???: [Is that really all you want?]

  The dark sky looms outside the store, giving the promise of coming rain, and making the flickering lights seem dimmer than usual. The familiar scent of dust creeps up my nostrils, offering a strange comfort. Just above the counter, an old TV plays in distorted sound, news channel bringing about the tragedies of the day.

  News reporter: [12 people have been found dead today by a supposed demon attack, resulting in the gory remai—]

  ???: [uhm... Can I get an Ice Cream too?]

  My gaze shifts to the child. Dressed in simple, black street clothes fitted for his small body. Coupled with his raven-black hair and obsidian-colored eyes, one would have a hard time... Noticing him.

  ???: [Go ahead. Which one do you want?]

  I watch as he stares at the freezer, scanning through the different flavors. Just before I grow impatient, he points out with a little finger at an item.

  ???: [This one!]

  A normal cone ice cream, vanilla flavor. Knowing him, I could've sworn he would choose the chocolate one.

  ???: [Vanilla, huh? Why not chocolate?]

  Escapes the question from my lips in curiosity.

  ???: [I wanted to try something new. Can I?]

  He asks with an expectant gaze. What an awkward question I reason, as a slight frown forms on my face. Brushing the thought off, I offer him a small, sincere smile.

  ???: [Of course you can. Now, let's go over to the counter to pay, okay?]

  ???: [Okay!]

  As we walk over to the cashier, I can almost feel him beaming. How sweet, getting this happy because of an ice cream. How I wish I could be nine again, too. When one would think life had no difficulties. When one would think that someday, they'd manifest incredible magical powers overnight. A small, amused smile forms on my lips. What a disappointment.

  Cashier: [It'll be ￥1066, please.]

  Requests the Cashier in a polite tone. He is an average-looking young man. Probably in his early twenties, much like me. I notice the same look on his face I had seen so many times on others. The look of someone just passing by, waiting for the day death takes him. How could we expect anything else? After what seems like a long while of pondering, I catch myself. Get back to real life, Sayaka. You're zoning out.

  I reach out to grab my wallet from my purse. Once paid, I put the items in the shopping bag and turn to leave the store.

  Cashier: [Thank you for your purchase. Have a nice day.]

  Says the cashier in a sort of automated manner. Anything would surely lose meaning when repeated over and over for a long time.

  Sayaka: [You too.]

  I walk out of the store, a hand holding the shopping bag while the other held the child's. It really is hard, taking care of someone else when you can't even take proper care of yourself. But I'd do anything to make him happy. That's all I want.

  I keep walking, lost in thought, as the sky darkens further. Rain begins to pour, and what was a raindrop, turned into two. What was two, turned into six... and soon, it rained enough to soak us completely in a matter of seconds. Fearing the child might get a cold, I hold his hand tight as we run towards home. Before long, we stand under cover, resting.

  Sayaka: [It really rains a lot these days. Doesn't it?]

  I point out between pants. The child smiles widely, his eyes filled with amusement.

  ???: [But it's fun! I like running when it rains!]

  Sayaka: [I suppose you like getting sick too?]

  I blurt out as a joke. Soon enough, guilt creeps up my mind. I probably shouldn't have said that. He was just enjoying the moment.

  Sayaka: [I'm sorr―]

  ???: [Do you like the rain, Sis?]

  He asks. I sigh mentally, relieved the child didn't mind my words. After a short while of pondering, I answer his question.

  Sayaka: [I really don't.]

  ???: [Well, I do!]

  A smile appears on my lips.

  Sayaka: [Doesn't mean I'll let you go out in the rain whenever you want.]

  ???: [But we're running in the rain today...]

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Sayaka: [Well, we did forget our umbrellas, so... Today's an exception. Now, if you're rested, let's keep going.]

  Grasping his hand again as he nods, I run with him home. Soon, we stand in front of the apartment complex. As we enter, a familiar silhouette stands next to the stairs, just ahead. Due to the lack of light, it is hard to see their face. They approach.

  ???: [Ah, Sayaka-san. I see you've... Had quite the adventure]

  Mr. Kobayashi. An old man living in the same apartment complex as us. Of average height, though he could've been taller if not for his severely hunched back. His hair, gray all over. His face, wrinkled a bit too much for his age. He paid no mind to the child as always, for some reason, as his gaze was fixed on me.

  Sayaka: [Good to see you, Mr. Kobayashi. I guess, yeah... We did.]

  I force a smile. I suppose it looks real enough, with him returning one to me. Right way, he parts his lips, my mind already wandering to what he's probably about to say.

  Mr. Kobayashi: [Sayaka-san... I hate to ask you, but could you lend me some money? This month's bills have been higher than usual, and I find myself struggling to meet day's end. I promise to return you the money as soon as I can.]

  There it is. That same expression, the one he always uses when trying to sound convincing. I offer him an apologetic smile.

  Sayaka: [I'm sorry, Mr. Kobayashi... I'm not sure I've got enough money to... Lend some to you. Besides, the chil—]

  He takes a step forward, his eyes widening with clear desperation.

  Mr. Kobayashi: [I'm begging you, Sayaka-san! If I don't pay... I, I have to pay my bills! I'm sure you can help me. Just one last time, please.]

  I step back by instinct. After a while, I reach out hesitantly to my purse. As I give him some money, I catch a glimpse of the child, his expression turning into something unreadable for an instant. I know. I know that even a literal child can't fall for this. Yet still, I find myself unable to refuse. What would they think of me if I don't comply? I've got enough problems just trying to survive. I don't need people thinking bad of me behind my back.

  Mr. Kobayashi counts the money, his expression turning into a slight frown. He then looks up to me, as if disappointed.

  Mr Kobayashi: [￥650? Sayaka-san... You know that's not nearly enough. I had hoped...]

  Sayaka: [I'm sorry, Mr. Kobayashi. This is all I can give you for now. Could you please wait a bit more? I might have more for—]

  Suddenly, I feel both of his hands gripping my neck. I grab them, trying to break free, but it's futile. Mr. Kobayashi's face is twisted into an ugly scowl, desperation and anger reeking from his very being.

  Mr. Kobayashi [I said it's not enough! Give me the money, Sayaka. I need it.]

  He says, his voice leaking pure rage. I try to fight back, hitting his wrists as I feel my breath short. The child rushes to the old man, hitting him with weak punches as he cries out.

  ???: [Let her go!]

  Mr. Kobayashi releases me and pushes the child away, throwing him to the ground in a loud thud. I run to him, covering the child with my arms as I help him get up. I step back in fear, yet Mr. Kobayashi's rage seems to have come to an end. His face gives away slight regret as he clenches his fists.

  Mr. Kobayashi: [This is enough for now.]

  He turns around and climbs up the stairs. I meet eyes with the child, a look of confusion and fear on his features as he shivers. I crouch down and hug him tightly.

  Sayaka: [I'm sorry... It's alright now, okay? Let's just... go to our apartment.]

  He nods, but doesn't say a word as I walk the stairs with him in silence. Once we reach our apartment, I unlock and open the door before taking off my shoes and hanging my coat. He does the same after me, untying his boots' laces sloppily.

  Sayaka: [Let's get you bathed now. Wouldn't want you to get a cold. Come on.]

  I offer him a hand. He takes it, and I guide him to the small bathroom. I fill the bathtub with water, and bathe him properly. After, I dress him up with a simple black shirt and gray sweatpants, and I dry and comb his hair with affection.

  ???: [Why did that old man attack you? And why does he always ask you for money?]

  The child's question, it's source simple curiosity, takes me aback. I glance around nervously, trying to find an answer.

  Sayaka: [It's not easy living here, so... People get desperate. We need money to live, that's why some people do anything they can to get it. Even if it means hurting someone. Just... Promise me you won't turn out to be like those people, alright?]

  He seems sad for a while, but soon enough, a smile appears on his face.

  ???: [I promise! I'll work hard, like you, to be able to live! And I'll never hurt people because of what I want.]

  I nod at the child's words, masking my discomfort. To be able to live...

  Sayaka: [Good.]

  I lead the child to the living area after combing his hair. He sits down at the rough, gray carpeted floor, playing with some toy cars.

  Sayaka: [Wait for me to take a bath, alright? I'll prepare dinner after.]

  He hums in confirmation. Locking the door to the bathroom, I fill the bathtub once again before stripping my clothes off and submerging my whole body, except my head, into the water. I shouldn't take too long, I remind myself. After 15 minutes, I get out the bathtub and wrap a towel around my body as I drain the water.

  I take a glance of myself at the mirror, looking into my sable eyes. Each day that passes, they seem more tired. Why wouldn't they? Shaking off the thought, I let myself dry off before changing into my second job's uniform, a white buttoned-down shirt with somewhat elegant black pants. I grab a small towel and wrap it around my hair, same color as my eyes. Once done, I leave the bathroom and start preparing dinner.

  Instant noodles today too. I feel a deep guilt in my heart. I may not have the time, but... No child should eat this every day. Closing my eyes for a short while, as if to console myself, I put the water to boil and fry two eggs. Once both packs are cooked, I transport them to two bowls respectively and set them down on our small table.

  I should be able to do more. For him. That same guilt appears yet again, making my heart as heavy as a rock inside my body. I force a smile as I call the child to eat.

  Sayaka: [Come eat! Dinner's ready!]

  ???: [Coming!]

  I hear small footsteps approaching. He meets my gaze, smiling, before sitting at the little chair and taking a bite.

  ???: [Thank you!]

  He says. I bite my tongue to suppress the tears forming in the corner of my eyes. I feel sick. How can I feel otherwise, when I can't even give the one person dearest to me a good meal? I sit down at the table, glancing at him. I feel sick. Taking a bite, I match my pace to his, trying to stay a little longer with him before work. Once finished, I rinse the dishes, dry off my hair completely and grab my bag.

  Sayaka: [I'm going off to work, alright? Don't do anything dangerous, and make sure to be asleep before 10:00 PM.]

  ???: [You say it everyday, Sis. I know...]

  Sayaka: [Still. Keep that in mind.]

  Putting on my shoes and grabbing my umbrella, I crouch down and place a kiss on his cheek.

  Sayaka: [Well, off I go.]

  ???: [Um... Sis, you said you don't like the rain...]

  Sayaka: [Hm? Yeah, I did say that.]

  He stays silent for a while, fidgeting with his little hands. His gaze, fixed on the umbrella I carry.

  ???: [Would you still... take cover from the rain if you loved it?]

  What's with the strange questions?

  Sayaka: [Hm... Don't know. I guess so...]

  He seems satisfied enough with my answer. I stand up and grab my keys. Opening the door, I step outside into the narrow corridor, closing the door behind me. I walk to the stairs, focusing closely on each step due to the lack of light. Once I reach the bottom floor, I check the mail. Nothing, fortunately. A small smile draws on my lips. All bills paid this month... Because of my effort.

  Closing the mailbox, I step outside the building and open my umbrella, walking towards work with my gaze fixed on the ground. As I hear my muffled footsteps through the heavy rain, I can't help but wonder about the future. Maybe, someday, I'll find an opportunity to escape from this life, this god-forsaken place. I'll move to a beautiful place, and have a big house. I'll have a job that pays enough to make time for the people I love. My steps slow down, shoes clacking on the ruined pavement. Maybe, I'd find someone to look out for me, and I'll look out for them too. I tighten my grip around the umbrella's handle. I could do so much more... No, I can do so much more...

  A sudden warmth spreads around my chest. I come to halt. I'll do whatever it takes to be who I want to be, to be where I want to be. I look over my shoulder, in direction to my apartment.

  But I see something else.

  A demon, it's grotesque form looming just behind me. I look forwards again, fear gripping my whole body still. I look down.

  Oh. So that's where the warmth came from.

  A gaping hole in my chest, the creature's arm right through me. As I bleed out and my vision darkens, I remember that question.

  [Would you still take cover from the rain if you loved it?]

  Tears spill free out of my eyes, my face twisting with agony.

  Sayaka: [I...]

  I'm sorry... Hinozu.