Tumulus Syndrome #WeeklyShortShortNote

“Tumulus Syndrome” is a modern curse that dwells within those who have abandoned movement.

Some, remaining motionless on the sofa, have turned into a “keyhole-shaped tumulus” type.
Their bellies protrude roundly, and their hip joints remain fixed in an open position, unable to close.

Viewed from above, they form a majestic keyhole shape.

Meanwhile, those who have taken root in their beds exhibit symptoms of the “Egyptian” type.
The heavy fat accumulated on their bellies and thighs forms a square pyramid. Once they reach this shape, even the muscle strength to stand up is stolen by their own weight.

When it reaches this point, daily life becomes difficult, but they are not troubled by it.
This disease has been “sanctified” in certain circles.

Believers come to worship their majestic appearance, “offering” food, drink, and coins at their feet, and supporting their lives under the guise of “service.”

And then there is me. While researching the patients, it seems I have developed a new type of Tumulus Syndrome.

My gaze is fixed on the computer screen, and both hands are in the home position.

Shall I name it the “Sphinx” type?
With this, I too am a “sacred object.”

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※ The Tumulus Syndrome patient in the thumbnail image has been partially edited to protect their privacy.

This is my entry for Nika Tahara's “Weekly Short Short Note.” Tahara-san, everyone, it's a pleasure to be here!

It was a relatable theme perfect for this season!
However, just writing about it makes my nose itch and my eyes sting!

Sympathy is sometimes a sinful thing...

＜Bonus＞
Theme 2: Hmph Award

May Hanaoka, who has triple-white eyes and chronic rhinitis, was fated to constantly invite unintended misunderstandings.

On the train, a young man in front of her opened a difficult philosophy book.
Unable to bear her stuffy nose, May applied pressure to her nasal cavity and cleared it all at once.

“...Hmph”

With her sharp gaze and perfect timing, the young man mistook it for being “mocked” and quietly closed his book.

Later, at a drugstore, May cleared her nose again while standing behind an elderly person who was fumbling at the register.

“...Hmph!”

She was convinced that the surrounding air was filled with arrogant mockery, as if to say, 'How much longer are you going to keep us waiting?'

To finish, she elegantly covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief to prevent any runny nose.
That gesture only caused further misunderstanding among those around her.

And so, without her ever knowing, May won this year's 'Hmph Award.' It is an unofficial and dishonorable prize given to the person who makes the most 'insufferably smug face' in everyday life.

At the awards ceremony, May shouted with that very same haughty expression.

"I just wanted to breathe!"

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#WeeklyShortShortNote
#TumulusSyndrome
#HmphAward