Don't Be Afraid, Mommy's Darling

"Keitaro!"

Shouko didn't think. Her body just reacted in impulse. She gave chase to the man who suddenly caught Little Riceball. Her gasps misted as she ran and ran, afraid that if she was a step late, Little Riceball would disappear with the man.

"Mommy! Mom... Umph!"

The man pressed hard on Little Riceball's mouth. The child's eyes widened in horror.

"Stop! Stop! Keitaro!" Shouko began shouting, hoping to be heard, "Help! Kidnapper! Help!" 

The man didn't stop. He entered another alley leading to the main road behind the old buildings. Shouko had almost out of breath yet she continued chasing after the man. The frozen cold wind harshly slapped her face.

The cold wind was akin to a razor stabbing her heart. 

SCREECH!

"Ah!"