Quoted By:
Chief: For crying out loud, why so early…
She checks her wristwatch.
Chief: So it is early. What happened?
Sachiko: Fujio-san still hasn’t come back.
Chief: Oh, that. Sato-chan, sweetheart, there’s no need for you to come here. And you, big dumbass, won’t you shut up. It’s nap time around here.
Akiko: Chief. Look.
Akiko opens her bloated bag: in it, there’s nothing but compressed tin cans, now leaking to the ground.
Sachiko: Wha- but, when??
The chief sighs as Akiko giggles and Sachiko grabs her head.
Sachiko: I- I didn’t even see her pick them up. I’m so sorry… you task me with just one thing and I can’t even do that.
Akiko: Chu task what?
Chief: Don’t worry, Sato-chan: you can’t keep an eye on her all day, and I appreciate that you try. As for you, Akiko, you won’t get any thanks. What you did was as stupid as it was risky.
Many years ago, the Chief had kidnapped Akiko off the streets, then kept her in the camp against her will for two weeks. It was dangerous and illegal, and everyone involved could have ended up in jail for many years, but at the time it was agreed upon that Akiko, who was afraid of everyone, would be in danger if left to her own devices. Two weeks later after they took her in and fed her, the Chief let her go. Little Akiko could have gone to the police. She didn’t.
Akiko: We jus gonna be a while, aight? There’s chis pajama party- an someone’s sneakin booze!
Chief: I’ll beat your sorry ass red.
Akiko: But am not gonna drink it!
Chief: Sato-chan, dear, would you watch over the idiot.
Sachiko: Yes, Chief-san.
Despite the litter infesting the grass, despite the strong, sticky smell, most of the tents remain neatly organized and even show off decorations; some even have actual gardens. The denizens of the homeless park try to take care of it as much as they take care of themselves, because to be tolerated, to be presentable, is a matter of life and death to them.
Akiko: Sachiko-tan, come here!
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