The three of us quietly filter into the room – I go in first, followed by Natsuki and then Yuri. Sayori glances at us as we enter, sitting in complete silence. Looking at her closely, I can see that she's trembling, but before I can find something to say, Natsuki starts shouting.

"Sayori! Are you alright? We were so worried about you! You're not hurt, are you? What happened?"

Though I can clearly sense her discomfort, Sayori tries her best to appear calm and forces a smile. "I-I'm fine" she assures Natsuki. "I was just…feeling unwell this morning, is all. I'm sorry to have made you all worry…" she continues, as her eyes begin to droop slightly.

"Y-you don't have to apologize," Yuri stammers in reply. "We're your friends; of course we're going to be concerned about you."

"But because of me, you all had to miss the festival," Sayori laments.

"Who cares about that!" Natsuki yells out, then quickly composes herself before continuing: "You're way more important…than some stupid festival."

Upon hearing that, Sayori puts on a huge smile, but I can tell she's faking it. I think back to all her words about how painful it is for others to care about her. She must be torn up inside right now. I decide to step in.

"Natsuki…Yuri…would you mind giving Sayori and I a moment alone?"

Natsuki looks shocked. "Huh? But…"

Before she can go on, Yuri steps forwards. "I-I think that's a good idea. Let's go, Natsuki."

While she doesn't look very pleased, Natsuki reluctantly agrees, and she and Yuri exit the room. As soon as they are out the door, Sayori's façade of stability immediately crumbles, and she bursts into tears.

"Why?" she sobs, with tears streaming down her face. "Why did you have to…why couldn't you just let me…everyone would be better off without me…why?"

"H-how could you say that?" I answer in shock, and I begin to feel myself lose my composure as well. "You're my best friend, Sayori, and I-I couldn't bear to lose you…so why would you-"

"Don't say that!" she interrupts me, screaming. "You can't…it hurts too much…please…"

Before she can say any more, I quickly sit next to her, wrap my arms around her, and hug her as hard as I can. As I do, her crying subsides, but now my own tears are beginning to flow.

"I know," I choke out between snivels. "I know it's hard for you, to go on living, that it's painful to be cared about, but…" I pause, as my crying turns to full on bawling: "that doesn't mean that I can stop caring about you! Natsuki, Yuri, everyone…we all care about you! And we want to help you…no matter how hard it is."

"But I can't…" she weakly pleads, "no matter what I do…it won't get any better…I can't make everyone waste their time on me…it's too painful…"

"You're not making anyone do anything," I assure her. "We're choosing to support you, no matter what happens, because you're our friend. Please, even if it's painful…please let us try to help you, however we can."

Sayori looks like she's still trying to protest, but her exhaustion is starting to overwhelm her. She softly exhales, and quietly sighs: "Okay."

My tears finally slow, and I manage a faint smile. "Thank you."

Since she's clearly very tired, I release her from my grasp and start to get up off of the bed. "You should get some rest," I tell her. "We'll be back later."

"Yeah," Sayori agrees, nodding in agreement as she lies down.

Before I leave, I lean down towards her and put my hand on her shoulder. As she looks at me, a bit puzzled, I place my lips next to hers and kiss her.

"I love you, Sayori."