The Stray Kids of Edogawa Rampo

EPILOGUE

the stray kids of edogawa rampo

z e n

Growing up, I never really wanted anything.

"I like that one, honestly."

Or more like I don't admit what I really want.

"You can have it," I said, tucking the candy in his hands. "I don't really like strawberries that much."

I've been a liar for as long as I can remember, because of him. Spencer taught me the art of letting go, of being selfless, and of caring for the only person deprived of everything. His presence reminded me how lucky I was, and my presence surely reminded him how unfortunate he is. He's the only person I know who suffered this much, so much that even remembering the times we spent together is enough to make me cry. Spencer didn't show how much pain he's keeping inside, he managed it well, but in the end of the day, if there's a person he should hate the most, it's probably me.

I, who had a family, a family that had it all to raise a kid with a beautiful life. Happiness lured in every corner of our home, while he, on the other hand, hid on the basement of an old mansion, scared because even the sun doesn't like him. Lonely and cold, pondering what kind of life awaits him. He should've envied me the most, and hated me for because of our mother.

But with the life he had, who is he to choose? Who is he to complain? He's living for a mission, and I happened to be one of them. And in his lonely life in a dark abyss, I'm the only one who's there. I'm the only one he can consider a friend, I am the only one who can remind him that he's a kid, just like me, just like everyone else. I sinned to Spencer more than anyone.

I pitied Spencer more than anyone.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I fumed and walked towards him in rage. Lance immediately stood up and held me back. "LET GO!"

"Zen, calm down! 'Di 'to makakabuti sa sitwasyon."

"Makakabuti?! Hahayaan ko nalang siyang mamatay?" I asked him for answers but Lance just looked away. "Will that make the situation better?!"

"Zen." Spencer said with a sigh. "Just shut the fuck up will you? There's no use blowing up a fuss."

I looked at him in disbelief, "No use?" I asked and shrugged off Lance's hands. "Ginagago mo ba ako, Spencer?"

"I'm serious, it's too late now," he said and showed us his palms. I can see needles buried in his veins. "These needles are laced with Neolite, a substance which I'm not very immune with. If my calculations are right, I just have a few hours left."

It can't sink in. Everything that he's saying can't sink in anymore, my brain denies to process it. I shook my head slowly, trying to tame the chaos inside. "No. You can't do that." I said in a whisper, it sounded like a helpless beg, but Spencer remained unfazed, seemingly convinced on what he's about to do.

Sa halip na sagutin ako, iniwas niya lang ang tingin sa akin at humarap kay June at Twelve. "I think I have said all the things I needed to say, explained everything that I owed to explain. However, there are things that await you. You can consider them as Edogawa's last gifts," he said and threw a key to June's direction. It landed just in front of his feet. "It's in my room."

June looked at him with an expression no one can describe, he silently picked up the key, "How can we know it's the thing that you're saying?"

"Oh, you're supposed to know, just use 'em coconuts." He said pointing on his temples with a sly grin. "You can have them whenever you like. You can even have them now. But.."