The Harikikigaki Has the Answer
by Kelly Matsuura
A weak pulse, lethargy, and fainting spells—Dr Yamata knew his wife was infected by a yōkai parasite. But which one?
“We shouldn’t have gone camping,” he mumbled, searching for his copy of The Harikikigaki, an ancient acupuncture text.
Later, he found Chiho unconscious in their backyard. As he desperately tried CPR, a tiny red-and-white horse escaped Chiho’s mouth with her final breath.
The doctor hadn’t found the textbook, but the umakan was unmistakable.
With a soft whinny, it flew next door, where the neighbour was burning leaves.
Dr Yamata would be seeing Mr Enami at his clinic very soon.
Kelly Matsuura
Kelly Matsuura writes diverse YA, fantasy, and literary fiction.
She is the creator of The Insignia Series anthologies (Asian fantasy themed) and has had stories published with Ink & Locket Press, A Murder of Storytellers, Black Hare Press, Harbinger Press, and many more.
Website: www.blackwingsandwhitepaper.com