Restless
"Nobody loves you... That's why you're here, cuz no one wanted you."
The words repeat in her head followed by the malicious laughter of an older girl, whose eyes glinted with the gleam of her teeth, her mouth pulled back into a snarl. The girl had scared her, but worse, she made Hotaru worry. Maybe she wasn't wanted? Maybe papa wasn't really dead, but he just didn't want to see her anymore? After all it'd had been... something like... six, maybe seven weeks (she wasn't sure) since Haruka-san had visited her. Maybe she realised too that Hotaru wasn't worth it.
The words, the taunts echo in her head as she tries to sleep, the elusive dreams escaping her every time she thinks she's managed to catch it. Her bedroom is small, dark aside from star and moonlight, and this only serves to heighten her fear. If there was perhaps just a little more light she wouldn't be as scared, the words wouldn't hurt as much.
With a whimper, the six year old rolls over, clutching blankets to her chest. It doesn't work, and in the end Hotaru stands, wrapping a blanket around her before creeping down the stairs. Maybe some water will help her calm down.
Or maybe a hug or a kind word would help more.