4 Matter of Convenience

Anoi saw her other self-opening the mouth.

And then, a high-pitched scream tore the space. The room felt too small for it, surely it could even reach the sky.

At this point, Anoi no longer knew nor understood whether the scream belonged to that woman lying in front of Lint, or to her proper self.

She, too, was screaming.

All the fear, anguish, confusion, every emotion seemed to seep through her core and pour itself into the shrieking sound. Anoi couldn't apprehend why she was screaming. Surely, she should use this opportunity when the door is opened to escape from this doomed place. Nonetheless, she couldn't stop. Neither she could stand up. It was as if something was holding her here, not letting her leave.

The scream was satisfying and yet so sad. It was as if she was somehow set free.

Soon, she felt her heart aching and an uncertain sorrow filled her to the brim.

It hurts.

Her shrill turned into bawl, and she began wailing.

And suddenly, it was over. Anoi felt some emptiness and couldn't squeeze out a single sound. She desperately opened and closed her mouth, as if that scream was her breath. As if without it she would die.

"Shut up." She heard Lint's voice and opened her eyes.

He was crouching in front of the lump that Anoi still refused to acknowledge as her own self. One of his hands was tightly grasping the unrecognizable neck.

Anoi felt her insides shaking, as she looked at how the crippled figure was struggling to get away from the man.

He should stop.

But he didn't.

He continued on clutching the lying person, and some sort of a satisfaction gleamed in his eyes.

"Hands off!" Anoi finally cried out.

Something wasn't right. Sure, she didn't want any person to get killed like that, but, in some way, this situation made her head feel as if it was burning inside. She really didn't want that person to get killed. She mustn't allow it. She has to stop Lint.

Her thoughts started driving her crazy.

It felt as if the matter wasn't that simple and there was other reason why that person must absolutely live.

It can't be because the cripple looked so similar to her, right? It… it wasn't her, was it?

"Stop! Go away! Lint!" she yelled at the top of her lungs. Still, he didn't even turn back.

What's going on? Can't he hear anything.

Was her throat so weak, that her shouts were like whispers?

She got up and gathering last bits of her strength, leaped forward, on Lint, who was mercilessly choking the woman.

She jumped.

And…

She passed through. She went through Lint as if he wasn't even there in the first place.

What?

All at once, Anoi rolled over and turned back, to look at the pair.

What's the matter? Is she a ghost? Is that a dream?

That bleeding woman… It is herself?

Unexpectedly, Lint released the woman and said, "So obnoxious. You're a burden that shouldn't have existed in the first place. Anoi, you must be erased."

And so, Anoi's worst fear was confirmed.

She stared at the man's face, that was twisting in a mix of rage and satisfaction.

She couldn't move. And all she could do was gaze at the unfolding scene and listen to the gruesome words.

"It's a wonder you could hold on for so long, Anoi. Though it was stupid of you to fall into the kidnappers' trap, really. I thought I would have to come up with another plan."

Lint, what is he saying? He is the one who did this to me?

In a flash, Anoi understood. She understood, but she didn't want to accept.

Why? Why? Why?

"Why?" she slowly opened her mouth. Strangely, the low moan from the lump also echoed the same phrase.

Lint looked at her for a while and then laughed sharply.

"Because it's convenient."