It didn't take me long to find a pharmacy nearby. I walked in and found there were only a few people in there as well. Within a couple minutes, I was able to get a toothbrush, toothpaste, some body soap, shampoo, a razor, some shaving gel, and even a pair of nail clippers. I proceeded to the checkout and was even able to get a candy bar in front of the register. The guy behind the register was quick to help me out. I guess he didn't feel safe; With the recent murder and all. I left the store with only a few dollars left.

I made my way back to our hotel room, finishing the candy bar on the way there. I entered the room to find that Kurumi wasn't done with whatever she had to do. I figured that since I was alone, I'd use that time to groom myself. I went into the bathroom to shave, making sure I threw the discarded hair into the garbage can next to the sink. I then took a shower using the shampoo and body wash I bought earlier. For the first time in a long time, I smelled and felt clean. I got out of the shower and dried myself using a towel provided by the hotel. I knew using a public towel wasn't the best idea, but at this point, I wasn't complaining. I then opened up my packets of boxers and socks. I dressed myself in my new clothes. I put my old clothes in the bag, but I made sure to take out Kurumi's new clothes first; Wouldn't want them getting dirty. I laid her clothes on her bed. Then I brushed my teeth, which, in itself, felt so sanitizing. Finally, I cut my nails, making sure to collect them and throw them away.

Thanks to her, I finally felt human again.

By the time I finished everything, Kurumi returned; A satisfied grin on her face. In her hand, she held a Fender acoustic guitar; Some blood was stained into the body of it. "Well, don't you look nice and clean!" she exclaimed.

I forced a slight smile.

"So, what was it you had to take care of?" I asked, not entirely sure I wanted the answer. "Oh, yes. I was hungry again. I went out and found a man who was abusing a poor, defenseless dog. I took care of him quickly. But unfortunately, there was a witness, so I couldn't let him get away. This was his instrument." She held up the guitar. "This happened at a park; Nice little secluded area. It's just a shame it was too cold for any birds to be there. The birds around here are pretty."

I was less than amused.

In fact, I was just shy of being mortified. The same person who gave me food, clothing, shelter, and a feeling of humanity slaughtered three people in the span of two days. I had to fight these feelings of guilt and compassion. I had to start dehumanizing myself if I wanted to survive around her. What else could I do?

They sat there; The soldier still frantically writing in his notepad. "So that's three confirmed kills?" asked the soldier. Shawn nodded. The pack of cigarettes was empty. Both of them could probably use some more. "At this rate, every person gone missing will be accounted for. Continue." the soldier commanded.

She walked over to her bed and sat down; Across from her was me on my bed. "Do you know how to play?" she asked, handing me the guitar. I did my best to remain neutral. I used to be able to play a few chords. But now, I'm not so sure."I said, taking the guitar.

I could almost feel the poor soul's final moments of agony in his instrument.

I tried to put the feeling out of my mind and began playing a bit. Some notes I hit almost perfectly. Others, not so much.

To put it simply, I sounded like shit.

But, she smiled, almost as though she was enjoying herself.

I stopped playing. "...How was that?" I asked, just to make conversation. "...Pretty awful. But that's why practicing is a thing." she said, smiling. I let out a small laugh and nodded.

I looked at the clock on the wall. It read a little past five p.m. Why was time moving so fast lately? "Oh! I almost forgot!" Kurumi began. She held out a small stack of money. "The degenerate who kicked the dog had quite a lot of money. The guitar player, not so much."

The last thing I wanted to think about was the murders. But, at least I know we had money again. "Well, today certainly was eventful." she began. "I'm going to to go take a shower now. Here." She handed me some of the money. "Go get yourself something to eat. You can go take some time for yourself; Maybe take a walk or something. Just don't be out all night. I might get lonely." She smiled. she picked up her clothes and walked into the bathroom before I even had a chance to thank her.