That same night, the news went viral. But Reon coming back to the house from somewhere had something else to worry about.
Her hair was scattered all over her head, her coat was sliding off the shoulder, and her eyes were half closed as he crossed the barren lands.
She knew Hitori would be waiting for her inside. He was waiting for her to come and prepare tonight's dinner for him.
She raised her head and looked at the house, then looked at the trees looming behind it. She shuddered.
Reon held her breath and climbed the stairs which led to the porch. When she reached the door, she hesitated before knocking on it.
What Onogi had said to her continued lingering– no, it was fixed in her mind like a tree that has planted its roots deep into the earth.
Hitori opened the door the moment Reon knocked. He wanted to but could not greet her with a welcoming smile.
"Where were you? You should have at least let me know if you were going to be late."