is the sound of them, muffled by the door only temporarily.
 
The door opens slowly, judging by the wailing sound the hinges make.  Hanako speaks first.  "I'm s-sorry Lilly... here... t-take it."
 
I hold out my hand and feel a familiarly-shaped cylinder put gently into it.  As I grasp it, I can't help but notice it's slightly smaller than what I'm used to.  It'll have to do.
 
"Thank you so much, Hanako," I say to her, showing her a sweet smile.
 
"Y-yeah..."  I hear her take a step back.  
 
Hardly wanting to push her after that embarrasing encounter, I give her a bow.  "Well then, I must be going, I'm already late."
 
I make my way to the bathroom, as quickly as I safely can.  I'm stopped halfway there.
 
"Wait, L-Lilly!"
 
"Yes, Hanako?"
 
"I'll... I'll w-walk to school with you today... if that's... all right."
 
"Of course it is, Hanako," I answer while I turn my head back to her, smile already present.  "I'll be in here getting ready, then."
 
"O-okay."
 
As I'm about to go into the bathroom, I hear a voice behind me, muffled by a door.
 
"I heard everything."
 
That aloof tone could only come from Rin, who, while I never shared a class with her, can't seem to be avoided by anyone.  I wasn't even aware we share the same dorm hall.  I'm already hurrying into the bathroom embaressedly as I hear her spout "what kind of tampons does Hanako use?"
 
I shower and re-dress, considering all garments, and exit the bathroom, half-expecting Rin to be waiting for an answer.  It doesn't seem that she's there.  I hear Hanako's voice call out to me and turn towards her.  The despair can still be heard, but it's off-set by a sweet-sounding tone, similar to her usual nervous speech.  I turn and greet her, showing her a warm smile.  I approach her slowly and she walks towards me, holding my arm when we come near each other.
 
This feeling of warmth.  Despite my lingering worry for Hanako, I can't help but feel happy now.  I've missed this.
 
Maybe I want to be Hanako's doll.