{The more the pain increased, the stronger my determination to return home grew}
The atmosphere in the house was lively, balanced between the conversation between Hakan's wife and Maria, and their shared discussion with Rena, who was in a heated debate with Maria despite Gina's attempts to defuse the situation.
I won't lie, but I was unable to stay focused on every single word they were saying. At one point, I felt the urge to get up and go to sleep, but... that would be unacceptable under these circumstances.
(Finally finished the cup.)
«Glad to hear it!» (She said, laughing)
"Maria's inventions astonish me every time."
«I agree with you.»
Gina's phone started ringing.
• "It seems it's time to head back."
«Is Hakan calling?»
• "No, it's my mother. I think she needs some things from the store; let me take her call."
She answered the call and spoke with her for a few minutes.
• "I'll leave now. I hope you get well soon, Mr. Kenjin."
"Thank you. Tell your husband he's slow at work."
• "I'll tell him to visit you soon... Are you coming with me, Rena?"
«Yes.»
"It seems you two have become close friends."
«Indeed, I'm learning a lot from her... Her name is even almost like mine!»
"I hope you always take good care of her."
• "Of course, don't worry."
"Would you like me to drive you?"
«No need, we'll walk since the weather outside is nice.»
"Then that's fine."
«Kenjin... there is something I want to talk to you about.»
"Of course, what is it?"
«... No..... I'll wait until you get well and we'll talk.»
"...?"
«Goodbye for now.»
"Have a safe walk."
Rena and Gina left together accompanied by Maria, and with that, silence returned to the house once more... In truth...
"I've come to hate this silence."
I got up and turned on the television for a bit.
While I was watching one of the programs, the broadcast was interrupted by a breaking news report:
° "A hanged body was found on one of the balconies of a house in the Kizari neighborhood. It was eyeless with its tongue cut out. Upon inspection and investigation, the victim was identified as a teacher at one of the nearby high schools in the area. The police are still investigating the circumstances of the crime and trying to understand the motive behind this heinous act." °
(... Damn...)
"It's a heinous crime... Even the placement of the body... It's as if the perpetrator is defying everyone with their deed... This is a serious matter."
~ "Is something wrong, sir?"
"Maria... for another crime to happen at a time like this... is this reasonable?"
~ "Who knows, but my gut feeling tells me this has something to do with what you were looking into."
"... The Witch."
~ "If possible, try not to get mixed up in something dangerous again, sir. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"... Who knows."
(I don't want to get into trouble needlessly, but... if the situation demands it...)
~ "Anyway, I know you won't do anything reckless."
"Thanks for the compliment."
~ "I'm going down to the basement. Rena accidentally broke the plates at her house."
"And what does that have to do with this?"
~ "There is a set of plates whose design she liked in this house's kitchen, and there are more in the basement, so if you'd like..."
"Alright, this isn't something that requires asking my permission. Take as many as she wants."
(The basement.... that day came to mind.)
"If it's not urgent, wait until I bring them down for you myself."
~ "Of course not! That's the maid's job!"
"It seems so..."
~ "I know you're worried about me, but I'm strong, nothing will happen!"
"You're talking as if you're heading into battle."
~ "I'll go now, I'll be back in a couple of minutes."
"Alright."
Meanwhile, next to one of the nearby pharmacies:
«What do you want?»
~ "This is no way to speak to your mother."
«My mother is dead. You're just my father's wife. For the last time... what do you want?»
~ "It seems I failed to find a place in your heart, unfortunately."
Unexpectedly, Rena and Gina ran into Israa. Was this meeting a mere coincidence, or was there a hidden reason behind it...?
Next Chapter: Moon Shards