We have a heavy chapter, this one.

Warnings for this chapter: depression, suicidal ideation, isolation, child neglect, attempted suicide (in a dream).


Chapter 13: Light in the Dark

On the highest hill that offers the most beautiful sight of the Haven was a coffin. Surrounding the coffin was a gathering of friends and family, dressed in black. Laying in the ornate coffin was Roku, dressed in a white kimono. He was rested with a peaceful smile, his arms positioned as if he was holding something.

Looking at her deceased father, Nona just stared longingly at him. Her father was gone. She couldn't believe it. How was she supposed to comprehend this? Briefly, she glanced over at her mother to see that she wasn't doing so well. Ennea was just staring with almost lifeless eyes - like she was on the cusp of giving up on everything. Not liking that look, Nona averted her gaze, focusing them back on her father.

Her throat tightened so much that she couldn't breathe. Her eyes blinked rapidly, trying to get rid of the stinging from the fallen tears. The feeling of loneliness and emptiness started to build around her. She couldn't escape it. There was so much. The girl flinched when someone touched her, but she then relaxed when she felt the arm wrapped around her, pulling her close - to not let her slip away to the lonely thoughts. Lifting her head a bit, she could see it was Deka. His eyes briefly met hers and he offered her a sad smile. She tried mustering one, but it didn't work out. He understood and rubbed her arm up and down to comfort her. Elfie, Maru, Milli, and Trois gathered around the two, determined to not let Nona go through this alone. They will be here for her, whenever she needs them. Together, they watched as the Town Head made his speech.

Once the speech was over, everyone placed the funereal flowers from their hands and into the coffin. First were the adults, the family members first, then the closest friends, and then the people who came to give their respect. Eventually, it would be the children's turn.

Looking at the flower in her hand, Nona only felt sadder. Chrysanthemums were her favorites, especially the yellow ones. However, today was not the day of happiness. It was a day of sadness, hence why a white chrysanthemum was in her hand. The others have white lilies. One by one, the children climbed up a step stool to reach the coffin, placing their flowers next to the deceased. When it was her turn, Nona felt her legs growing stiff. She walked slowly, almost automatically. Climbing up the stool, she gazed at her sleeping father, reposed in a bed of white flowers.

He looks so peaceful... Caramel eyes wandering to his resting hands, Nona decided to put her flower there.

After blowing him a kiss, she got off the stool to watch what was to happen next. The adults started to pick up the lid, sliding it onto the coffin. With a push, the lid slowly moved, entombing her father in gentle darkness so he may sleep undisturbed. Eventually, the coffin was sealed off completely.

The funereal was over. There was nothing left. Slowly, the crowd dispersed. Some unaffected, some still in mourning. Nona hadn't taken her eyes off the coffin. She didn't want to. She wanted to hold onto that memory of them being together. Because she knew. The moment she take her eyes off and went on her way, her life was going to change later on.

~oOo~

Days passed since the funereal. Weeks. Soon, it turned into a new month, a new beginning. However, the Tsukumo family started to change. It was the new school term and Nona hadn't gone to school. She was now in charge of taking care of her baby brother who was deemed healthy enough to go home by Doctor Hino. It was just her and Ichiro. Just the two of them inside of this large house, but she tried not to mind. She tried not to get bothered by the fact that one of her parents was gone and the other wasn't around.

Briefly, her eyes wandered to her bedroom window, hoping to catch a glimpse of an adult version of herself returning. To her disappointment, there was no one. Of course, she didn't blame her mother for not being around. Even if she was present in the house, her mother wasn't exactly 'here'. She hadn't gotten any better since Roku's death. However, as Nona put Ichiro in his crib for his nap, she couldn't help her heart which was aching for a mother's love and attention. She longed for those old days when they were together. She wanted so desperately for those times to return. Ever since that tragedy, her life hadn't been the same.

Often, Ennea would go somewhere to drown in her misery and despair. On the rare days, she does return home, she doesn't smile when her daughter greeted her and her eyes looked... hollow, devoid of any emotions. Even when Ichiro could cry, wailing loudly, his cries would be ignored by the adult. She would even look ill, sometimes. Ennea wouldn't talk anymore, becoming disconnected from the world, and ignoring her children. Nona had noticed with sad eyes, fear integrated into her mind. One time, her mother just lay on the floor on her side, unmoving but not sleeping. It was like the woman was slowly dying. Nona had panicked, thinking that she was dying. But when she checked on the unmoving adult, she was deeply disturbed by the woman's eyes. Broken and dull. No life, no meaning. They didn't register her presence. Since then, Nona had been scared of those eyes, choosing to watch over her mother from a distance. Another time, she would find the adult sitting in the living room just staring at the family picture of them without saying a word. She couldn't even recall a time when her mother had spoken to her.

Loneliness wracked the girl's heart. What should she do to make her mother look at her? At Ichiro? What could she do to make her mother feel better? She didn't want to see her mother like this - wasting away.

One day, Nona watched from afar as she saw Ennea about to leave. When her mother opened the door, the girl could see Doctor Hino on the other side. The doctor had a very grim look on her face as she observed the woman in front of her.

"Ennea, listen... I know you've been going through a lot," Doctor Hino began, "but this shouldn't continue any longer. Think about Nona, Ichiro! Roku wouldn't want to see you like this."

"Know me?" Ennea repeated quietly, her voice so broken and monotone. "You don't know anything. Who are you to claim that you know me? You had no idea what my life was before meeting Roku."

"Even so, as the town's doctor, I suggest you stay here and rest."

"No." Ennea's response came out as quick and abrupt. "I don't want to stay here. This house... it only gives me painful memories. He's not here! He's nowhere! Waking up every day, reminded that he's no longer here with me... I can't stand it in this house!"

After that outburst, the woman pushed the doctor aside, running out of the front door. "Ennea!" Doctor Hino called out.

"Leave me alone!"

The pushed woman was about to chase after the mother, but she stopped after glancing inside the house. Nona just stood frozen in her spot. Her mother was adamant about not returning? This house only brought painful memories? Then... what does that make her and her brother? What does that mean for them? Does Ennea not want to see either of them? Let alone look at them?

"Nona." The girl looked up to see that Doctor Hino had called her. She watched as the woman knelt down to reach her level. "Your mother loves you two. She just terribly missed your father. I'll go find her, but please take care of yourself."

With those words, the doctor left the house, leaving the girl alone. At nightfall, the woman had returned to deliver the bad news that Ennea couldn't be found. However, the child was given reassurances that her mother will return or they will find her soon. At first, Nona believed the doctor. Adults could be trusted in the Haven. But days passed slowly... torturously. Eventually, all hopes of her mother returning fizzled away until the girl was left with doubts and uncertainty.

The stress of responsibility of caring for her baby sibling and thoughts of causing unintentional harm to her mother brought the girl great distress. Before, her absence from school was originally due to her family situation. Now, Nona decided to willingly stop coming to school altogether. The girl was slowly being cut off from the world.

~oOo~

It has been weeks since the start of the new term. It has been a month since her father's death. As the days painfully passed, Nona found herself becoming angry against her will. Despite that she loved her father and had countless fond memories of him, her heart shook with rage at him. Why did he have to die? Why did he have to cause her pain? Why did he cause her mother to become like she was now? She couldn't understand why she felt this way. Eventually, after the rage settled down, guilt followed after. Why did she blame her father? She loved him! So why?! The girl's body shook. Was she a bad daughter? Was she ungrateful? How could she... for the briefest moment... think of her father in such a bad light?

A sudden cry broke her thoughts.

Turning to the crib, she could see Ichiro crying. Hurriedly, she ran to it and carefully picked up her baby brother in her arms. The baby wailed loudly and was thrashing around in her arms.

"Shh, shh, shh, it's okay, Ichi," Nona soothed her brother. "Mom will come back. She will... come home..." Her voice started to break and she soon found herself crying as she hold her brother close. "It'll be okay... we'll be okay... Mom won't... abandon us...!"

Sinking to her knees, the girl cried alongside her brother. She missed Ennea! She wanted her mother to come back home quickly! She couldn't stand this loneliness!

Ichiro continued to cry and scream. Was he hungry? Holding him more securely as she patted his back, Nona went to her desk to grab a bottle of milk. She was grateful that Doctor Hino had left her instructions and the prepared milk bottles some time ago. Otherwise, she wouldn't know what to do without her mother's help. With the bottle in her hand, she once more readjusted her hold on her bother before placing the mouthpiece to his lips.

Quieting down, the baby drank until the bottle was finished. After burping him, Nona decided to put him back in his crib for his nap, gently setting him down on the soft mattress. Ichiro didn't go to sleep right away, curiously looking at her with his innocent brown eyes.

They're like Dad's... she remarked to herself. Nona know that she greatly resembled their mother. When Ichiro grows older, would he resemble their father more?

A fuss. Looking at her brother, she could see the discomforting face he was making. Was he lonely like her? Did he also miss their mother? Her heart throbbed painfully, sharing Ichiro's longingness. To ease the baby, her hand reached out to the sturdy bars, gently swaying it back and forth. Her mouth parted as she started to sing a lullaby.

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Mama's going to buy you a mocking bird."

Ichiro's eyes started to flutter closed. He was no longer being fussy. Knowing this, Nona sadly smiled. Their mother used to sing this song. It wasn't native to the Haven. It was somewhere else Ennea had picked up on. She continued with the song.

"If that mocking bird won't sing, Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring."

The boy started to roll from his side and onto his stomach, his face still facing her. Eventually, he closed his eyes to sleep peacefully as Nona sang. Removing her hand from the bars, she slips in between them to rub the baby on the back.

"If that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's going to buy you a looking glass."

After being fully sure that her baby brother was deeply sleeping, Nona retracted her hand. Letting go of the bars, she stood up to her feet. Hearing a tiny creek from her door, she jumped at the noise, whipping around before her body relaxed at a familiar face. "Deka!" she whispered. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check up on you. You haven't been coming to school, w-we were so worried!" Deka spoke in a hushed voice.

Slumping her shoulders, Nona walked up until she stopped mere inches away in front of the teen. She opened her mouth, wanting to ask something, but then closed it. Unable to vocalize what she wanted to say, she instead walked passed him and out the door. He followed her as she descended the stairs.

"Since you came all this way, do you want something? A snack or a drink?" Nona questioned.

"No, I'm good," Deka insisted. "But, Nona, I'm worried about you. The others are, too."

Slowing her steps to a halt, Nona quietly let out a breath. She didn't want to worry her friends. Putting on a smile, she turned around to face her friend. "You don't have to worry, I'm fine."

However, she could tell that Deka didn't believe her claim. He was looking at her with a dubious expression. Despite her smiling face, she could feel her heart rate increasing. He was searching her features, trying to see if her face was saying anything different. Under his intense gaze, she kept up the facade. Finally, the boy let out a sigh before looking at her with concern.

"Are you really sure you're okay?" he asked more firmly.

"Yeah," she answered almost nonchalantly with a hint of cheer in her voice.

"Just... don't push yourself. If you need help, you know you can come to me and the others, right?"

Something flickered in her appearance. From Deka's startled look, he must have caught it. The breaking of her facade. Quickly, she gave him an approved hum before pushing the boy towards the door, bidding him a hasty farewell. Without giving him the chance to speak, Nona opened the door and shut it in his face. Leaning against the door, she slowly sank to the floor. Quietly, she sobbed. She didn't know what to do anymore.

A faint knock on the other side had her startled a bit. Trying to quiet down, she stifled her sobbing. He hadn't left yet. So she'll listen to what he had to say.

"Nona," Deka's voice came from the other side. "I'll give you some space. But just so you know, I'm not giving up on you, the same with Aunt Ennea! If I say that I'm here for you, I really mean it! Don't give up! Don't give up until you give it your all! You understand?!" In a softer tone, he added, "We're family. Don't forget that."

With those words that he wanted to say said, Nona could hear his retreating footsteps. She understood his statement. Deka will be visiting her often. The question was... will she be alright then?

~oOo~

It has been a week since he last visited Nona. As he looked at the house, Deka grew concerned. He wasn't the only one. Elfie and the others have been asking about her in school. They've missed her. They wanted to see her, but they also didn't want to overwhelm her at the same time. That was why they agreed to have Deka check up on her while they search around town to ask for Ennea's whereabouts. If Nona grew accustomed to him checking in on her, maybe her relationship with the others will get stronger again. Until then, it was up to Deka to make sure that she was okay.

Entering, the teenager made his way up the stairs. "Nona?" he called out, knocking on her door.

It was opened, but there was no response. Becoming worried, he pushed the door wider to see her. She was unresponsive to his presence, huddled in a ball while staring at the wall in the corner. Her hair was all messy and it looked like she hadn't been taking care of herself, judging from the state of her room. Toys were scattered all over the floor, clothes weren't put away. While he didn't want to compare the grief and pain between mother and daughter, it was clear that Roku's death and Ennea's neglect affected her the most.

For a quick second, his eyes darted to the crib. Ichiro wasn't there. He doubt that Nona would abandon her brother, so Deka assumed that a neighbor or Doctor Hino was in the care of the child. In a way, he was relieved by the news if that was the case. He wanted to talk to Nona without having to worry about waking up the baby.

"Nona?" the boy repeated. The girl took one dismissive glance over her shoulder before turning to stare at the wall again. Unsure what to do, the boy sat down next to her, reaching out to pat her shoulder. "Hey..."

"Deka, you can dream of the future, right?" Nona finally responded, her voice sounding hollow. "Tell me, is Mom going to leave us?"

"I... um, w-what are you saying?"

"Mom doesn't pay attention to me anymore. She doesn't pay attention to Ichiro anymore. She doesn't smile and she's always away, not coming home. She's getting sicker. Is she going to leave us just like Dad did? Is she going to turn into smoke just like Dad? Is she going to go to the Afterlife to join Dad, leaving me and Ichiro behind?" The boy reminded silent. He couldn't answer that question. Instead, he just listened. "I don't want to be left behind..."

A tinge of fear started to seep into his chest. The way Nona was behaving... the way she was talking... there was no way this was going to repeat again, right? Shaking the possibility, he tried to remain strong. "You're not being left behind," Deka insisted, placing his hand on her shoulder as a gesture of comfort. "Nona, Aunt Ennea isn't leaving you. She just needs to get better."

You also need to get better.

Nona became silent. For a moment, Town Head's son had worried that he had said something wrong that caused her to stop talking. But then, she spoke, "Whenever Mom does come home, she's been avoiding me. Why is that? Is it because I remind her of Dad? Or is it because I'm not more like him?" She started to curl up even more. "I don't know. I don't know!"

"It's okay, Nona. It's okay," Deka tried to reassure, rubbing circles on the girl's back.

In response, Nona wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging to him like he was her lifeline. "Oh, Deka, why did Dad have to die? What did he do to deserve it? Nothing! So why?!"

"Because someone evil wanted it to happen. Someone who isn't a resident here."

"What should I do? How can I fix my family? Dad is gone and Mom is not herself! I can't take care of Ichiro all by myself!"

After that outburst, Nona fainted in Deka's arm. Briefly, he panicked, but noticed her tired breathing. She was exhausted. Letting out a relieved breath that it wasn't anything serious, the teenager picked up the girl and carried her to her bed. Laying her down, he tucked her in. Stroking her head, he gave her a kiss on the forehead, hoping that she had sweet dreams.

Dreams. Nona had asked him about his dreams. Deka frowned at that question as he sat watching over her. He couldn't see the future out of his own will. It happened randomly - like finding pieces of a puzzle in the sand and trying to connect them to get the big picture. He didn't have all the pieces at the start, they were all scattered. That was just how his prophetic dream worked. However, it had him thinking more about them. First was the Haven's destruction. Then Nona's various deaths from those adults. However, he didn't foresee Roku's death nor mother and daughter's descent into loneliness. It had his brain wracked with worry. The next time he sees into the future in his dreams... just what disaster will happen next? What tragedy will occur?

Deka sighed, placing a hand on his forehead and rubbing his temples. He knew of the agreement he made with the others. However, he doubted that he could do this alone. Nona needed them, not just him. Didn't they mutually swear to be by her side together? At the funereal? So why was only he here? Getting up from his chair, the boy quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.

Descending down the stairs, Deka reached for the phone, planning to make a few calls. After calling for everyone, he waited in the living room until a gentle knock on the door alerted his attention. Opening the door with the help of a little jump, the Town Head's son invited the children inside. They were quiet, almost somber. All five children made their way to the living room where they discuss in hush voices what was happening.

"How's Nona? Is she...?" Elfie paused, still shocked at what Deka had informed her over the phone.

"She'll be fine. She just needed some rest," the teenager assured.

"What about Auntie Ennea? We've been looking for her with no luck. Has anyone else found her?" Milli inquired.

Silence only answered the little girl's question as everyone else lowered their heads. Words have mentioned that Ennea was far away right now. She hadn't been out of the Haven's border, but she was far. Wordlessly, Elfie stood up, heading for the kitchen. Checking the fridge, she noticed that a lot of the food was untouched. That much was obvious since mother and daughter haven't been seeing each other. However, the twelve-year-old was worried about what her friend had been eating - or rather, what she had not been eating.

With a huff, Elfie grabbed some of the food and a step stool to reach the kitchen counter. The others eventually came into the kitchen, having an idea of what Elfie was planning. So they helped her, getting the necessary ingredients from the fridge. Everyone had a little role to play. Maru and Milli were in charge of getting the ingredients. Elfie was in charge of the stove. Deka would observe the kitchen to make sure there weren't any hazardous occurrences. Since Trois was still new to everyone, she was in charge of cutting.

The children worked on making Nona's favorite dishes, hoping that it would cheer her up. Any extra could be eaten for dinner since the children plan to return home with a full stomach. By nightfall, the cooking was done. Getting a tray, the kids fill it up with a lot of food. A bowl of steamed rice, some miso soup, a few grilled fish... Elfie placed a cover on top to preserve the warmth of the dishes. Deka was the one who carried it to Nona's room, the others following quietly behind him.

Opening the door, they could see that Nona was still asleep in bed. They couldn't blame her, she needed a lot of rest from the stress she had been experiencing - even if she shouldn't have to get all that stress in the first place. Once Deka placed the tray of food on her desk, the others left to return to the living room, not knowing that the teen had put something else next to the tray.

They ate in silence, not in the mood to start a discussion. When Deka descended the stairs to join them, Elfie was the first to break the silence.

"Deka, the people who run the Circus... how long will they be staying?"

"For another month. They'll be leaving on the last day of May," he answered with disinterest.

"Do you think... they had anything to do with Uncle Roku's death?" Maru inquired quietly.

No one answered. Until that question was brought up, no one had suspected the people in the Circus could cause Roku's death. After all, what reason would they have to kill such a good man? While Deka couldn't say that he suspect them responsible, that didn't mean he trusted them. The Haven welcomes all. But if there were people who threatens this safe place...

The boy frowned, the thought brought uneasiness to his heart. One day, the Haven - their home - will be destroyed. He hadn't told anyone other than his father and Nona. And while Elfie and Maru were his closest friends, should he even tell them? They deserved to know. It was only fair, but... he didn't want to ruin their happy moments. He didn't want them to be like him, plagued with that knowledge and becoming paranoid as that day will eventually arrive. No children should have to go through that.

Keeping quiet, Deka finished his food without a word. When everyone else finished with dinner, they cleaned up the plates, washing them and setting them to dry. After cleaning, the kids each said their goodbyes to one another before leaving the Tsukumo household. The last to leave was Deka, who stared at the house like the last time he visited. Seeing the dark bedroom of his friend, he could only hope that she got better.

~oOo~

More days have passed and the children became anxious. Nona still hadn't left her house. The only good news that they took well was that Nona had eaten the food they cook, the news was spoken by the Town Head whom Nona visited in the early morning. The group of five children sat together outdoor, eating their lunch. They were trying to think of ways to get their friend in higher spirits. Unfortunately, all of their suggestions could only happen once Nona was in a better mood. They couldn't think of anything else other than to visit her and keep her company. It didn't seem like much and that was what bothered them.

Before the school bell rang to signal the end of lunch, it was agreed between the five of them to visit the Tsukumo family house again. For long agonizing hours, the children waited for each of their class periods to end. While they enjoyed school, the desire to help a friend made schoolwork the least of their concern. Inevitably, school ended and the children dashed out of class, all five having the same destination in mind.

It didn't take long until they were in front of the door, completely breathless. Before they could open the door, it was already opened. Behind it, they could see her. The ten-year-old girl looked to be getting a little better. Her hair was all cleaned and rested neatly against her back. She was wearing a simple pink dress fitting for the spring season. What was most important, she was greeting them with a smile.

"Good afternoon, everyone." Opening the door a little wider, she gestured with her hand. "Please, come in."

The children stood in confusion at the sudden change before getting over their shock and stepping inside. Each one felt a little uneasy. Was Nona truly getting better? Was she just smiling to put on a front? She was the type of girl who would put other people's feelings first. Rarely she was selfish for herself.

The five kids entered the living room and sat on the sofa, restlessly waiting as Nona went to fetch some tea and snacks. After she placed everything down, everyone watched as she sat on a single sofa by herself. No one went to grab the snacks, resisting their impulses to gobble down the sweets. They were just staring at the friend they'd been worried about for over weeks. The girl in question fidgeted in her seat, unsure how to start. Still, she tried.

"Thank you for coming to see me," she began in a small, almost bashful voice. "And... I'm sorry for making all of you worry."

"Of course, we would," Elfie replied, sounding a little offended. "We're your friends."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Trois offered.

An emotion flickered on Nona's expression that was hard to decipher. Was it shame? Guilt? Finally, she opened her mouth to speak. "I don't know if I want to talk about it."

Briefly, her eyes met with Deka and he averted his gaze, understanding the meaning behind that look. She only wanted to talk to him. To everyone else, it was probably because she didn't know how to talk about it.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell us. We're not trying to force you to," Elfie replied. Getting off her seat, she marched right up to Nona and gave her a hug. "But know that we won't stop caring for you. You're important to us. You're family. Don't disappear on us like Aunt Ennea."

"I... promise," Nona muttered in a quiet voice.

Deciding to change the topic to a more light-hearted one, Deka asked, "So, what do you want to do, Nona?" The girl lifted her head to look at him, puzzled over his question. So, he clarified, "Being cooped up inside must be boring. Surely you want to have fun elsewhere?"

"I, um. I actually would like it if everyone stayed over for the night. Like a sleepover..."

The children looked at one another. A sleepover, huh? It wasn't that they rejected the idea, but it was a little unexpected. However, how could they decline the suggestion? The reason why they come to visit Nona was because they loved her and wanted to keep her company through troubled times. The five kids each gave their approval, planning to return home to pack up for their night activity.

Just like how she greeted them at the doorway, Nona saw each of them go out. When Milli was the last to leave, she closed the door, turning to see Deka. He hadn't left yet. He stayed, certain that she wanted to talk to him alone. And he was correct in assuming so since the girl returned to the living room and wordlessly gesture for him to have a seat. He did, sitting in his original spot as Nona sat beside him, both not making eye contact initially. None of them talked for a while, letting the silence settle in. Eventually, gathering her thoughts, Nona finally spoke.

"I read your letter," she began, showing the teen the folded paper in her hand.

Deka watched as she placed the paper on the table. She avoided looking at him as the boy's gaze shifted onto the folded sheet. He had written it and placed it on the tray of food when the others had gone down the stairs. She stated that she read it. Was his letter the reason why she became a little more open? He couldn't imagine why that was. His letter didn't contain any encouraging words. In fact, it only had more warnings that he hated to burden Nona with. Narrowing his eyes, Deka recalled the event that led to that bothersome dream.

~oOo~

Over a week ago, after he had given her that encouragement, the Town Head's son had hoped that she would have gotten better. After it had been midnight, the boy finally felt his eyes shuttering close. He was having another dream.

His sleep was bombarded with many images flashing in his mind. Was it a dream? Or was it a reality? The first event happened a week when he promised to see Nona again. She was becoming more distant, saying things that Deka wouldn't think she would say. Asking if he could see the future? If Ennea was going to leave her? Such hopeless, desperate words.

Her words kept ringing in his head: I don't want to be left behind...

The boy couldn't shake off this foreboding feeling in his chest even in his sleep. It felt like he was there. He could feel her despair. Was it really a dream? He squirms in his sleep as the next event unfolded in front of him. Weeks continued to pass with nothing changing. Nona's health slowly deteriorates. Eventually, on the last week of April, he envisioned Nona. However, her image was flickering between being corporeal and not - like a fleeting illusion. Eventually, her image disappeared and all Deka could see was water. Bubbles surfaced and the boy panicked. She was drowning!

Waking up from his dreams, Deka gasped as his body trembled badly. Afraid of that possible future, the boy immediately got up from bed and his body nearly took him to the front door, ready to rush over to the Tsukumo residence to check up on his friend. However, he stopped himself before he got that chance to act recklessly. Calming his nerves first, the teenager opened his window to let the air in.

Feeling the cool breeze put him at ease a bit, some of his tensed muscles loosening. As he stared at the sea, he knew that would be the place if his dream does come true. Luckily, because of his blood, he could communicate to find out if someone had drowned there. Slowly breathing in before exhaling, he called out to her.

Hayami-san, he called out telepathically.

He waited, staring at the blue ocean. Waiting for a reply as patiently as he could, he couldn't help the anxiousness building in his chest. This was important. Every second passed would be precious lost time. He needed his pleas to reach out to her. Eventually, he heard a feminine voice entering his mind.

Oh my, you sound distressed, Deka, Hayami spoke, the usual jest in her tone was missing.

Is anyone at the beach at this hour? Possibly a girl? Deka questioned without hesitation.

Not that I know of, her tone vocalized how confused she was. What's this about?

Letting out a sigh of relief, Deka could finally relax whatever tension his body felt. So it would appear that it was a dream... for now. At least with this information, he knows that it wasn't happening now.

Hayami-san, I had another of those dreams.

Silence passed until he heard her wistful voice in his head. I see...

I wished there were some things I can't see, but I dreamt of my friend dying. I'm honored to be descended from the Urashima family, but these dreams sometimes...

The teenager's eyes dulled a bit. It wasn't that he was resentful of his abilities. It was because of his prophetic dreams that he learned important information. He just wished he didn't have to see horrifying images when he went to sleep, not knowing if they were meant to come true or not. They were burdensome.

Letting out a sigh, he asked her, How could you do it, Hayami-san? How are you able to see things, horrible or not, and be okay with them?

A hint of her whimsical nature could be heard in her tone. Perhaps it's because I'm not human? Perhaps, unlike you, Deka, I don't have many relations to get myself concerned over. Maybe that's why the things I see don't bother me as much as it does to you.

That's so unfair, you fish monkey, Deka joked.

Haha, you little brat, her laughter echoed in his head. Soon, her voice regained a little of the seriousness she had earlier. Deka, I can't help you control your dreams. We were born to glimpse into the future and the blood of our kind flows in your veins. Just when Deka was starting to become disappointed, she spoke again. However, I can help give you pieces of that dream so that you won't be stuck not knowing the ending.

The boy's head lifted in excitement. You can do that?

Of course! If a mermaid lends her powers to a human with our blood, their abilities will strengthen. After, the rest is up to you. Remember, even if you dream of a future set in stone, some things are not fully known.

Thinking about the mermaid's words, Deka understood what she was trying to say. While his prophetic dreams show the truth and what will occur, that didn't necessarily mean small changes could affect something else without turning the dream to be false.

Letting out another breath, the boy rested back in his bed, closing his eyes. Alright, I'm ready.

Under normal circumstances, I would advise you to not force yourself into seeing the future. By not letting it come naturally, you'll strain your brain to the point of exhaustion. However, I'm guiding you. So there's no need to worry.

Alright, Hayami-san, just tell me what I have to do, he demanded with a mild complaint.

She sighed in his mind and he could tell that she was a little displeased by him. Think back to that dream. Think why you must see the end of it.

~oOo~

"In your dream... you saw me attempting to drown myself..." Nona whispered finally.

Deka simply gave a hum of confirmation. He didn't want to remember it. When Hayami had guided him to that dream, at first, it was like how he would always see it - from a distance. He was just an observer, seeing the dream version of himself running to the beach to find Nona. He had watched as the girl took off her sandals, leaving them in the sand before stepping into the water. She had flinched when the cold water had touched her bare skin but kept moving anyway. One step, two steps... for a child like her, it was easy for the water to reach to her waist and eventually to her neck. Any steps further and it would have been the end.

At that point, Deka's heart raced and without thinking, he dove into his dream counterpart. He wasn't observing his dream anymore. He was part of it. The teenager couldn't even tell if the dream has become real or not anymore. He just remembered dashing as fast as he could, ignoring the icy sensation prickling at his skin, and reaching out blindly in the darkness. Having felt an arm that wasn't his, he pulled Nona back to the surface and dragged her back to the shore. Reaching the sandy area, he had readjusted his grip, settling to hold her wrist tightly to prevent her from doing anything stupid. They were both panting and coughing water, soaked from head to toe, but even if it was just a simple dream, Deka couldn't have cared less about what state he was in at that moment.

Reeling back from the memory, the boy turned his head to look at Nona. She was staring ahead, the brightness in her eyes was missing. Left to her own thoughts, she was trying to picture it. Not having Deka's abilities, she tried to understand why she did what she did in his dream. She imagined herself on that beach that day. At the shoreline, she was staring as the waves extend before receding. Extend, recede, advance, retreat. She had left home during the night because she knew everyone would be asleep. Why would she be out late at this hour? Shouldn't she have stayed at home?

It didn't matter. Nothing matters. Her mother wasn't going to return any time soon to check up on her. She was going to leave her, wasn't she? She might not right now, but she will eventually, wouldn't she? After all, Ennea doesn't come home anymore. That led to the girl deciding that she should leave as well. That way, she could reunite with her parents. She could escape from the loneliness she was feeling. Her father was waiting for her. Soon, her mother will join them too. She wouldn't be left behind. Having her mind made up, she stepped closer to the water with one thought in mind: Please, just end it. Closing her eyes, she started to sink underneath the waves.

Nona shuddered at the thought. It was only a dream, but she was grateful that Deka saved her. It could have really happened. Shifting her gaze to the floor, the girl fidgeted with her skirt. "Deka, why...?"

Her question pulled the boy's attention back to her. She had also asked that question in his dream as well. In that dream, he had ignored her question, pulling her to a nearby shelter - a lonely shed out in the sand. Closing the door, he had taken a towel and wrapped it around the child's tiny body before standing between her and the only exit. Neither of them spoke as water dripping resounded, dripping from their drenched clothes, skin, and hair.

Even though they were sitting in the living room of her home, Deka felt like they were back in that shed. The feelings he had felt in that dream were present now. He recalled it. Staring down at this tiny existence, he had been angry. In all honesty, he wanted to yell at her - asked her if she was stupid, but refrained from doing so. That type of response wouldn't help in that situation - not in the mindset she was in. It certainly wouldn't help in this situation either, even if it didn't happen. An outburst like that would only make things worse.

Softening his gaze, he held her hand, getting her attention. Right. He didn't go into the specifics after he saved her in his dream. Maybe if he pushed her into that realm of possibility, she'll understand his answer.

Keeping his tone light like in his dream, he calmly asked, "What were you thinking?"

Nona blinked at his inquiry. What was she thinking? Was he referring to now or in the dream? The girl remained silent as she replayed his question in her head. Indeed, what was she thinking? The thought of her attempt at taking her life was a very impulsive act. It didn't even seem possible. And yet, during those few weeks of isolation, she had been playing around with the thought. In all honesty, the girl didn't think she would go through with it, dream or not. She didn't know how to respond to that question if Deka was inquiring about her reasoning in his dream. But she know what she was feeling now.

Shifting her eyes to the floor, the feeling of shame danced around her. "Reading your letter," she directed her attention back to the object that changed everything, "made me realize how incredibly selfish I am. I should have been aware of it - how my possible death would impact all of you negatively just like how Dad's death impacted Mom negatively. Without me or Mom, Ichiro could have grown up thinking that his family didn't love him. That is the worse way of living life, believing that no one could ever love you and that there must be something wrong with you. I should have realized it, but I didn't care. I was only thinking about myself."

Seeing her retreating figure, Deka tightened his grip on her hand. Not with much force that it was painful, but firmly enough to remind her that he was here. When she finally met with his eyes, he offered an assuring smile. "We love you. You've been my friend for five years. All of us were sad when Uncle Roku passed. If something were to happen to you too, we would have been devastated." Without warning, he hugged her tightly and she didn't resist. "Don't leave us like that, please."

Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as she choked out, "I-I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm s-so s-sorry..."

It was strange. Despite the events that Deka told her had occurred in a dream, she was apologizing profusely as if it had happened. She didn't stop crying. That also felt strange. For days, she had felt empty. Now, she was crying her heart out. What was this feeling? It was catastrophic. It was cathartic. It was passionate. It was sentimental. So real. So raw. So amazing. Quite devastating. It was embarrassing. It was all hers. Hers alone.

She cried and cried, letting go of all the anguish and empty sadness she had felt while feeling a gentle hand patting her back. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for." She could hear a tremor in Deka's voice. "This wasn't your fault. No one here is at fault."

The kids sat in silence like that, wrapped in each other's arms. Once the tears finally stopped, Nona gently pulled away from Deka. She sniffed, wiping her eyes. Taking a minute to compose herself, she sneaked a glance at the teenage boy. He wasn't looking at her, but she could see a tinge of red in his eyes. So he was crying too - with her. The thought had Nona's heart beating with such warmth that she felt overjoyed. What did she do to deserve such good friends?

With the talk over, Nona didn't know what else to do. She did have a question that lingered in her mind, but what if it was an inappropriate time to ask? As she sat in the soundless living room, the questions started eating at her. First with the Clowns in the Circus. Now her with drowning? Why was Deka dreaming of her dying? Could it be that...

"No," Deka spoke abruptly. Snapping out of her thoughts, she turned to face him. Had she accidentally voiced her thoughts out loud? The boy flashed her an amused smile before the dark, seriousness returned to his features. "My visions don't show what will happen with certainty like my dreams, only a possibility. And that one... I'm still not sure if it could happen or if it was a nightmare since you're here with me... but that doesn't mean you are destined to die."

He had said that with such conviction that Nona couldn't help a smile on her face. "If you say so, then I believe you."

A light smile appeared on his face before he looked outside. The sky was a beautiful shade of orange and yellow. Has that much time really passed? Getting up from his spot, the teenager extended his hand out to the girl. "Come on, let's prepare for the sleepover."

With a large smile, Nona nodded eagerly as she reached out for Deka's hand, accepting his offer.

~oOo~

Dusk approached as the kids returned to the Tsukumo household. By the time they've returned, Nona and Deka had already set up everything for the sleepover. Snacks and party games were strewn across the table. Elfie had wanted to play a game and picked a deck of cards with different images on it.

"Let's play Vampire!" she suggested, showing the cards to everyone.

"We only have six people here. Are there enough players?" Trois questioned, familiar with the game.

"It's simple," Elfie waved her hand dismissively. "Excluding the narrator, five players should be enough. We'll just have one vampire, one priest, one seer, and the rest are villagers."

"It's going to be a very fast game..." Maru muttered.

"It's fine, Maru! Let's play, let's play!" Milli bounced in excitement.

Before the game started, Nona had gone upstairs with Deka to check up on her brother. She had visited Doctor Hino earlier to pick up Ichiro, wishing to become a better sister and care for her sibling. While the boy found it admirable for Nona wanting to better herself as a person, he didn't think that was necessary. That was the adult's job, not the child's. If the adults made the mistake, the adults should be apologizing. Not the child. Still, he could understand why Nona decided to play an active role in Ichiro's life. She found herself responsible for him and was now making it up.

Picking up the fussy child, Nona rubbed his back to soothe him. "There, there... your big sister Nona is here."

Seeing such a nurturing girl had Deka feel warm in his chest. Such a small, fragile existence. He wanted to keep her protected. Without realizing it, his arms slowly raised and pulled the girl into an embrace, startling her. Nona wiggled around, giving him a puzzling look.

"You're already of great sister," Deka remarked. Releasing her, he leaned in to see Ichiro's wide wandering eyes. "Isn't that right, Ichiro?"

The baby simply stared at the teenager before reaching a hand out to him. Tiny fingers wrapped around the bigger hand, curling it into a firm grip. He babbled, throwing a raspberry at him. Laughing, Nona carried him down the stairs to introduce him to everyone else.

Immediately, at the sight of the baby boy, everyone gasped and became quiet, silently cooing at the adorableness presented in front of them. Abandoning the game for a moment, they all greeted Ichiro, giving little waves and trying to get the baby's attention. Ten minutes passed by quickly before the kids resumed their game. Since Nona was busy caring for her brother, she was picked to be the narrator of the story.

At the start, the girl did the basics, asking for each of the special roles to wake up on her command so that she could identify who had which role as she walked around the room with Ichiro in her arms. She found it a little amusing which roles her friends were in. During the morning, everyone chatted normally until the night phase occurred and everyone closed their eyes.

"Vampire, please wake up," Nona instructed as Trois opened her blue eyes. "Who... Who do you wish to be your victim?"

The girl in braided pigtails looked around the room. She found it ironic that she had the killing role since vampires suck blood from their victims. Surveying around, Trois looked at everyone carefully. Her eyes eventually landed on Maru. She was faintly aware that the boy had a crush on her. The way he interacted with her around school, it wasn't hard to figure out that he had special feelings for her. Maybe she'll keep him in the game longer. Shifting her sight onto Elfie, Trois wondered if the twelve-year-old was a threat or not. Decided on her victim, the girl silently pointed to her target before going back to sleep.

"Alright, seer, wake up."

At his role being called, Maru woke up. Without Nona telling him, he pointed to Deka. Looking at Nona, he could see that she was shaking her head, indicating that the Town Head's son was innocent. Disappointed that he didn't get the vampire, but got some information, the boy went back to sleep.

"Priest, your assistance is vital! Who do you wish to cast your protection on?" Nona asked, a smile beaming on her face. Narrating the story was very fun! Elfie woke up and gave a teasing smile at Nona. She pointed at the narrator, earning a laugh from the storyteller. "Very funny, priest, but you can't protect the narrator. But I appreciate the thought."

Elfie simply shrugged before wordlessly pointing at Deka. She then closed her eyes afterward. The morning phase began and to be immersed in the story, some of the players yawned as if they'd woken up from a restful sleep. Seeing that everyone have their eyes opened, Nona started her storytelling.

Apparently, in the evening, Elfie was on the hunt to find the vampire. She was following the suspicious blood trail and found an abandoned house. Little did she know, by entering the house, she fell into a trap. The vampire had been weak because it wasn't a full moon and now, it has a meal to heal its injuries. Elfie tried to escape but it was too late. The vampire sank its fangs into her neck and sucked her dry. The girl died.

"Noooo!" Elfie groaned dramatically, throwing her card to the ground to reveal her role.

Seeing that she was the priest, everyone was groaning and complaining. Oh, why did such a good role have to die? Damned that vampire! What are they going to do now?

Plopping down next to Elfie, Nona allowed her friend to hold Ichiro. The former was delighted and played with the baby boy while the narrator asked if there were any suspicion. The villagers probably did have someone in mind but decided not to hold a trial. They had a one-fourth chance of guessing correctly. However, if they guessed wrong, the vampire would get another kill at night and they will win the game. To limit the number of villagers dying, the trial was skipped and the game moved on to the second night phase.

"Vampire, please wake up," Nona commanded.

When Trois opened her eyes, Elfie silently fumed as the girl gave a friendly wave with a smile on her face. Her expression was taunting the older girl despite the pleasant display. Returning to the game, she pointed at Maru to be her next victim before closing her eyes.

"Seer, it's your time to shine."

When Maru opened his eyes, Elfie had to keep her face neutral. It was useless now. Whoever Maru picked wouldn't matter since he'll die in the morning. And to rub the wound with salt, he had picked Trois. Nona nodded her head while Maru had a look of shock on his face. Before he could utter a sound and give away his identity, the narrator quickly ordered him to go to sleep before telling everyone to wake up.

The second day began like this: Maru was trying to solve the mystery of Elfie's disappearance. So, he began to do his research by knocking on everyone's doors and interviewing them. However, by the time he reached the last door, he was attacked! Seeing his attacker, he ran to hide, but running was useless. The vampire drank his blood and he collapsed on the spot.

At the end of the story, Maru just had a look of horror on his face. He nearly turned his head to look at Trois but didn't, not wanting to ruin the game. In disbelief, he revealed his role as everyone yelled in a frenzy.

With only three players left, a trial had to be conducted. Regardless, if the vampire wasn't suspected, they would win the game. In the end, each of the players gave it their all, claiming to be innocent. A vote was cast and the one with the most votes was to be burned at the stake as the suspected vampire. Sadly for Deka, the girls had pointed at him to be executed. The game ended with Trois as the winner as she cheered jubilantly.

After three more rounds of Vampire, the kids started to get exhausted as they changed into their pajamas and started to lay down their sleeping bags. Bringing her pillow and blanket from her room, Nona joined her friends as she also plans to sleep on the carpet floor as well. However, since none of the kids were ready to go to sleep, they settled with telling stories, made-up or real.

At some point in the story, they heard the doorknob jiggling. Concern yet hopeful, Nona got up from the floor and went to see who was at the door. She gasped as she saw her mother, completely out of breath. Ennea was staring at her with equal shock in her eyes before tears were falling down her face.

"Nona..." she gasped.

"M-Mom..." Nona began, surprised to see her again after so long. "W-Welcome ba..."

Her greeting was interrupted when Ennea suddenly sank to her knees, scooping her up and bringing her close to her chest, sobbing endlessly. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Nona!" Seeing her mother like this, crying and apologizing, brought tears to the girl's own eyes. "I've failed you as a mother. I'm terribly sorry I made you wait for me for so long! Please forgive me, Nona!"

The words couldn't come out no matter how much she wanted to. She wanted to say that it was okay, that she forgave her mother. Life got hard for her, so she accepted the apology. She was just happy that she was here. But they couldn't come out. She just cried like a crybaby.

But everything will be okay, she now knows. They'll get better together. They'll become better people together. Because in the end, no love was greater than the love between family.