The [Horse] had left behind tiny water-stains on the floor. Whether they’re sweat or tears, I can’t say, but I track them back to her room.

*knock* *knock*

[Yuri]: Hello? I know you’re there.

[https://i.imgur.com/h38te5n.png]

[Horse]: It’s unlocked.

She’s kneeling on her bed, Card lying in front of her. Despite everything she said, she still hasn’t voted. I sit down next to her, feeling a deep discomfort despite how soft the mattress is.

I have to turn this game around. It’s mafia; this is supposed to be my strength - if I can’t will myself to win here, is there anything I can do?

[Yuri]: Ana.

[Horse]: You called me by name again! Or the name that you’ve made up for me.

She smiles wanly.

[Horse]: What’s up, Ir- ah!

She pauses.

[Horse]: I don’t think you liked it when I called you that before. Back then you had a sour face.

She twists and contorts her own face to mimic what mine might have been like before.

[Yuri]: You can call me Iris. I don’t mind. What have you been up to?

[Horse]: Just thinking about what I should do. I did say that I didn't want the Wolves to die yesterday. I pushed back against the [Ox]; when he was shouting for bloodshed I just wanted peace.

[Yuri]: I understand…

Now that I've built rapport. Let’s follow up with eye contact and a half-truth.

[Yuri]: I’m the Wolf you should save.

People believe that it’s impossible to look someone in the eye and tell a lie. But that’s only because that extra connection makes it easier to feel bashful or ashamed; if you overcome that then lying is easy.

[Yuri]: I know that you don’t think I’m the other Wolf. But I can prove it to you. I’ll say it as many times as you need.

Even if you’ve been told all your life that ‘you’re a bad liar’, that people always know when you lie, I can teach you how to pull the wool over a stranger’s eyes.

Never hesitate. Don’t hesitate, don’t hesitate, don’t even waste time on this very thought. Just speak-

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[Yuri]: I’m a Wolf. Absolutely, one hundred percent wolf.

The [Horse] tilts her head. She’s frowning, and moves closer, shuffling atop the sheets.

[Horse]: I’m not that smart, Iris. But I’m not that dumb either.

[Horse]: Come here!

It’s an aggressive, irritated voice. I’ve made a mistake.

Does she have a weapon…? No, it doesn’t make sense for someone who’s always been so against killing to murder me in turn. But she keeps approaching.

She forcefully wraps her arms around me. My heart beats quickly and my mind races about how to break the headlock.

She’s pins both my arms to my sides. She presses us both together, close enough that I’m wrapped in her scent. I struggle, and her arms loosen, but when I freeze they tighten again.

Oh…

It’s not an attack…

…it’s just a hug.

[Horse]: Calm down… calm down. It’s okay. You’ve been shaking all this time.

[Horse]: You’re not crazy, [Snake]. You’re just thinking all the time. It’s okay to stop your thoughts just for a minute.

[Yuri]: Only an idiot would be okay with an empty head.

[Horse]: No… pace yourself, it’s okay. Just focus on this feeling.

She tightens her embrace.

[Horse]: Iris, I know you’re not a Wolf.

[Yuri]: Then, how can I stop thinking? You’re making the wrong choice if, you’re-

[Horse]: Shh. Shh. Let me finish talking.

[Horse]: I’ve already decided that I can’t run from this anymore. From making a choice that might hurt someone.

[Horse]: And I’ve decided that it makes the most sense for me to ‘win’ with someone I think of as a friend.

I can’t see. Everything’s just a little bit blurred; the gentle expression on her face, the light on the ceiling fan overhead, her brown hair and her jacket. My eyes, somehow, are wet.

[Yuri]: Is that all..?

[Horse]: Shh….

She taps her Card, finger landing on the [Rabbit].

[https://i.imgur.com/v72cmgf.png]

There’s little water droplets falling inexplicably on mine.

[Horse]: Um, did you remember to vote?

[Yuri]: Yes! Of course!

I take out my Card. In fact, I had forgotten.

But when time finally expires…

[https://i.imgur.com/pdMhdB2.png]

ALL WOLVES HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE GAME.

THE TOWN - THE RAT, OX, TIGER, SNAKE, HORSE, MONKEY, ROOSTER, DOG, AND PIG - HAVE EMERGED VICTORIOUS.

Her finger digs into me, and she smiles.

[Horse]: What’s your name? Your real one?

[Yuri]: It’s Yuri.

I tense. But nothing happens; no rule was broken, the game is over. I catch her eye, about to laugh, but I turn away from her suddenly flustered.

[Horse]: You don’t have to ask about mine.

[Ana]: Ana’s my real name, after all.