Chapter 4: Paying Respects

“He recounted what happened back then perfectly. Clearer than I can. He told me that was why.” May said

Her face paled somewhat

“What… he knows? He’s faking it?!?” Yumena asked

“No. I asked him about the memories after he finished talking about them. He looked at me like I was crazy. He remembers, but his mind isn’t letting those memories register. He knows, but only subconsciously. It’s like there’s two of him. The one who can remember and recount those memories with sheer happiness, and the one who knows nothing. Our Tone is still in there somewhere. I’m not sure if it would be right to bring him back, though. I’m not sure we even can.” May said

Yin looked like he had just had a heart attack

Yumena went and laid down, going to sleep on the grass

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“I just want…. everything to be normal again.” May said, tears streaming down her face

“You do? I have a suggestion, then. May, go back to the house. There’s a room on the third floor that nobody’s opened in years, right? Go in there. Open that door and walk in. If you see someone, talk to them. If you don’t, just wait there for a while. Maybe we can talk a little more if you succeed, all right?” A soothing voice said from behind her

May turned towards the grave

In front of the grave was a girl, her already translucent body fading more and more as time passed

“Ena?” May asked, reaching out to the girl

The girl nodded gently, smiling

“Yes. Hello May. And goodbye.” Ena said, breaking apart in May’s hands

“I… should have brought everyone. I was the only one here for her… I was the only one who saw….” May said, heartbroken

“No. I…. I’ve been here. The entire time. What… exactly did all of the stuff you guys were saying mean?” Tone asked, coming out from the other side of the tree

“To...ne… oh.” May collapsed

“May! Nonono, damnit! How can someone so strong be so fragile. I need…. I need answers.” Tone said, distraught