Well here we go with another chapter! And I want to thank everyone who has saved this story to their favorites and/or has placed the story on their alert lists (another thanks goes out to those who has done that for me). I can't wait to hear some opinions on how the story is going. Please don't be too shy to say something. And before you read, as a reminder, this chapter is taking place a day after Chapter 3. So without further ado, please read, review, and enjoy.

Chapter 4

October 7, 2003

With midterms sneaking through, Chiyo had just barely enough time to visit Professor Ray. That and registering for second semester, she could hardly balance the stress of studying and looking after Osaka. Osaka's fever had lightened a little, but Chiyo could tell that she had been terrified by how Osaka shook while stepping out of the bathtub. It's okay Osaka. We're gonna figure this out. Chiyo thought as she reviewed the things she had brought to Professor Ray's office. A list of symptoms, an edited journal entry, and an approximation of Osaka's height and weight; were the main things Chiyo carried into the office. The student finally finishing his registration, Professor Ray called Chiyo in.

When had seated herself across from her advisor, Ray said, "Alright Chiyo. What exactly are we dealing with? In your email, you mentioned some concern for an anonymous friend. What can you tell you me?"

Taking in a deep breath, Chiyo began, "Well, she doesn't want to see a doctor. In fact, she refused help after what happened in the bathroom. Here, read this." And Chiyo handed over the journal entry which had Osaka's name edited out. While Professor Ray read through the entry, Chiyo listed the symptoms she had noticed in Osaka. "She won't sleep. She won't eat or drink. Whenever I feel her forehead, it's always hot. She won't see a doctor but . . . but I'm worried about her." Chiyo lowered her eyes; guilty for betraying her friend. Osaka knew nothing about this meeting.

The professor only briefly flipped through the other pages that Chiyo had brought, but seemed uninterested. Handing everything back to Chiyo, she said, "Well, I think it's very brave that you came to me. I think you did the right thing. Without seeing her face to face, it's difficult to tell what's wrong with her. But she does need medical help. With any hope, she's eating when you're not around." Professor Ray opened a drawer and pulled out a slip of paper, handing it to Chiyo, she said, "Stanton has excellent medical facilities. If she would blackout again, like she did in the bathtub, call the number at the bottom. We've got some good doctors here."

"Thank you," Chiyo breathed, relieved that someone finally knew about Osaka. Maybe Professor Ray didn't know her by name, but she knows what's going on. Chiyo felt a tremendous weight lift off her shoulders. Gathering her things, she said, "Is there anything I can do for her?"

Nodding, Ray finished, "Keep an eye on her. Make her eat. I know it's hard, but she has to eat. And contact her family if you can. Maybe they can help."

Again thanking her professor, Chiyo left and headed straight for Kristina's house. Unfortunately, she and Kristina weren't on the best of terms. Kristina didn't exactly react too well when Chiyo wound up a no show at the concert. "Worry about that later," Chiyo said to herself as she walked.

Arriving at the house, Chiyo went inside and straight to her room. There Osaka sat, at her desk, staring at the copied picture Chiyo had given her. It'd gotten a little wrinkled since Chiyo last saw it; probably from being kept in a pocket. Just staring at it, Osaka only just acknowledged that Chiyo was home by nodding her head. Chiyo watched as Osaka traced a finger over their friends in the picture. Noticing her friend's expression, she saw the same broken face. It hurt her to always see Osaka like this. Always pained by something, never laughing or making jokes; Osaka couldn't even smile. Chiyo reasoned that it was this accursed sickness that her absent minded friend suffered from. But even that was gone as well. Osaka didn't have strange thoughts about things such as: why Rudolph's nose is red, or whether or not snails are allowed in a bug collection.

Not one word passing between them, Chiyo placed her things down and turned towards the kitchen. She intended to follow her professor's advice to the letter. What would be good for Osaka to have? Chiyo wondered as she scanned the cabinets. "Ah, this'll work," she said as she pulled out a can of chicken-noodle soup. Grabbing a microwaveable bowl, Chiyo opened the can, poured out its contents, and placed the bowl into the microwave. She figured it'd be best not to say a word until she had the food ready. The idea seemed harsh, and while Chiyo felt uncomfortable forcing this upon Osaka, she had to.

"I'm not hungry Chiyo," said a voice from behind, startling Chiyo.

"O-Osaka. I know you don't want to, but you have to eat. You'll never get better if you don't eat."

"But, I'm fine. I don't need . . ."

"Osaka," Chiyo shouted, surprising herself at the outburst. She immediately silenced herself, hoping no one would walk in. Releasing a deep breath, Chiyo calmed herself down a bit and continued, maintaining the sternness in her voice (she hoped), "I never see you eat. You always have a fever. You won't get better if you don't eat. And this stuff is good for you."

Osaka appeared speechless. She just nodded her head in defeat.

Feeling bad for yelling at her best friend, Chiyo said, "Sorry Osaka. I'm just worried about you. I don't like seeing you like this." The beeping of the microwave interrupted and Chiyo carefully pulled the hot soup out. Grabbing a spoon, she led Osaka to the living room, where she hoped it would be more comfortable. Offering her friend a seat on the couch, Chiyo sat right next to Osaka and handed her the bowl and spoon. Nervously, she uttered her feelings as Osaka only watched, "Anyways, I-I just don't want to lose you again. You're my best friend." Glancing at Osaka, Chiyo finished, "Please Osaka, eat."

Osaka stared down at the soup as if it were a foreign substance. She stirred the soup around with her spoon, and for a moment Chiyo thought she would refuse. But Osaka eventually lifted a spoonful of chicken and noodle out of the bowl, and slurped it into her mouth. She chewed and chewed, like someone was feeding her dirt or sand. After swallowing, Chiyo watched her friend hesitantly lift out another spoonful of soup to eat.

Satisfied, Chiyo relaxed in the couch a bit, her stress melting away. She'd done it. Though this is probably just the beginning. Chiyo thought. Unable to stop a smile from spreading across her face, Chiyo thought back to high school and said, "This is kind of like our first year at Kiyohiko." Osaka stared curiously at her as she forced down another spoon of chicken noodle. "It reminds me of when you had the hiccups. We tried so many silly things to get rid of them. And eventually, you gave them to me." Leaning forward, Chiyo noticed Osaka had stopped eating and now watched her very closely; like she was waiting for something. Ignoring it, Chiyo continued, "Wouldn't it be nice? If you could give . . . whatever you have to someone else?" A small chuckle escaped Chiyo's lips. She knew what she'd just said was wrong. But she couldn't help it. It just seemed so unfair for Osaka to suffer like this. "Sorry Osaka. I know that doesn't help at all. I just want you to get better."

Osaka's lips trembled and moved, slightly. Chiyo only just noticed, and then blinked. Was that a smile? Was Osaka smiling? If she was, it'd be a very small smile; but a smile none-the-less. Chiyo felt her heart racing. She suddenly felt like she could do something about her friend's sickness. She'd be able to help. It wouldn't be easy, but she could do it.

The moment, however, passed quickly as the bowl suddenly dropped out of Osaka's hands and she rushed to the bathroom. Panicked Chiyo chased after her. "Osaka! What's wrong? Are you okay," Chiyo hollered as she chased the girl down the hallway. But Osaka reached the bathroom first and managed to shut the door before Chiyo could get there. By the time she reached the door, she could hear Osaka inside, heaving. Chiyo's heart sank. Dry heaves, and nasty ones at that. Not needing an ear on the door, she heard Osaka throwing her entire chest into the heaves. With all the moaning and the groaning, Chiyo finally heard Osaka vomit into the toilet.

February 13, 2004

Another semester started, Chiyo sat in her room, worrying how she'd get through some of these textbooks. Sure, a few were only advanced gen-ed courses and she knew she could ace them. But some of the books related to her major just outright confused her. Chiyo knew becoming a doctor wouldn't be easy, but how intimidating for an introductory course to have a book with fine print and impossible to pronounce terms. "Maybe it's because I'm so young," Chiyo sighed, flipping through some pages. She'd have to at least try. And who knows, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

"You okay Chiyo," Osaka asked.

"Yeah, these classes just look really hard," Chiyo explained, closing her book. She glanced over to Osaka and found the girl watching her, like always. Fortunately, Osaka hadn't gotten much worse in terms of her condition, but Chiyo still struggled with getting her to eat anything. Why just last week, Chiyo had managed to scrape up some Sata Andagi and figured Osaka would jump on it. She ended up eating maybe half of one and that was it. Well, Chiyo thought, at least she's talking more. "I just hope I can pass them."

"You will," Osaka said, in what Chiyo thought should've been an encouraging tone.

"I hope so."

"I know you will." Definitely not encouraged, she said it as if she knew.

Confused, Chiyo was about to ask "how Osaka would know" when the ringing of the telephone interrupted them both. The sudden noise jolted Chiyo out of her thought, and hurrying over to her desk, Chiyo picked up the phone. Osaka watched her as she answered. "Hello?"

"Hey Chiyo, it's me Kristina. I thought maybe you'd wanna go out tonight. Not really to do anything special. Maybe some shopping or a movie or something. Whatcha think?"

Remembering the concert from last semester that Chiyo missed, a long time had passed before Kristina even mentioned doing something with her. She felt horrible for wanting to say no, and she knew Kristina only meant well. Glancing to Osaka, who knowingly watched the conversation; nodded. Well, she's been okay as of late. Chiyo thought. "Sure, I'll come. When are you gonna be here?"

"In about half an hour. See you then," and the excited Kristina hung up the phone with a click.

Chiyo rushed around her room to prepare a quick outfit. Not that she was picky, but it felt appropriate to dress up. Snatching a simple light blue skirt and white blouse, she said to Osaka, "If you need anything, call my cell phone. And make sure you eat something." Chiyo felt like a mother for saying all that, but she worried. Osaka's health hadn't improved; of course it hadn't worsened either. But, and Chiyo noticed this just recently, Osaka wasn't growing. From the time she first appeared two years ago, she hadn't grown an inch; nor has her body further developed. In contrast, Chiyo herself was in the middle of a growth spurt. She no longer fit in with Osaka's group.

"Chiyo," Osaka called, just as Chiyo opened the door to leave. She turned to face Osaka who looked very serious all of a sudden. At first, her hesitant friend remained silent. A sudden car horn broke the silence and shook Osaka back to reality. "Chiyo, have fun," Osaka said. About to leave, she stopped when Osaka called her again and said, "And whatever you do, stay off Newmon Road. Please."

"W-Why?"

"It's not safe," Osaka replied matter-of-factly.

The horn blaring again, Chiyo wondered how Kristina could be so lazy as to not even come into her own house. But, not wanting to disappoint the girl again, Chiyo nodded in agreement and left Osaka. She hurried outside and greeted, "Hey Kristina! What's up?"

"Not much, not much." Pulling out onto the road, Kristina said, "So, how do feel about seeing a movie?"

"What movie?"

Kristina smiled and said, "How about 50 First Dates?" Chiyo gave Kristina an awkward glance and her friend immediately defended, "Oh come on! It's Adam Sandler. I mean, as far as comedy goes, you don't get much funnier than him!"

"I don't know about that," Chiyo countered. And as Kristina started to argue, Chiyo laughed, "Just kidding! Sounds like fun."

"I knew you'd like it," Kristina finished. Then she trailed off into a rant about the movie and its plot. To Chiyo, it sounded as if she'd been following the movie's development for months. Not that it was any secret that Kristina loved Adam Sandler movies, but this seemed a bit much; even for her.

They arrived at the theater plenty early and found the perfect seats in the center section. With popcorn at the ready, Chiyo listened as Kristina described the supporting actresses and actors; and why she thought they belonged in the movie. "I mean, they could've found someone better, but I guess that's show business."

"It can't be easy," Chiyo admitted, to what she wasn't sure. The conversation had become too difficult for her to follow. Falling into silence, she nodded politely with the talk. Some noise from the screen interrupted the "discussion" and much to Chiyo's relief, the movie started. Chiyo watched with interest, deciding that she should enjoy the night out. Not the funniest movie ever, but certainly a satisfying watch.

"Well, what did ya think," Kristina asked, prancing out of the theater, very much unlike a college student.

"It was cute. I liked it," Chiyo honestly answered, feeling refreshed at finally having a chance to get away from all the stress.

"Glad you liked it! How about a bite to eat? I've got some Burger King Gift cards."

"Sounds good."

With the restaurant almost directly across the street, they managed to order their supper only minutes after leaving the movie. With a couple of cheeseburgers and fries on their tray, the two found a nice, small booth in the corner where they could chow down. "So," Kristina said, in between mouthfuls of fries, "Have you heard from any of your friends in Japan?"

"Well, I did finally get a letter from Sakaki. It sounds like she gave it to my parents, cause they mailed it to me. I even managed to get her cell phone number." Chiyo slouched in her seat, thinking of the letter that had only arrived a couple days ago.

"Is she going to college?"

"Yep," Chiyo nodded, "she wants to be a vet."

"Has she heard from any of the others?"

"No," Chiyo answered. That had been the most disappointing part of her friend's letter. Sakaki hadn't heard from anyone; nor could she get a hold of them. It seemed that even they wouldn't be free from the curse of graduating from high school.

"Well don't worry. I'm sure they're doing fine," Kristina assured, finishing her Coke. Chiyo had finished only seconds later and with both of them ready to go, Kristina said, "You want to hit the mall for a bit?" Chiyo nodded and soon they were well on their way.

The sun down and out for the night, Chiyo contented herself to watching the lights pass by her window. She wondered if her friends really were okay. Yomi, most definitely would be fine as she probably tied Sakaki with intelligence. Kagura, she was a worrisome one for while her athletics made Chiyo envious, her study skills and grades from high school did not. And as for Tomo, well she's in a category all by herself. Interrupting Chiyo's thoughts, Kristina said, "I know this shortcut that saves like ten minutes. It's a back road, but there's like no traffic. We can use it to get to the mall."

"What's it called," Chiyo asked, only half listening.

"I-I think it's called, Newmon Road."

"Newmon Road," Chiyo questioned. Osaka said to stay off that road. A terrible sense of dread began taking over. She suddenly felt uncomfortable in the car with Kristina. Why? Chiyo couldn't quite put her finger on it, but she just didn't feel right. "The long way's fine," Chiyo muttered, suddenly feeling dizzy.

"No it's right up ahead," Kristina pointed to a narrow road on her left. "Besides, then maybe we can lose that moron with his brights on behind us."

Osaka's words reverberated in Chiyo's head. "It's not safe." Weird, because though the road looked like every other road they'd been on; this one somehow was different. Feeling the car slowing down, Chiyo wanted out; but she didn't want to scare Kristina. Searching for another way, she spotted a gas station up ahead. "Uh Kristina, could we stop up there? I-I . . . need to . . . use the bathroom!"

"What," Kristina asked, shocked, "Why didn't you go at Burger King?"

Embarrassed and ashamed that she was letting Osaka's words bother her this much, Chiyo's gaze fell to the floor and she said, "Sorry. I just . . . I just don't wanna be on that road."

Completely stopped, Chiyo felt Kristina's piercing gaze on her. The girl obviously had no clue how to respond to such a remark. A horn suddenly blaring from behind must've shook Kristina out of her stupor and she finally said, "Fine," and passed the road by while the car behind them turned onto it.

A wave of relief immediately washed over Chiyo as they pulled into the gas station. The car stopping, she hopped out and headed inside. Since she'd mentioned the bathroom, Chiyo figured she'd better go. Entering the small restroom, Chiyo closed the door and leaned against a wall. Why'd she freak out like that? What was it about Osaka's words, and where did the sudden dizziness come from? Something told her she'd felt it before, but when? "Wonder if Kristina's mad," Chiyo asked herself.

Knowing she'd have to face her friend sooner or later, Chiyo stepped out of the bathroom, finding Kristina scanning the shelves. "So, you done?"

Nodding, Chiyo said, "Yeah. Kristina, I'm sorry about that. I . . ." But Chiyo wasn't able to finish. The squealing of sirens suddenly muted all other noise and Chiyo turned just in time to see a couple cop cars, two ambulances, and a fire truck shooting past the gas station. Both Kristina and Chiyo followed the lights with their eyes onto a turnoff.

Chiyo glanced over to the clerk just in time to catch her on the phone. "What happened? Oh my God is he okay? Really? What channel? Gotcha, bye." Flipping on the television next to the counter, a live report had just started.

The reporter stood on the shoulder of a dark highway, with sparking fire in the background. Chiyo felt Kristina moving next to her to hear the man as he gave his report. "Welcome back to Channel 6 news. This is Justin Robbins live at the scene of a tragic car accident. Minutes ago, a car traveling east here on Newmon Road was struck head-on by truck that was traveling in the wrong lane. Eyewitnesses claim it sounded like a cannon going off when they struck. No word on survivors as rescue crews . . ."

Chiyo watched in horrified silence as the cameraman took shots of the fire and wreckage. The reporter continued on, but she wasn't listening. Is this what Osaka meant? How did she know? Feeling eyes on her, Chiyo turned to meet Kristina's shocked gaze. "T-That had to be the car behind us. How did you know?"

"I didn't. I just got dizzy and . . ."

"Dizzy," Kristina interrupted. "You mean, like that time when you walked out of class your freshman year."

"I don't . . ."

"It was the time I came out after you . . . because of the power outage." Chiyo nodded, vaguely remembering the day. She couldn't recall much, but only that there was some kind of mist in the classroom that she'd seen. But what'd that have to do with anything? Then she noticed how Kristina fidgeted and dodged Chiyo's gaze.

"What is it," Chiyo cautiously asked, afraid to hear the answer.

"Well, when I told you there'd been a power outage. That wasn't entirely true." Kristina shifted uncomfortably as Chiyo pressed her for more. "You see, after you left the classroom, some of the cabling in the ceiling short circuited and . . . fell through the ceiling. If you hadn't got up to leave when you did, you would've been electrocuted."

"W-What?"

"The teacher didn't want us to tell you, because he knew you were going through enough. So we were only allowed to say that it was a power outage. I'm sorry Chiyo. I . ."

"That's okay Kristina," Chiyo answered absent-mindedly. She suddenly couldn't think. Chiyo stood frozen, glancing at the report on the TV, and then back to Kristina. She didn't know what to do. All she could think about was Osaka. Seeing that Kristina was waiting for a response, she said, "I'd like to go home now." Kristina didn't argue, but only nodded.

The ride home was plagued with silence. Chiyo couldn't speak and she knew Kristina was probably just a little scared of her. Chiyo's mind bustled with thoughts of Osaka. She thought about all those times that Osaka mysteriously disappeared on her. The whole ride, she plotted out her conversation with Osaka. She'd get her answers.

Arriving home, Chiyo exited the car and whispered her thanks to Kristina who only said, "Sorry Chiyo. Could you tell my parents I'll be home later?" Chiyo nodded as she entered the house. After locating the Mr. and the Mrs., she relayed the message and went straight to her room. Closing the door, she said, "Osaka, we need to talk." But no Osaka. And as Chiyo surveyed the room, she noticed a small piece of paper lying on her desk.

Picking it up, she read aloud, "I'm gonna try what you said. – Osaka."

March 12, 2004

Will she be here? Chiyo wondered as she again stood in front of the door to her room. Every day since Osaka had written that note and disappeared, she hoped that maybe Osaka would return. And what did that note even mean? "I'm gonna try what you said," Chiyo recited, "Try what?" Opening the door, her hopes died off again as she opened the door to an empty room. No Osaka. Recalling some of her first thoughts about seeing Osaka, Chiyo again pondered the possibility of it all being a hallucination. "But I gave her that copy of my picture. And, Kristina had heard the violin that time," Throwing her things on the bed, she drifted over to the desk and picked up the picture of her friends. "And she saved my life, twice."

CRASH! The door slammed shut and Chiyo whirled around. The sound had scared the hell out of her. She walked over to it, and opened the door; nothing. She glanced at the window by her desk; closed. Hesitating, Chiyo closed the door and turning back to her desk, there Osaka sat. Like a bug through the cracks, she must've slipped in. And though Chiyo wanted to hug her and yell at her and ask her where she's been, she couldn't. Because Osaka was different; still pale and despairing yes, but something else. Catching the girl's eye, Chiyo could see rage. Hesitant to disturb her friend, she eventually asked, "Osaka . . . how'd you get in," but the girl ignored her. Dropping the question, Chiyo tried again, "Where've you been? I haven't seen you in almost a month?"

"They're dead," Osaka stated, "Just like that. They're gone . . ."

"W-What do mean? Who's dead," Chiyo asked, feeling uncomfortable with how Osaka acted. She sounded nothing like herself. But Osaka only continued.

"I tried to warn them, tried to stop them. But they wouldn't listen. Didn't want my help," Osaka clenched her fists, enraged by whatever it was that she'd gone through.

"O-Osaka please, calm down," Chiyo assured, slowly approaching her friend, wanting to console her; but terrified to do so.

Finally looking Chiyo in the eye, Osaka angrily fumed, "They called me a monster! They said I was dead, and that I didn't belong there . . ."

"Who," Chiyo asked again. She truly wanted to help Osaka, but apart from being scared of her, Chiyo couldn't get Osaka to acknowledge her. Eventually placing a hand on Osaka's shoulder for comfort (who Chiyo now matched in height), she said, "Who? Please Osaka, let me help you."

Osaka finally noticed Chiyo and looked her in the eye. Without warning, she teared up and said, "I'm sorry Chiyo. I did something I shouldn't have."

"Don't worry about it. Please, who's dead?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Kasuga." Osaka's eyes then rolled back into her head and she passed out, falling to the floor. Chiyo frantically tried to catch her, but could only slow her fall to the ground.

"Osaka! Osaka!" No response from the girl. Chiyo knew what she needed to do. Whether or not Osaka wanted it, she would call for help. Tearing the phone off its base, Chiyo dialed the hospital on campus and when the emergency operator picked up, Chiyo gave the woman the address. "My friend just passed out and I know she's sick. She's been having high fevers and I don't think she's been eating. She needs help!" Taking instructions from the operator, Chiyo remained on the line and felt Osaka's forehead. Hot. Burning hot! Osaka, what's wrong with you? Chiyo worried as she soon heard the sound of sirens.

Arriving at the hospital, they pulled Osaka out on a gurney and rushed her into the emergency room. Chiyo seated herself in the waiting room, listening to some nurse asking her questions. She answered what she could, but ended up falling into silence. Guilt swept over her. I should've done this a long time ago. Should've done it when I found her in the bathtub. I hope it's not too late. Every minute passed with the length of an hour. Remembering what Osaka had said, Chiyo pulled out her cell phone and called Sakaki. When the raven haired girl answered, Chiyo quickly asked, "How's Osaka's parents? Are they okay?"

Sakaki, audibly taken aback, answered, "T-They passed away. Did someone tell you . . .?"

"When," Chiyo asked, her heart sinking.

"About three weeks ago. Chiyo, what's going on?"

"Sakaki, you won't believe this but . . ." But Chiyo stopped. A nurse stood in front of her, clearly waiting for her to finish. "Sorry Sakaki, I gotta go." Ignoring her friend's questions, Chiyo flipped her phone shut. She'd just have to call Sakaki back later. A quick glance at the clock and she'd only been there forty-five minutes. "Is she okay," Chiyo hesitantly asked, expecting the worst.

"Are you the only one who's . . ."

Interrupting the nurse, Chiyo explained, "She's just visiting. Her family is overseas. I couldn't get a hold of them."

The nurse didn't seem to buy it, but said nothing. "Her heart has gotten weak. It's barely pumping. We don't know what's causing the fever, and we can't get it down. She's sedated right now, so she'll sleep at least through tomorrow."

Dreading the answer to the question, Chiyo carefully asked, "Is she gonna be okay?"

"It depends on her."

Chiyo winced at the words, and wanted to cry. But she didn't. "Can I see her?"

"Yes you may. Follow me." The nurse led Chiyo down a winding hallway and through a set of double doors. A couple more turns and Osaka's room was right there. "I'm going to check her medical records. If I need anything, I'll come get you." Just before Chiyo could walk in, the nurse quickly asked, "uh, what was her name again?"

"Ayumu," Shoot! Chiyo couldn't think quick on her feet like that. She'd blurted her friend's name out only half hearing the nurse. Oh well. It shouldn't mater. "Ayumu Kasuga."

Watching the nurse disappear amongst the doctors, Chiyo turned to Osaka's room. Walking in, Chiyo found herself momentarily in shock. Machine after machine hooked up to Osaka like an overstuffed wall outlet. A slow and steady stutter from the heart monitor indicated just how weak her heart beated. The next stutter wouldn't appear till its predecessor had practically left the screen. Feeding tubes wriggled up her nose like worms, and even her face drowned in a respirator for safe measure.

Feeling tears trickling down her face, Chiyo cautiously took a seat next to Osaka and felt the girl's forehead. Fever had yet to back off. She watched Osaka's chest rise and fall with the respirator, breathing hoarsely into the mask. Brushing the bangs away from her friend's face, Chiyo quietly said, "Don't do this to me. Not again." Lowering her head, Chiyo began to pray.

"Chiyo? Could I have a word with you," came the nurse's voice.

"Sure," Chiyo sighed. Reluctant to leave her friend's side, she hesitantly moved to the doorway where she could easily check on Osaka.

"I couldn't find any records of Ayumu. Now did I spell her name wrong or . . ." and the nurse trailed off as she handed Chiyo a piece of paper.

"Well she doesn't attend Stanton. Like I said, she's visiting. She's from Japan."

"Oh. Well, do you know if she has any allergies?"

Chiyo thought for a moment, and shook her head. None that she knew of or at least none that Osaka had ever mentioned. "As far as I know, she doesn't take medicine for anything and she doesn't have any special conditions."

The nurse eyed Chiyo, apparently debating on whether or not she was trustworthy. Shrugging her shoulders, the nurse eventually said, "That being the case, I'll let the doctors know that the medication is a go." Scampering off, she hollered back to Chiyo, "Visiting hours will be ending. Not much longer!"

Worried about the quality of a hospital where a teenager can verbally provide medical information to staff, Chiyo wandered back into Osaka's room to check on the girl. At the very least, she'd be able to say goodbye and maybe talk to her friend tomorrow.

An annoying noise caught Chiyo's attention and when she looked, the heart monitor had flat-lined. Panicked, Chiyo hurried over to Osaka's bed, and stared in shock. Osaka was gone.

". . . I ran out and got the nurse. They had the whole hospital looking for her. But we couldn't find her. I even walked all over campus and searched the house. How could Osaka disappear like that? The nurse said she'd been sedated . . . Kristina's parents are worried about me. And Kristina doesn't know what to do with me. I feel like I've betrayed them for not telling. But more than ever, I wanna go home."

Sakaki finished reading the entry and turned the page for the next entry. Blank. Empty lines stared at her. Sakaki flipped another page, and another; but nothing. She flipped through the rest of the notebook only to find empty pages.

As Sakaki flipped, a small newspaper clipping fell out from between the pages. Picking it up, she realized it was in English. While it had been years since Sakaki had needed English, she managed to read the title of the article, "Sedated girl goes missing at the Stanton Medical Center." Sakaki attempted to read the article, but with the faded ink and her inability to fully understand the content, she gave up and set the paper down.

Too many questions remained unanswered. The majority of them revolved around the idea of Osaka being alive. Still, something's going on. She thought as she gathered up the notebooks and papers. She'd just have to discuss this with Chiyo. Sakaki wanted to know more about the time spent with Osaka, and why the journals stopped after the disappearance from the college hospital. Deciding to take the journals with her, Sakaki withdrew from the house and drove to the hospital.