[ Discontinued ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 58 - A discussion is needed

  Jinpei was behind the door of Yoko's hospital room. He was waiting to go in. He was waiting to pick up Yoko, who was going to pretend to be asleep again.
   He knew that she hadn't been sleeping or eating, or at least very little, for over a week. And yet she continued to deny it. So he wanted to catch her in the act, so that she would have to confess.

   Without further ado, the policeman abruptly entered the room. As he suspected, the young girl had not expected to see him and had just turned round.
   -There's no point in pretending to be asleep, I've seen you. he said sharply.
   She didn't move. Her guardian closed the door and pulled a chair closer to her so that she could sit on it while facing the bed.
   -Oe, I know you're not asleep. You don't have to keep pretending.

   After a moment's silence, Yoko sat up, guiltily, on her bed.
   -Why are you pretending to be asleep? Jinpei asked.
   No answer.
   -You don't sleep at night, do you? You don't have to say yes, it's written all over your face.
   She nodded gently.
   -So why are you pretending to sleep?
    Still no answer.

   The man became annoyed. He already was, and Yoko's behaviour wasn't helping.
   -There's no point in remaining silent, I'm not leaving this room until I get an answer.
   Answer... Could she really answer? The little girl knew that no matter what she said, Jinpei would believe her. But could she say, or rather could she manage to say that the blonde woman's words had made her aware of a reality she had wished to ignore?

   -You can't... You won't be able to stay until... until I answer... Seeing as you'll probably have work to do... she finally says.
   -I don't care, I'll stay here as long as it takes. I don't mind.
   There was another moment of silence as the policeman's gaze put pressure on her. He knew that his protégée would eventually crack like that. It was the only way he could get her to respond.

   With no answer, he finally asked a decisive question. It was the most likely thing, given the expression on Yoko's face.
   -Are you blaming yourself for something?
   His answer was another nod as tears formed in the little girl's brown eyes. But still no verbal response.

   The former schoolgirl apparently had no choice but to answer, since Jinpei had guessed and she had clearly indicated that he was right.
   -I didn't... I didn't want to worry you... That's why... I was just pretending... she finally explained in a broken voice.
   -Worrying about what? Did you think it wouldn't show? the policeman asked immediately.
  -... I was... I was hoping... I didn't want to worry you because I've already caused you enough problems... It's my fault you... You could have been hurt and I don't want... I've done enough stupid things already, I don't want to add more... And it's also my fault you got into a fight with Sato-keiji...

   Yoko's voice cracked more as she explained the problem.
    -What stupide thing? the policeman repeated, frowning as he didn't know what she was talking about.
   -... I've... I've followed this woman without warning you when I should have... And... and I pushed Akihiko and Yosuke to their deaths... It's all my fault... It...
   She took a moment to breathe. But it didn't help and she ended up sobbing.
   -I should have just died the first time I saw Gin and Vodka... I shouldn't have tried to escape... Or at least... At least I should have taken Akihiko's umbrella... They'd still be alive... It was all my fault... ! I just brought the people I loved to their deaths... ! They didn't deserve it... I don't deserve to still be alive... That woman's right, Akihiko and Yosuke must be angry with me... ! If it wasn't for me... I can't sleep any more... Every time I close my eyes I... I see Akihiko and Yosuke again and... I... I also see Gin and Vodka... And that woman... I... She announced rather loudly.

   There was a moment's silence and Jinpei looked serious. The girl's mental health was at an all-time low. And all because of this woman. It was upsetting him.
   -I just... I deserve to die... Yoko finally said in a calmer voice, still in tears.

   The sound of the chair moving back caught Yoko's attention and she turned her head towards her tutor. He was standing there, annoyed.
   -You really think you've done something stupid?! Could you have foreseen what was going to happen, eh? I don't think so! You had nothing to do with Akihiko's death, from what you've told me, but you did cause the death of your family! But would they be the type to hold a grudge against you, tell me!? You know them better than that woman, don't you?! So why are you taking her words so seriously and not thinking things through?! Shouted the man.
   The former schoolgirl looked wide-eyed at the policeman. She didn't know what to say.
   -If you think they're really angry with you, then make it up to them in some other way than saying you deserve to die! No matter what horrors you've been put through, that's no reason to throw your life away like that! he finished.

   There was a moment of silence, as if time had stopped. Only the girl's tears continued to stick and people outside the room could be heard.
   Jinpei was right on several counts. Yes, she knew Yosuke and Akihiko better than a stranger. Yes, she had to make up for it. But if death wasn't a solution, then how?

   The policeman finally calmed down, at least a little. He moved towards the doorway before turning.
   -I'll go and get something to eat and I'll stay with you to make sure you're eating.
   Then he left the room, leaving the child alone. That way, she would have time to recover from her emotions, and certainly, or so he hoped, time to think.