[Lobotomy Corporation] I'm an Abnormality...

It's guilt.. EP.29

...

"Oh? Aren't you the big sister who came last time?"

In the country I visited again, the same child greeted me.

Just like before, she placed fresh fruit in my hand.

"Now that I think about it, what's your name, traveler big sister?"
"I am... nothing..."
"There you go again. By any chance, do you not have a name?"

- I nodded.

"Then, I'll give you one! Hmm... your name is ■■■■!"
"■■■■... What does it mean? It doesn't sound like a common name."
"It means 'little angel'! I named you that because your white hair looks like angel wings."

The 'little' part probably didn't need an explanation.

After all, I'm about the same height as this little kid now...

"Oh... it's a nice name."
"And~ there's this too!"

The child took out a small brooch from her pocket and placed it in my hand.

It's a small brooch with a blue gem in the center.

"My dad said lapis lazuli is a heavenly stone. So, wouldn't it be good for an angel to have it?"
"...Thank you."

So, this sparkling gem is called lapis lazuli. I didn't expect to hear a familiar name here.

"How is it? You're not 'nothing' anymore, are you?"

So, because she gave me a gift and a name, I'm no longer 'nothing'?

She's a really bold little kid.

But this isn't so bad.

"Hmm, I've received so many gifts, what should I do? I have nothing to give..."
"Hmm... if you really feel bad, travel around with that brooch thinking of me!"
"...Are you really okay with that?"
"Yes... I'm a bit weak. I get out of breath even if I run a little. It's not suitable for a long journey..."

The child didn't say the rest, but I could guess what she meant.

This child who always looked at the traveler with strangely bright eyes.

⋯

I woke up from my reverie, sitting on a rock.

I had such memories.

My next destination, it's been a while, I should go to that country.

"Alright then."

I hoisted the travel backpack, which now felt like a part of my body.

Lately, the events in the 'Black Forest' keep resurfacing.

Nightmares are commonplace, and the screams of creatures echo in my ears.

...I should go to 'that country' and get some healing after a long time.

This is my third visit now.

I wonder how that little kid is doing, she'd be happy if I told her some travel stories, right?

And so, the country I visited again.

"What... what is this? Why is there no sound..."

The entrance to the country, which was once filled with the laughter of merchants and children, was completely silent.

The granaries in each house, once filled with grain, were empty.

The central square, once bustling with people, showed no signs of life.

"Wh... what."

Is there really no one left?

As I frantically scanned the square, I saw a familiar figure in the distance.

It's the little kid.

The one who gave me fruit, a name, and a brooch.

"Oh, it's big sister! Hello!"

She gave me the same bright smile as always.

"By any chance... do you know where all the adults have gone?"
"Hmm, the adults? Now that I think about it, they haven't been around for a while."

Haven't been around for a while?

What is this?

"Do you know where even one of them might be? Any small piece of information would be helpful..."
"Ah, I heard the last remaining man mutter something."
"...What did he mutter?"
"He said 'the meaning of life'...? Is gone..."

...For a moment, I couldn't believe my ears.

The meaning of life is gone?

I clearly wished for 'all unhappiness in this country' to disappear...

"I... I'm young so I don't really know, but if there's no unhappiness, doesn't that mean there's no... what's it called... satisfaction either?"
"...What are you talking about?"
"Hmm. Think about it. People farm to eat. But if they can live without eating, is there a meaning to farming?"
"..."
"People cherish every moment and live hard because they will die someday. But if they were to live forever..."

Where there is light, there is shadow.

In a world without unhappiness, does happiness exist?

"Big sister, I'm going to say two phrases, can you choose one you like?"
"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
"...Break free from the shackles and face the terror."
"..."
"...Accept the past and create the future."

Something's strange.

How could this little kid be so smart?

This little kid who couldn't escape this small country...?

"Who are you, really...?"
"Once words are spoken, they can't be taken back."
"..."
"Words always carry great responsibility."
"I asked, who are you."

As I stared fiercely, the child's expression changed.

From expressionless to a faint smile.

"Hmm, who am I. If you're asking what I'm called, there are many names."
"..."
"Traveler. Pioneer. Prophet... Ah, this one fits best."
"...Don't tell me."
"Nothing."

⋯

Only then did I realize.

The little kid was never there from the beginning.

To be precise, since my third visit, there was no one left in this country.

I see.

So that's it.

"...I need to go back."

To the 'Black Forest'.

The origin of the hundreds of good deeds I've done and the one evil I committed.

To break free from this cycle.

I took out the tear-shaped lapis lazuli brooch from my pocket.

I read again the crooked handwriting on the back.

Hope to see you again, little angel [Angelina]

⋯

⋯

"...What is this dream?"

And then, I woke up in the isolation room.