My eyes quickly passed over the page of text. Letters became syllables, the syllables forming words. Each word flowed from the white paper, seeming to give off color, sound, smell, and feeling. All these feelings came together to paint a realistic, vivid scene. All of it was so perfectly connected, one could not help but take it all in, enjoying the inked words printed into the dry, white paper. This was the captivating writing style of the critically acclaimed author, Takatsuki Sen. Her smooth, and fluent wording sends shivers down my spine whenever I step into the world of her novels, new or old. I tend to drown out any surrounding sounds and all I can hear is the low echo of her words, even though they are not spoken to me.

While my eyes eagerly raced back and forth from each line, I became entrapped in a sort of trance. My mind was blank and all I heard were the words read from the book encased in my hands. The words floated around in my head, flipping and sloshing around in the pitch black void of my mind. As the words flew by, they took on the colors and shapes of common household kitchen items. Some words turned into utensils, others morphed into the ceramic tile of the kitchen floor. Planks of wood whizzed by my head, snapping into place to make a countertop that separated the kitchen from the dining room. The process continued for mere seconds until it seemed that I sat in the kitchen of a boy and his mother. Now as I looked around the small room, I noticed that it contained bear essentials of a kitchen. That included a refrigerator, sink, cooking stove, and a microwave. All of these tools were accompanied by polished, cleanly cut wooden cabinets. The white floor tiles really brought out the color of the kitchen, and it really seemed like a nice and cozy place.

I however knew that the atmosphere of the room completely depended on the people which accompanied it. For the person who stood over the stove of that kitchen was the Black Goat. And the view from which the story is told is the view of the Black Goat's Egg, or her son if you prefer simpler terms. Takatsuki Sen's writing is so vivid, I can literally be taken into her stories. This little oddity is something I've considered to be a connection to Ms. Takatsuki. Only her writing can do that to me.

But the place I have been taken into is 's seventh work, the Black Goat's Egg. It is a gritty tale of a son, whose mother is the infamous serial killer the Black Goat. He resents his mother for her murderous tendencies, but he strangely is drawn to the thought of killing. The entire novel is basically his struggle as he tries to retain his innocence and sanity. This story is a very thrilling, psychological battle and is personally my favorite work from Ms. Takatsuki. I've read this story so many times, but still, I love diving into the mind of the Black Goat's Egg.

" Oi, Kaneki! Would you keep your head out of that damn book for ONE MINUTE?!"

At once, the whole scene broke apart and shattered, the entire room being engulfed into the black void. I suddenly found myself slouched over in a chair, my hands clinging to the book. My vision was blurry and I could only see about three feet in front of me. Three feet was all I needed to spot the force that had shaken me from my trance.

A young boy with orange, blonde hair stood, hunched over in my face. He wore an aggravated expression and his eyes were energetic. My eyes stayed locked with his for a long time before he let out a sigh and stood up straight, revealing himself to be quite tall considering his young looks and child like attitude. I closed my book, setting it gingerly on my desk, and stood up. I let out a short yawn, followed by small annoyed groan.

"Hide, that's very rude to yell in a person's ear," I snapped to him.

"Well, EXCUSE me. Just wanted to wake up my best friend before he missed his job AND his stupid book signing he would never shut up about…."

I instantly face palmed and sighed.

"Hide, I'm sorry. Thanks for getting me up, I appreciate it."

Hide crossed his arms for a minute, debating if he should forgive me. After a while though, he smiled and pulled me into a playful headlock.

We laughed for a bit and I groggily got up from my seat to leave the classroom. Looking back at The Black Goat's Egg, I quickly stuffed it into my bag and raced with Hide to the door. We exited the room and shuffled out into a hallway, in which we continued our conversation.

"Kaneki, I don't know how you read those GIANT books! I mean you were reading four hundred page books in fourth grade. That's not normal man!"

I passed my hand through my hair and answered,"It's really not that hard Hide, the words in it are basic high school level material. Besides, if you really kept at it, you could have read this book in about three weeks flat."

I looked back at Hide who wore a sour expression. He never was known to be calm, especially if he was reading. He can't keep still sometimes.

I decided to break the silence,"So everyone went home?"

Hide answered back,"Yeah. Touka-chan and Yoriko-chan went to eat at some fancy bakery and Nishio-senpai had that thing with his girlfriend."

Hide gave me a mischievous smile and I laughed before slightly pushing him away from me.

He laughed too and before we knew it, we were at the school gate.

We parted ways and we were off, traveling to different destinations. I heard Hide turn around sharply and he yelled to me.

"Hey Kaneki! My mom's making curry, you wanna come over real quick?"

I waved back before shouting to him,"No thanks! See you tomorrow!"

I looked back to where I was walking and I breathed deeply, excited for tonight.

. . . . . . . .

I pushed open the door to my home, feeling a relaxing aura flood over me. I walked in and shut the door behind me, taking my shoes off at the entrance. I tossed my book bag into the hallway and lazily stepped into the living room before collapsing onto the couch. There was a hissing sound coming from the kitchen and I could smell meat being cooked.

Mom must be making hamburgers, I thought.

As if on cue, Mom stepped gently into the living room, the floorboards creaking under her steps. She could easily sneak up on you since she was such a small person, but I've lived with her long enough to recognize the sounds her feet make. I opened my eyes and looked into the warm and gentle face of my mother.

"Welcome home Ken. Was school tiring today?"

I smiled brightly and responded,"A little, but it's nothing I can't handle. You don't have to worry so much mother."

She bowed her head, her hair making a curtain around my face, and she planted a warm kiss on my forehead. She raised her head again, readjusted her glasses, and smiled back at me before leaving to tend to dinner. I spent a moment to take in the comfort of my home, a slight uneasy feeling rising in the pit of my stomach. I dismissed the feeling and pulled myself into a sitting position on the couch. Rubbing my eyes, I proceeded down the hall to my room. Upon entering, I marveled at the collection of books on my many shelves. All of the spines were so multicolored that each section on each shelf looked like a mini rainbow. It made my heart flutter every time I saw them. Most of my expansive collection was made up of books my father owned however. My father had so many books that not all of them could fit into this tiny room, so Mom arranged all of his books into a spare room. Besides the shelves however, everything else in my room was very ordinary. A soft bed, a desk, and a computer were just a few of the things that filled up the otherwise void room.

I walked to my closet in the left corner of the room and I slid it open. Inside were a very orderly arranged jumble of hanging clothes. There were jeans, hoodies, t-shirts and whatnot. But out of all of the many outfits hanging in my closet, one stood out as very sentimental. It was my uniform for my workplace, Anteiku. Many people would hate anything to do with work, but not me. Anything that comes from Anteiku is full of love and acceptance. And it's all thanks to the Manager. Shaking my head out of my thoughts, I grabbed my work uniform from my closet, put it on, and then proceeded back down the hall to the kitchen. As I entered the kitchen, Mom looked back at me and frowned.

"Ken, how many times have I told you to eat before putting on your work clothes? I mean, what if you get a stain, imagine the embarrassment you'll receive at work!"

I looked down shamefully, answering back,"Please forgive me Mother, I didn't mean to cause you trouble."

Mom bit her lip, saying softly,"It's okay Ken, just… be careful, please."

I sighed in relief and sat down at the kitchen table. Mother had long since been done with dinner, but she waited to eat with me, even with all her piled up work. I watched as she prepared two plates and brought them to the table. A warm plate of hamburgers slid in front of me, steam radiating and flowing into my face. I dug in like a ravenous animal, before then being unaware of how hungry I had been. In no time flat, I was done with my meal, saying goodbye to Mom, and heading to Anteiku, The Black Goat's Egg clutched tightly in my hand.

. . . . . . . .

"Welcome to Anteiku!"

The usual warm welcome echoed through my ears, which adjusted quickly to low hum of classical music which usually played. Most people found it annoying, but the Manager's music choice was one of exquisite taste.

"Oh it's just you Kaneki-kun, I thought we had another one of those trouble makers come in. You look a lot like those annoying little kids."

I turned my head to see Koma's big nose staring at me intently. I smiled, answering,"Am I supposed to take offense to that?"

He chuckled, firing back,"That's up to you to decide…"

We shared a laugh and then quickly joined Irimi, our fellow kind-hearted waitress, in attending to the impatient customers. Most were regulars here, but a few faces were new every now and again, meaning Anteiku was getting more popular around the 20th ward. That thought made my heart flutter, a thought in which everyone was here in the the building, enjoying each others company and the heavenly coffee. It was a nice thought, but I knew deep down that my surreal fantasy would never become true. There were so many people that seem to despise Anteiku. I don't know why, but many times, threatening people have come through the doors of Anteiku, stirring up trouble in the process. These people were usually your everyday punks, but I always got this feeling from one man. He wasn't a usual customer, nor did he ever start trouble, but everyone at Anteiku seemed to fear him. Irimi and Koma would retreat slightly, calling for the Manager. He would follow the Manager to the back room, and there they would just talk. He would stroll in and back out of the entrance, just glaring at everything in sight, even more so on me it seemed. The look he gave seemed… sinister, almost like he was a savage animal ready to take a bite of me. His narrow eyes, big nose, and blonde, slicked back hair gave him the impression of something evil. He even topped it all off with a white suit.

His name was only uttered ever once, by a former regular, who later was found by the CCG, his toes and fingers gruesomely severed at the joints. Even more disturbing about the revelation of his murder was what was found in his ear.

A Chinese Red-Headed centipede.

I slightly shivered, followed by a concerned Irimi patting my shoulder. I assured her that I was feeling well, but she still cautiously eyed me the rest of my shift.

. . . . . . . .

About an hour after getting to Anteiku, the bell that signaled someone had entered the doors chimed roughly. I winced and robotically turned my head to greet the new arrival, even though I knew who it was.

"Welcome to Ante-"

"Can it Bakaneki, you know it's me," a cold voice cut in.

I meekly bowed my head apologetically,"Sorry Touka-chan, I guess it's a habit."

Touka mumbled angrily and then ruffled her blue tangled hair, tangling it even further. She must of ran here, I thought, her cheeks are blushed as well. Even though she ran, she still got here late by twenty-three minutes. It was nothing new, Touka usually was irresponsible and easily aggravated. She and Hide would be soulmates, I chuckled to myself.

"What are you giggling about you school girl?"

I snapped back to my usual formal self, In which she usually would sigh and walk away, but this time she didn't. She eyed me curiously, saying,"Why do you let people push you around so much Kaneki?"

I often wondered the same thing. But I somehow knew the answer without thinking…

"Touka-chan, it's better to be the one being hurt, rather than being the one who hurts others."

Touka played with the thought in her head before breathing out sharply,"You sound like an old man… but since we're talking about this, I uh… wanted to say… thanks for covering for me. It means a lot."

I was taken aback, but I recomposed myself and smiled as big as I could, saying," No problem Touka-chan, we're friends after all."

It was her turn to be taken aback, but she just stormed off mumbling,"... Baka!"

Koma and Irimi silently watched in the shadows, giggling to themselves over our "lover's quarrel." I went red and immediately shook my head, assuring it was a misunderstanding. "That's how all those love stories happen in anime Kaneki-kun, I'm tellin' you, she likes you," Koma said in a manly, but obviously joking tone. Irimi was quick to fire back," I bet the only experience you have in love is from anime." Koma shot a surprised look at her, realizing how wide he left himself open. They continued to make loud banter behind me, but I had tuned it out.

I wasn't hurt, because I knew Touka-chan long enough to tell when she meant she was happy, and this was one of those times.

I smiled happily and hummed a tune, while cleaning all the silverware and cups, and Touka-chan re-entered the room in her work uniform. She jerked her head over to me, snapping,"What are you so happy about?!"

I looked her in the eyes, still smiling, and simply answered,"Nothing."

She, evidently annoyed, started to take orders from customers, leaving me in peace. Koma and Irimi had returned to their grueling work of manning the register and taking orders from customers, only stopping to chat briefly with the regulars.

As I hummed the happy little tune running through my head, I thought of how happy I was to be here with everyone.

. . . . . . . .

The clock soon approached eight o'clock, and my heart fluttered at the thought of getting my book signed by the one-and-only Takatsuki Sen. I watched as the last customers trickled out of the door, and by 8:12 P.M., I had flipped the open sign outside the door over to CLOSED. Koma and Irimi were in the back of the shop, washing and cleaning the dishes. Touka had long since left to go home for the evening. I was packing up my items, which only consisted of The Black Goat's Egg.

I was on my way out the door when the Manager crept up on me, placing his hand on my shoulder. I jumped and gave out a squeal, in which he proceeded to chuckle, his wrinkled face becoming more wrinkled from his smile. I breathed out heavily, my heart still skipping in my chest.

" Did I scare you Kaneki-kun? Please forgive me."

I held up my hands, waving off the surprise by saying,"It's no problem Manager, I've just been jumpy from hearing of all those ghoul attacks, y'know? Anyway, please forgive me."

Manager's face turned serious,"Yes, the attacks have been more severe and cumbersome lately. For all of us."

I nodded and the Manager asked me another question.

"Kaneki, please forgive me for my rudeness, but why are you always so apologetic?"

I pondered that for a bit, letting the question burn into my mind. To be honest with you… I don't even know.

"I guess it's because I was brought up to be respectful, sir."

The Manager processed this for a bit, before smiling and answering back,"Thank you Kaneki-kun. That's all, but if you ever need anything, please come to Anteiku, we are all your family here."

I took the words to heart, said my farewells to the manager, and then I jogged out into the blackening sky.

If I hurry I could be at least number seventy-five in line!

And so I went off into the night, jittery like a child before Christmas, excited to meet her.

. . . . . . . .

NUMBER ONE-HUNDRED-THIRTY-FIVE, PLEASE COME TO MEET MS. TAKATSUKI!

It seems my calculations weren't exact when it came to my place in line, but that doesn't matter because I could finally meet her.

I shakily walked to the desk, my legs numb and sweaty. I was apparently moving too slow because the announcer had hurried me along. In mere seconds I was standing face to face with my favorite author of all time.

Takatsuki Sen.

I forced mechanical words out of my mouth, barely able to say,"Hello… my na-name is Ka-Ka-Kaneki. Kaneki Ken." Ms. Takatsuki stared at me blankly, her green eyes studying me. After a while, she smiled, throwing her head up to me.

"Hello Kaneki-kun! What can I do for you today!"

I looked at her in horrid surprise. She was so energetic and full of kindness. She sat with her fingers laced under her chin, her head craned up to me. I choked on my own spit, but still managed to get my message to her.

"Please sign my book Ms. Takatsuki! It would be an honor!" I said as I thrust my book forward. She snatched it from my hands and happily scribbled her signature into the cover, along with 'To my quiet friend, Ken Kaneki!'

"Good job on getting those words out Kaneki-kun! Here ya GO!" she said handing the book into my shaky hands. I quickly stuffed the book into my arms, clutching it like a mother would clutch her baby. I bowed my head to her, my face red as roses, and quickly ran out the door with a wide smile.

NUMBER ONE-HUNDRED-THIRTY-SIX, PLEASE COME MEET MS. TAKATSUKI!

. . . . . . . .

I was earlier cautious about where I traveled in the city at night, but now those thoughts escaped me. I didn't care and still tightly clutched the signed book in my arms. The streets were quiet, with a car or two passing every two minutes. I could only really notice the book in my hands, which I think was starting to get wrinkled from simply clutching it. I went over the conversation with Mom in my head:

"Mom, you should've seen me up there! I was so confident and collected just like you told me to be!"

I giggled and placed my hand to my chin.

Taking a turn right, I had kept going on my merry way, home only being another ten minutes away. I again started to smile and hum the happy little tune from earlier. It just kept going like that, no danger, no anything.

"HE-He-hELp mE… PL-pl-PleASe!"

My happy little tune had sharply stopped, now replaced by dry air escaping my now barely moist lips. I edged my head around slowly, trying to identify the origin of the wicked plea for help. I clutched my book tighter, and then fully turned around to face still empty street. I waited for what felt like forever, just to justify if I actually heard the shrill voice. The voice didn't come again, so I mustered up the air in my lungs to push out my cracked and dry lips. I could only a terrified and scared sounding word.

"He-hello?"

I waited once again for an answer, the hairs on the back of my neck fully erect.

"He-hERe… OVeR hE-heRe… "

I traced the origin of the voice to my right, a dark alley engulfed in darkness. I gulped, my legs shaking like earlier. For some reason or another though, I shuffled towards the dark, ignoring my fright. My footsteps echoed in the ten foot wide space between the buildings to my left and right. Terror rose into me like a beast, telling me to go back, but still I pushed on until I found a figure in the dark.

It was a person, crawled into the fetal position while covered in blood. Oh God, there was so much blood… But judging by the long, purple, and blood soaked hair, it seemed to be a woman. What seemed to be glasses were strewn to the side of her.

"HeLP…. MeeEEe!" she repeated. I quickly jumped on the chance to help her, and I scooped her up into my arms, the blood flowing and soaking into the cloth of my work uniform.

Mom's gonna kill me if this doesn't wash out, I thought.

I rasped to the girl,"It's ok-okay, I'm-I'm gonna he-help you!"

"hELp MeeE?!" she croaked.

"Yes! Just hold on!"

I wrapped my arms around her and I realized that my book was getting soaked in blood. I almost dropped the woman, but I maintained my composure.

"Good…." she whispered as breath escaped her mouth sharply.

I looked down surprised and a split second later, I looked down terrified as two red glowing dots looked into my eyes.

"GOOD!" she shouted before latching her mouth onto my left shoulder. He jerked her head back violently and I heard my own flesh rip from muscle and bone. As I screamed, and she laughed maniacally, I noticed my own bright red blood mingle with her dark red blood, together they soaked through the pages of The Black Goat's Egg.