The scariest things in the world are often just lonely things waiting to be heard. Have your own local legend? Share your story with us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in next month’s “Folklore Today” column.

Kaori walked toward it. Her legs were jelly. Her heart was a trapped bird. But she sat on the dusty bench.

Kaori understood. She placed her own small fingers on the keys and played the only thing she knew by heart: a clumsy, sweet version of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

She pressed the voice recorder’s red button.

One key pressed down. Middle C. No hand touched it. The note hung in the air for exactly three seconds— kaaaaa —then faded.

By T. Mizuki October 26, 2023

The footsteps stopped.