“Episode 49”
“Let’s go.”
It was too late to back out now. Anyway, Clodan was fast asleep, and Ray was terribly curious about this boy. Why did he resemble Clodan so much? Were they acquainted from before? Why was he looking so glum? Ray’s questions kept piling up.
If Clodan were to wake up, Ray would have to say they went for a short walk. Going outside had been a long time coming. Even if he wanted to catch some fresh air in the middle of the night, he seemed like he would understand.
Having concocted a nonsensical plan, Ray followed the boy calmly descending the stairs. Occasionally, he would glance back to make sure Ray was following suit. Despite looking younger than her, his actions were those of a mature adult.
“Hey.”
Despite his fervent persuasion to go outside, the boy remained silent. He just looked around with tense shoulders, making Ray, practically the owner of the annex, feel unnecessarily anxious. “[Were you very lonely?]”
“Huh?”
Amidst the rough sound of two sets of footsteps descending the stairs, the boy finally threw out his first question. But it was a disorganized and unsure question, unsure of what response would be suitable.
“[Was anyone good enough for you?]”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“[If they could have filled your loneliness.]”
The boy ahead paused at the last step leading to the first floor. Ray’s steps, following him, also came to a halt in the middle of the stairs.
“Ray.”
“Yeah.”
“[Don’t turn around.]”
Only Ray and the boy disguised as Clodan descended the stairs. However, even though the two stopped, the rough footsteps continued. Creak, creak. The sound of stepping on the stairs became increasingly rapid, as if searching for something. Skipping three steps at a time, thud, thud, it descended, and suddenly, what had been one set of footsteps became two.
“[Descend slowly as if nothing’s wrong. Understand?]”
Thunk, thunk, thunk. It was as noisy as a spider wrapping its prey. They were close. Turning the corner quickly, they ran.
“It’s okay.”
Is it really okay?
The noisy footsteps had crept up behind Ray without him realizing it.
