Setsubun Prenatal Education, Weekly Short-Short Note, 425 characters

I attended a 'Setsubun Prenatal Education Seminar' for ogres.

The instructor's horns were trimmed short to blend into human society and dyed the same color as their hair.

'Due to the Ogre Anti-Discrimination Act, being pelted with beans has decreased, but you may still get hit by beans during children's pranks.'

Seeing the words 'Bean Resistance - Acquired through Prenatal Education' on the blackboard, I couldn't help but speak up.
'Is hiding your horns and building bean resistance really the right thing to do? What about our pride as ogres?'

The instructor looked surprised, then immediately gave a gentle smile.

'It is to live safely and peacefully, but how you raise your child is up to you.'






On the day of Setsubun, I spoke to my unborn child.

'Your horns are your pride. But if you want to hide them, that's fine too. If you don't want to lose to beans, you can train. If you want to run away, you can run away.'

Beyond the night sky, I could hear the voices of humans happily scattering beans.

I gave a small smile and gently stroked my belly.

'You are an ogre, but you are you. Become the person you want to be.'

There was a gentle kick back from inside my belly.
(425 characters)