Literature Club: Return to their reality

Chapter 13: Connecting

The next day we once again arrive to the club a bit early – and find a certain someone napping at the desk in the back of the room. I gently ruffle her hair and ask:

"Are we infringing on the napping club?"

Sayori sleepily mutters my name – and only then realizes it's actually me and not that namesake of mine. She blushes a bit looking at me, then looks at Monika and curiously smiles. Is there anything unusual today?

"What a cute dress! It really suits your eyes," Sayori compliments. Ah yes, Monika is dressed in green today.

"Thanks, it's my favorite color," Monika replies. "Did you want to talk to us before the club meeting or were you just a bit too tired?"

"Maybe both." Sayori shrugs. "Yes, I wanted to meet with you first – and fell asleep while waiting."

"Did you have trouble sleeping last night after all that happened yesterday?" I ask.

"A bit..."

"Is everything alright?" Monika asks.

"I've talked a bit with the others," Sayori replies. "Natsuki is still a bit skeptical. And grumpy."

"Can't blame her – this is some crazy stuff, after all," I say. "Good she at least has you to confide in."

"At least Yuri is quite excited about the prospect," Sayori continues. "I saw her drawing some diagrams during lunchtime."

"I just hope it's not about getting out to the real world," Monika says. "Trust me, I've tried everything I could reach from here."

"Hey, Sunshine, what about yourself?" I ask.

"I'm fine," she replies.

"Doesn't sound too convincing," Monika says. "If there is anything bothering you, you can always share it with us."

"Is everything alright with your boyfriend?" I ask.

"Well, yes, we're fine." Sayori fumbles with her fingers. "Uhm, well... it's alright, just..."

"Is he too good at taking care of you?" I propose. "The two of you really care for each other more than for yourselves."

"I'm just not used to being on the receiving end." Sayori sighs. "I don't feel too good when others worry this much about me, I'd rather help them."

"Hey, it's okay to be cared for, everybody deserves some compassion," Monika reassures. "But if it's getting too far, you should talk to him about setting some borders – you don't have to melt into each other."

"Maybe he's a bit too worried with how this week started." I pat her on the shoulder. "Maybe you could try to reassure him you're not vanishing anywhere – and then it will be a bit more casual between you two."

"Speaking of which... What was there? On the wall," Sayori asks. "Everybody keeps avoiding this question."

"Just a picture," I reply. "That damn picture – it shouldn't even exist."

"But what was there?"

Monika and I look at each other for a few seconds, not sure what to reveal and how to say it.

"Bad ending," I mutter.

"Oh..." Sayori sighs and rubs her neck nervously.

"Yeah, sorry," I say. "You really shouldn't be reminded of that needlessly."

"I guess we better keep the details from the others." Sayori puts on her usual smile. "And what about you, Monika? Are you feeling better than yesterday?"