The sharp raps at the front door were followed by the crunch of boots barging in. Two soldiers scanned the little house, demanding the whereabouts of a certain Chun. Without a word she was led like a lamb to slaughter. Her sisters clung to each other and watched her leave.
Her mind was blank and she feared the worst. Upon reaching a house, she was quietly ushered in by a pair of elderly servants . She was made to bathe, change into a simple outfit and fed. All of 17, Chun was a prisoner, a frightened bird in a cage, waiting to meet her captor.
That evening, she found herself facing him. Chun's instinct was to make a dash, but she remained rooted as she knew her escape would mean the end of her sisters. Arai Kintaro introduced himself; he had noticed her while she worked at the invader's sewing workshop. From here forth she was to be called Haruko - Japanese for spring child.
Haruko was well taken care of at the Kovan Road bungalow which the Japanese had chosen to make his home in. She later learnt that so was her family . Arai was kind and gentle towards her, but it didn't change the fact that she was captive solely for his entertainment.
Time passed. Though she was no longer prohibited from stepping out of the house, Haruko did not feel like running away. She was even occasionally permitted to visit her family further down along the same road . While much of the population suffered horrifically, Haruko led a cloistered n somewhat comfortable life. Against her will, Haruko found in herself strange conflicting feelings for Arai.
Only today, 75 years on, has Chun mustered the strength to relate this "shameful" tale for the first time. As profoundly as it may have scarred her, in the course of history and the struggles of our island, it is but a line on a page. The page is turned, the chapter closed. Though the war ended, the trauma and violation inflicted on a young girl remains indelible.
Dedicated to all who suffered and were sacrificed in the Japanese Occupation of WWII - Feb 1942 to 1945
Note: While the story is real, names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of the people involved. Permission was granted for the experience to be shared.
🏆FTF goes to Timarcha