The door opened. Slady stepped out, waving with his mechanical arm. Sunlight hit his face harshly, making him raise his hands over his eyes. The wind moved his hair through the air. He put his hands in his pockets. There were still coins left.
In the library, at noon, Shaphira rubbed her face, her ears lowered. She walked slowly to the kitchen, opened the fridge and reached for carrots, peppers, and other vegetables.
Later, she slowly stirred a wooden spoon through the liquid, her nose twitching as she inhaled the smell.
Suddenly, the door opened. Shaphira's eyes widened, her ears lifted, she dropped everything and ran to the man, hugging him.
"Master!"
She rubbed her face against his chest. Slady sighed, patted her hair and placed the clothes on the ground.
"It's better to try them now. If they don't fit, I'll exchange them. Let me take care of the food for now."
Shaphira smiled and crouched down, slipping her hands into the bag. The fur on her hands brushed over the garments.
She pulled out a dress, lifting it into the air. Without hesitation, she removed the apron and slipped her head under the piece. Slady went to the kitchen, picked up the wooden spoon, brought it to his lips and let out a faint sound of approval.
Minutes later, already on the couch, he closed his eyes as he swallowed the soup. Shaphira, however, shifted inside the clothing.
"Ahhhh!"
He let out a low sound in his throat upon seeing her struggle, her tail trapped under the fabric. He quickly set the soup aside.
"Let me help you."
Minutes later, Shaphira looked at her own outfit with a slight pout. Her tail now swayed freely through a cut in the fabric.
"... Thank you, master. I really liked the clothes."
"You're welcome. You deserve them."
Shaphira picked up the bowl and drank the soup in one go. Then she crawled toward Slady, wrapping her arms around his waist and hiding her face against his stomach.
"You are the best father in the world."
"Father? Where did you hear that word?"
"In the dictionary. And I understood that you are my father."
"Not literally..."
"It doesn't matter. You are the best. I love you."
"Shaphira..."
Slady slowly lowered his hands, touching her head. Her ears moved with the touch. He pulled her closer, letting her face nestle into his neck. He held her tightly.
His breathing lost its rhythm. His face buried itself in the fur at his shoulder. His eye shut tightly. His mind became more sensitive. Reality faded for a moment.
***
One of his eyes opened.
Platforms rose and fell. Men carried materials in constructions. In front of him, a familiar house.
He knocked once, twice.
"Mr. and Mrs. Vick!"
The door opened. A woman appeared, dark circles under her eyes.
"Yes?"
A man appeared beside her, eyes moist.
"What do you need?"
In the living room, a little girl watched a children's program, completely focused.
Slady swallowed dryly and took a deep breath.
"I believe that, in recent days, you have been going through many difficulties."
Both nodded.
"But, unfortunately..."
The woman's expression broke. Tears came immediately. She fell to her knees.
"No... it can't be!"
The man's eyes widened, turning to Slady, his brows furrowed.
"So... they... and you? Weren't you their friend? Why didn't you save them?!"
He grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him.
"They admired you. Where were you while they were dying?!"
"I was not there..."
The man's eyes widened even more. The fist came straight.
The woman extended her hands.
"Don't do it!"
The punch landed hard.
He continued. One, two, several. Each blow heavier.
"You should have died in their place!"
Teeth fell. Blood ran down his face. His breathing failed.
But his expression did not change.
"Dad?"
The little girl appeared, shrinking back.
The man stopped. He looked at his hands, released Slady and hugged his wife and daughter.
"Don't look at this."
The door closed.
Slady remained on the ground, looking at the sky. His heart pounded, forcing his eyes shut. The clouds darkened. The rain came, covering everything.
And then, silence.
***
Reality returned.
Shaphira slept on the couch, purring. Slady was in front of the computer, fingers over the keyboard. On the screen, names of criminals investigated by the Criminal Investigation of Libretãnhya.
He switched websites. The screen darkened. A request appeared.
He read. Watched the video, lowering the volume. He coughed lightly.
He observed the offered amount.
He typed the response.
Minutes later, he gathered information.
***
Yai Chang
Age: 28 years
Criminal record: armed robbery, murder, sexual and physical abuse, drug trafficking, and torture.
***
The transfer was confirmed.
Almost midnight.
Slady took the two pistols, put on his hat and looked at Shaphira.
"Sleep well."
As he stepped outside, the rain covered his face. He adjusted the coat over his shoulders.
His heart now beat more slowly.