I never asked for something like a sacrifice.

Why are they always eight years old? Why are they usually girls? Why are they always sent in autumn?

I don't know the reasons. These are all things humans decided on their own.

They barely offer any prayers, yet they send these sacrifices at irregular intervals.

I would much rather they just come to the shrine once in a while.

One late autumn evening, I was out for my usual walk. No sacrifice had been offered yet this year. In fact, it had been happening less frequently lately. I walked along, thinking it would be for the best if the practice died out entirely.

The sun had already set. Just as I thought it was time to head back and looked ahead, I noticed something lying on the ground.