Epilogue

It’s been years since my trip to Japan. I’ve been trying to forget, but it’s difficult. When I reported my story to the police, they were skeptical but investigated anyway, since three people had gone missing that day.
They searched the forest based on my testimony but came out empty-handed. Due to a lack of evidence, I was let go, but most had already condemned me in their hearts. I still get the occasional death threat, even now.

"Jason, my dear. You've been there, haven't you?"

My aunt ripped me out of my thoughts. "Uh, sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What did you ask?"

"That forest in Japan, the one named after that famous DJ?"

I paused, thinking about just leaving the family reunion. "Aokigahara. Yes."

"Well, my boy has been obsessed with it lately and wanted to show you something."
She looked around the sunny garden, making no effort to get out of her chair.
"Look, there he is. Andrew! Jason is here. You wanted to show him something, remember?"

A short blonde came rushing, gleaming from ear to ear.
"Is it true? Where you there?"

"Yeah. But how does such a twerp know about that place?"

"There's this awesome influencer that makes videos there. Look!"

Jason’s eyes widened as panic took hold of his emotions.

He pulled his phone out and searched up the review site. There were new entries.

"I didn’t want to come at first, but my boyfriend and our childhood buddy convinced me in the end. I’m so happy they did. This has been a life-changing experience for me, and Kensuke made it all happen!" ~M.

Posted 3 months ago.

His phone slipped out of his hands as the video Andrew wanted to show him loaded up.

A handsome young man, sporting a blue cap and a large backpack, appeared on the screen. There was a faint darkness hidden in his eyes.

"Ah, Hai! Welcome to Kensuke Family Channel! Let's go FOREST!"