"Mari."
Unsure of the specifics, I call out to her. Perhaps, its merely because I regretted my decision. Or perhaps, I wanted to part on better circumstances. Rather selfish of me, however, I could only push forward, as though my heart's telling me to.
"What is it?"
She looks at me, though unlike before, it was rather nonchalant, as though the shades of her eyes have become dimmer.
"We were thinking about going shopping, at the mall or something."
"And you are telling me this why..?"
"You're more than welcome to oppose, but otherwise... Would you like to come with us?"
"..."
Taking the stairs up to the second floor, she leaves without a word as I continued to watch her. It was only until she reached the top, that she spoke out.
"I'll get changed. ...There's a few things I'd like to buy."
"Mm, yeah. Take your time."
Leaving with that, her footsteps grew silent as I hear the subtle sound of a door closing. And soon, sobs followed along as it filled the quiet apartment.
"Why, did you invite her?"
The girl asked, as I couldn't come up with a proper answer.
"I just thought it was the right thing to do."
"Hm, kindness begets kindness. Though, kindness itself can be cruel."
"Yeah. I know, I'm not expecting anything. I'm just fulfilling my selfish desires."
"What you told her, it was the truth, correct?
Searching my feelings, it may have been the truth, though as of now, it's as though a thick haze has formed within my heart.
"...Yeah, my oath to you, it's what keeps me going. You saved me and so-"
"I'm not referring to that."
Of course, I know what she's getting at, however, the answer I'm unsure of and so. I choose to remain silent.
"Hm, well. Things won't change, I'd like to return before long. If not, the forest will rise."
"Yeah. It'll be over soon."
...
After waiting awhile for Mari to step down. The moment she did, she was wearing a white shirt beneath her cardigan with black fitted jeans. Her makeup was subtle, though the shading brought some colour back to her cheeks accompanied by a faint perfume.
"Okay... Sorry for making you wait."
Apologising to the both of us, the girl merely looks away as she steps out.
"No, it's fine... Are you ready to go?"
With a nod, she slips on her flats as we exit the apartment complex.
Following the signs within my head as to where the wall would be, the girl walks ahead of us despite not knowing where it is. At times I had to call out to her to correct her path. It'd be easier for her to walk beside me, however, she seems to be refusing to look back. I would've thought she'd keep a watchful eye over us, just in case if anything happens. Perhaps she's choosing to believe my words; that my relationship with Mari is no longer tied by marriage. Come to think of it, Mari's no longer wearing a ring on her third finger.
...
The walk was rather quiet as it appeared Mari wasn't interested with conversation. Though it wasn't like I was being ignored, the air between us is still rather awkward.
YOU ARE READING
The Witch and the Lamb
Mystery / Thriller"You'll die if you speak." Said the girl, as she spoke indifferently. It was if the concept of death was but a trifle ordeal to her. However, it wasn't as though she didn't think anything of death, it was because it surrounded her.
