The clouds seemed to cry as we walked towards the station. The sky was a dark gray as gentle tears pelt the world below. If it wasn't for our umbrellas, we would have gotten soaked.

I stayed silent, tightening my grip on my umbrella with each step. I knew where we were going and I hate it.

A light song snapped me out of my thoughts. I look over to see Auntie humming a song. She had on a white sundress with scattered purple flowers. Anemones, exactly. Auntie went on a rant earlier about Anemones and how they mean to live in the moment. She wanted to remind herself, no, both of us that. I, myself, was wearing a bright yellow sundress.

"You're singing that song?" I question, blushing slightly.

"It's my favorite," she says simply. "I know it's your favorite too~"

I blush more, looking away. "I mean, it's a good song. It's just-"

"Why don't you sing it with me?"

"Sing?! My voice is barely that good!"

"For fun. I don't care about your voice anyways."

I studdered to form an answer while Auntie pulls out her phone to play the music from. She grins as it starts to play,

"Twinkle little star. You must keep flowing~ You will twinkle fully, and keep flowing. As beautiful as you are~"

I flush again, knowing completely who she's singing for. Auntie only gives me a kind smile.

"Is it wrong to sing to the people I love?" she asks during the instrumental.

"N-No. I'm just not used to it yet."

"You're going to get used to it soon," she smirks. I smile lightly. Knowing her, she's is going to make it happen. Before we both knew it, the short instrumental was over and she sings again.

"With the love that just started walking on. And like playing music~ I believe, in whatever shape. The sun will rise, it must."

As she sung the first verse I realized she did this on purpose. The song explains our situation completely. She's trying to give me confidence by combining it with music.

I let the smile on my face grow. I swear, she could be so corny sometimes.

"So, are you nervous?" She asked when she finishes, turning down the music a little.

I bite my lip. "Yeah, it's going to be hard with nobody around."

We approach the station as I feared. I clutch onto my umbrella again, this time not without Auntie noticing. She motions me to stop.

"Deep breaths, Mons. You're going to be just fine."

"I just don't know that I could go on without you! Especially when Mother said that I couldn't contact you anymore since you are not on her side of the family. You were my only supporter! My only real friend! I don't think that I can-"

Auntie pulls me into a hug, letting me cry onto her chest. Her phone still plays the music and the verse, "It's alright, how the future will be," soothes me. It was like it knew exactly what I was feeling.

We stayed like that for a while before I realized that my train will be arriving soon and parted. Before we went into the station Auntie gives me a piece of paper.

"If it ever gets bad, visit me."

In her hands was her address.

"But I'm forbidden-"

"Please Monika. I will be very sad if anything happened to you."

I stared at the piece of paper in hesitation before taking it and putting it in my pocket. "Okay."

She smiles and leads me up the stairs.

We could rest our umbrellas since our station had a cover from the rain.

Auntie sits on the benches, leaning her head against the wall. We listen to her music, the song had been looped at least five times now. I didn't want to force myself to talk and Auntie didn't push me. With her, today seems almost like a normal day.

But it isn't. I didn't want to leave. I'm not ready to leave. Just please let me stay another year. I'll do anything! Mother, Father, please! I'm afraid. I'm afraid. Someone save me! I don't want to be alone. I haven't mature enough. Oh god, I'm going to die out there. I'm gonna disappear without ever making a single friend!

"Monika, your crying."

I felt my face and indeed, warm tears soaked it. I wiped them quickly.

"Sorry," I blushed. Before we both could say another word, the train rushes in loudly. I stood up, ready to go in.

Wait, why can't I go in?

Wait, I am not ready to go in yet!

Auntie places a hand on my shoulder.

"It will be alright."

"...I-I-"

I hugged her tightly, never wanting to let go. I can't help but feel my tears wash my face again.

"I will miss you," I whisper after pulling away.

"I will miss you too, Mons. Now shoo, you're going to miss your train!" Auntie smirks but I could see the tears in her eyes too.

I quickly got my umbrella and went on the train, waving goodbye. Luckily, the seat that I had was a window seat and I could still see her. She was still waving, still had her small smile, and probably still had her music playing.

The train started moving again and I had to accept the fact that I will be away from Auntie for a long time. But before that could happen, Auntie, opened her mouth to say something a final time.

She mouths her last words as the world turns black once more.

Buzz! Buzz!

I groan, turning over. It's probably a notification. It's too early for this. My phone buzzes again and finally got up. 5:30 am. It's the weekend, right? Who could be calling now?

I read the caller id drowsily. Sayori? Isn't she home?

I answer anyways, too sleepy to think of anything else.

"Mmm... Why are you awake, Sayo?"

"Hehe, sorry! I was just not tired," she says rather hastily. She also sounds like she was out of breath. I guess she ran somewhere.

Wait, did Yuri say something about telling people if you're going outside?

I yawn, rubbing my eyes. "Are you outside? I figured that it's really windy out there!"

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Sayori's line suddenly goes mute for a few seconds. Is her phone broken? Is she ok-

"Anyways," she says, her line suddenly unmuting. "Do you know where's the nearest police station is at? There's no wifi where I'm at."

A surge of fury rushes through me. "Is Natsuki's dad targeting you? I swear when I get my hands on him..."

"Oh no... I just need to...deal with warrants!"

My angry demeanor vanishes and unease creeps onto me. Sayori with warrants? I frown, somethings up.

"...You know you could tell me anything, right?"

Both lines go silent.

Sayori's voice goes down to a whisper. "I'll tell you everything when I get back. But this is very, very urgent."

I sigh, knowing I won't get anything else anytime soon. "The nearest police station is ten minutes from our house. Be safe, Sayori. I'll be waiting."

"I will. Love you."

"Love you more. Bye."

The call disconnects.

I sat up in bed, concern washing over me. I look over to my alarm. "...5:36." The unease is too much to just sleep it off.

Is she okay? Something's wrong. She has been muting her phone for a while. What if she did have a warrant? I'm a bad girlfriend. I can't do anything to help. I...

..I need my anxiety medicine.

I stumbled into the kitchen, downing a pill and some water. Even though the anxiety died down, my concern didn't. She was acting weird. I should just check up on her...

But that feels like a thing a girlfriend would do... Wait, I am her girlfriend!

I quickly throw on my clothes. It would only be for a second. I hope I'm not being overbearing.

I texted Yuri to inform that I was leaving and left the house silently.

I walked quickly along the road, trying to call Sayori. She won't answer back which causing me to unknowing quicken my pace. Gosh, Sayori answer your phone.

She was just here. She was just fine. No, why wouldn't she answer her phone is she alright, dummy. I can't. I cant. I cant-

"Oof!"

I trip over a rock, hurting my knee. I wince in pain, before looking up to-

Wait...

"...Where am I?"

Trees cover the area in front of me, making it hard to see anything else. Though some bushes and shrubs litter the ground. It looks desolate, I wonder why.

A light buzzing sound lingered through the air. I picked up at my phone (that thankfully didn't crack) to see that I was still trying to reach Sayori. The buzzing might be Sayori's cell.

A new hope brightens as I lifted myself up and followed the sound in hopes to find Ms. Vice President. If I could hear her phone, she couldn't be far, right?

I stared up at the sky. The whirlwind of purple, yellow and blue indicated that the sunrise is starting. It's alright Monika, she's okay. I bit my lip and continued.

"Sayori?" The skip in my step quickens as the buzzing gets louder. I call out to her again, although she never responds.

I tried to stop my hands from shaking in fear. Merely it's nothing that bad. But why doesn't she respond or call me? Why isn't she at home? What is she doing here?

My pace goes even faster as I try to block out all my questions.

My calling gets more frantic as there was nobody to calm me.

My fear keeps escalating and escalating to the point that I can't breathe.

I forcefully stop myself. I try to catch my breath but each breath is painfully inhaled. Tears gathered in my eyes as fear gobbles me up. I could hardly gather my own racing thoughts nevertheless try to speak.

But I pushed through.

Auntie's favorite song was Viator by Rianos. She used to sing it to me and I always had to get flustered. I wasn't used to anyone loving me when I was...myself.

Her, no, our favorite verse was 'The sun will rise, it must'.

The sun wasn't out yet. The sunrise was only just beginning. But... It will rise again. And so will I.

Slowly but surely, I caught my breath and most of the fear evaporated away.

Noticing that my phone was left on Sayori's voicemail, I dialed Sayori's number again. Light buzzing came from the trees and I followed it once more.

I walked towards a small clearing that was clear from some trees. The buzzing was louder than it ever been, so I guess this is it.

I held my breath, praying for the best.

"Sayo-"

Sayori was sitting by a tree, her shoulder was impaled with one of the tranquilizer bullets which was bleeding profusely. Her face was cut by woodchips and splinters. In the corner of my eye, her other arm was bruised and was slowly turning into a deep purple.

I gasp silently before running to her. Untying my hastily done bow, I pull out the bullet and put pressure upon her shoulder wound. Even with her being unconscious, she winces in response.

I silently reassured her before looking at her other arm. It wasn't as injured as her left arm but was steadily bleeding on her limp hand and out of her fingers. I silently curse myself not having anything to help her with.

I fumbled with my phone to call the police. My voice shaking and cracking with worry. As soon as they said they'll be there I hung up and texted our group chat.

We are the Literature Club!

Moni: Get to the hospital as quickly as you guys can.

Somehow, I don't feel like crying.

I don't feel like shaking or worrying either. I just feel numb with guilt.

October 10th. Three more days and I have to spend them like this. With Sayori injured in the hospital.

I haven't even told them yet.

I sigh, staring at the clock in the waiting room.

"Monika!"

I turned towards the large doors to see Natsuki and Yuri rushing in. I waved and shone a small smile.

"We got your text and ran as fast as we could," Natsuki said when they reached me, panting. "Is she okay?"

"She's fine," I said waving them off. I could practically feel both girls relief as they sighed in unison.

"You never said why is Sayori here in the first place," Yuri says as she sits in the seat by me. Natsuki sits next to her, causing Yuri to flush slightly.

"She probably did something stupid again," Natsuki comments and we all laughed lightly.

...

I shifted in my seat as two sets of eyes glance over at me, the laughter dies down.

...

"...She did something stupid, right?"

Silence.

"...Is it that bad," Yuri shyly questions.

"She'll be fine."

More light silence develops between us three as I gather my thoughts. I took one breath of courage as I faced them.

"I think... Sayori was attacked by you-know-who."

Natsuki and Yuri's eyes widen as they realized the situation. After recovering from their shock, Natsuki tenses.

"That motherfucker! We already have a lot of shit on our plates, we don't need him to pile them up more!"

"Natsuki calm down. You're shouting," Yuri whispers. Natsuki glares at her.

"Don't you care!? Sayori was his childhood friend! For him to throw her on the ground and treat her like shit disgusts me. She trusted him, Yuri!"

Yuri stares at the ground, clearly defeated. However, Natsuki wasn't done yet.

"You!" Natsuki points at me and I jump back in surprise. "Why aren't you doing anything!? Your fucking girlfriend almost got murdered and you just sit here thinking it's okay?! What's wrong with you!"

I stared at her with wide-eyed surprise as she realizes what she just said and shrinks.

"I...I'll be right back."

She wipes the angry tears off her eyes and hurries to the bathroom.

Natsuki's words still rung in my head as she left and yet, the numbness is still there. The reason why I am like this because this is somehow isn't the only thing on my mind. There is still that nagging guilt and that damn date ringing in my head.

I sigh, composing myself in my seat again. Maybe I am a bad girlfriend...

"Are you okay?"

Yuri was staring at me, frowning slightly. "I swear Natsuki can be so inconsiderate sometimes..."

"I get her. We all care about Sayori in different ways. Lashing out was just one of those ways."

Yuri nods in agreement. "Still, can't say she's the best at these conversations."

I laughed. "How you're feeling?"

"Oh, I want to break every bone in his fucking body for even laying a finger on Sayori. Sadly I realized it's too risky so I wish to put him in jail for the justice we deserve," she whispers coldly, a wisp in her voice. "Oh! A death sentence would be nice too. He killed so many people... A taste of his own medicine will surely show him who he's messing with~"

"Good to know," I say rather hurriedly. Yuri sure gets very violent sometimes. I wonder what else messed up tortures she has.

"H-How about you," she says regaining herself suddenly. "You saw her after all."

"I don't feel anything. The trip is occupying my mind more."

Yuri gasps as she remembers. "I have forgotten you booked that! I was just too caught up with freeing Natsuki and now this..."

"Don't worry, I've forgotten too. This week was really intense." I ran my hand into my hair. The bow forcefully threw away because the doctors didn't want anything bloody near Sayori. I guess I buy one later. "But this trip is in three days now and we still haven't told them anything."

Yuri bites her lip worriedly. "We haven't really..." She thinks for a second before her eyes light up. "What about tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Today we focus on Sayori, god knows she really needs it. But tomorrow we have to tell them. No butting out."

I smiled slightly. "Tomorrow it is!"

"Hey."

We looked up to see Natsuki standing in front of us. She has been in the bathroom for forty minutes now. Relief rushes through me as I see she's fine.

Natsuki frowns, looking away. "...I'm sorry for yelling at you guys. I-I guess I was kinda rude."

"It's okay," Yuri immediately says. She catches herself and flushes. "I-I mean you were angry b-by that fact he did that s-so I forgive you."

"Yuri has a good point Natsuki," I say, winking at Yuri for a split second. Said girl gets flustered more as she hides her face with her hair. "You're off the hook."

"Yeah, thanks you two...I mean it."

"N-No problem!"

"No problem!"

Natsuki goes to sit near Yuri again and we sit in silence for probably the thousandth time today. Things are really quiet without Sayori around. I never noticed since she's by my side all the time.

"Monika?"

A voice that was neither Yuri's or Natsuki's ringed through the room. I look up to see a nurse calling my name. She smiles when she sees me.

"Sayori is allowed to see visitors now. Would you like to see her?"

"May my friends come?" I say, glancing at Yuri and Natsuki. She nods.

"Very well, her room number is 207. I must warn you though, she might be loopy from the painkillers for a few hours."

I thank her and she walks towards her next patient without another word. I look back to Natsuki and Yuri.

"Why does she have painkillers in the first place?" Natsuki asks. I sighed.

"She didn't exactly have one injury..."

Natsuki clenches her teeth. "Of course..."

Yuri stands smiling slightly. "At least she's alright." She wasn't nearly as enthusiastic as Sayori, but she at least reassured Natsuki.

"...Yeah."

"Let's go then," I say, getting up as well. "Sayori's waiting for us!"

"Moni, Natsu, Yuri! Hellooo!"

We all stood at the doorway blankly as Sayori shines a lopsided grin.

She was fine for the most part. Her left shoulder seemed to be stitched up fine. Luckily there was no damage to any bones or veins. Her right arm was broken through and was safely secured in a blue arm cast. Her face was riddled with small bruises from the woodchips. Her forehead was wrapped in bandages.

"You...okay?" Natsuki asks hesitantly. Sayori nods enthusiastically.

"I'm more than okayyy, I'm great~ Loook, they gave me a blue arm cast!" Sayori shows her arm cast proudly, giggling. I notice a slight slur in her voice and noted to not bring up some stuff today.

"I'm glad you were okay. We were really worried for you," I say, kissing her on the cheek.

"Ohh, you shouldn't worry! I didn't feel a thing! They put me on this medicine thingy that makes me feel very happy inside~"

Revealing how sedated she is. I honestly believe they put her on too much on that stuff.

Sayori goes on to talk about lots of random stuff for in her sedated haze. I tried to talk her into sleeping it out but she is pretty defensive.

"I never felt like this before so I want to test it outtt Moni! Everything's so weird like thiss~"

"You're slurring," Natsuki points out. Yuri tries to hush her.

"EH?! Noo I'm not! I'm perfectly-"

Sayori's phone rings suddenly. She reads the caller idea and immediately pales.

"W-What?... I thought..."

"Are you okay?" Yuri asks. Sayori nods absently.

"I...Um...need to go to the bathrooom!"

She suddenly runs out of the room, phone and monitor in hand. Unease quickly crept upon me.

"...Was that who I think it was?"

Natsuki sighs deeply, pinching the sides of her nose while Yuri nervously shifts on her seat.

"I'll go check on her," I say. Natsuki and Yuri nods.

Wandering in the hospital, I try to search for a loopy Sayori. She wasn't in the office or the waiting room. The nurses didn't see her either. It wasn't much time till I searched everywhere I was permitted to go. Sayori was missing again.

The only room I haven't checked was the bathrooms and I was too scared to do that with other patients around. I took a deep breath and grabbed the doorknob. I guess I just had to deal.

The first thing I heard was the sound of quiet sobbing. It broke my heart when I recognized the sweet voice.

"Sayori?"

The sobbing suddenly stopped for a moment. "M-Monni?"

"Yes, I'm here."

Sayori sniffles before unlocking her stall, the one in the far right. She holds herself, looking away. Her phone is noticeably cracked on the floor.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For everything." She shrinks as she inhales a shaky breath. "I'm sorry for the phone call. I'm sorry for lying and hurting you. I'm sorry for thisss." She shakily points to her broken arm.

"I forgive you."

"I don't need forgiveness."

"It wasn't your fault, was it?"

"I still agreed with it."

We both were silent for a moment, realizing what slipped out of her mouth.

"...Agreed with what?"

Sayori gives another shaky inhale. "...A promise so you guys won't get hurt by him in return with cash. A promise broken. Oh god, I'm so stupiddd. I've should've known."

"Sayori..."

"I'm sorry."

"Has he hurt you before this?"

She looks away, shaking slightly. Her reply was almost inaudible. "I endured them for you."

I hugged her instantly, causing her to gasp silently.

"Don't ever say that again! We're a team, remember? I can take hits too."

"...You don't understand Monika. They're too powerful for you to handlee!"

"They're too powerful for you to handle either!"

Sayori was silent for a moment, her tears hitting my shirt. "O-One has to take the blow, you know."

"I care for you too much to let you do that."

Sayori chuckles lowly. "...Moniii, you care too much."

"It's my duty as your girlfriend."

"Thank you for being my girlfriend, then."