act45side

<p=2>9:37 P.M.</> <p=1>A Remote Victorian Town</>

We're four whole hours behind schedule...

We don't have much time left until midnight...

The streets are deserted. We're not finding a map in a place like this either... This is a rotten turn.

We should split up. We have our communicators. If anyone finds anything, page the rest.

Not a bad idea...

Wait, okay, that works for us, but...

You don't have any solo experience, Sakiko. I can't let you go alone.

Now is hardly the time for that, is it?

You heard what she wrote. 'This will be my final letter.'

In the worst-case scenario, she's...

But...!

...Vigna. I'll be fine.

By Miss Whislash's account, I'm ready to operate in a squad based on my current abilities, remember?

(Takes out communicator) And I'll call at the first sign of trouble. Is that satisfactory?

Good! And don't forget us!

...Fine. Just be careful, yeah?

I will. Miss Iris, what's her name and address?

Her name is Ann... address, 33 Garden Street.

Acknowledged. We'll start from this crossroad. Split up and let's begin!

*pant* *pant* How can these streets be so complicated?

Is someone selling... flowers there?

Why would someone be selling flowers at this hour...?

No, no matter. I need a lead!

Excuse me—!

Excuse me, do you know where Garden Street is?

You're on it. Would you like a flower, Miss?

No. No, thank you... Would you happen to know which way number 33 is?

Look up, and follow the setting sun towards the west. Last house at the end of the street, that's number 33.

Madam, it's already night...

Oh, that's why I didn't hear any footsteps in the streets... Silly me, doddering about. Suppose it's time I went home.

Is your sight...?

Don't you worry about me. Got somewhere to go, don't you? Better go.

The nights are dark here. Now don't you get lost again.

Thank you... you be safe, too.

<p=1>33 Garden Street</>

Towards the west... This is the place she meant, then.

The old door creaks as Sakiko pushes it open.

Ugh... it reeks of alcohol in here!

The ground is covered in muddy shoeprints. In the corner, there stands a ragged man.

He looks all around, then starts going through bottles tidily tucked away in the corner, picking up each one.

Empty...

Empty...

...All empty!

Anna! Anna!!

Where the hell are you?!

*whimper* Is that it? You're abandoning me, running away, JUST LIKE SHE DID?!

Gh... Anna... Anna...

I won't drink anymore! I swear! Starting today, I'll do my best!

The man collapses to his knees in agony, then promptly screams in pain.

His palm is pierced by a shard of the bottle he broke.

A-Anna...! There's blood... on the floor... I'm bleeding!

I'm dying! Come back, Anna! I'm dying!!

Anna... you're back?

I'm not Anna.

You are... you are!

It's me! Don't you remember me?

The man makes to crawl towards Sakiko, but lets out another scream.

Inexplicably, a wave of lamentation washes through Sakiko.

She places her hand on the battered door frame—

I—

Let's go.

So the story you never published... that was an account of what really happened to you?

...Yes.

I do love fairytales. Back when Mum was still around, she bought me heaps and heaps of storybooks.

We were happy back then. Me, and Mum... and Dad.

But the happiness left with Mum.

I tried to write about all I'd gone through, show it to others, but nobody wants to read about oppression and despair.

So I turned every sentence on its head. I let them become the most beautiful fairytales of all.

...But I stopped reading fairytales long ago.

Anna...

(Trembles)

P-Please don't call me by that name...

...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.

Don't worry. You've already been much kinder to me than anyone else.

There's Iris, actually. She's worried about you.

You know Iris?

I do. I came with her to find you. I just gave her a call, and she's right on her way.

Iris...

You don't want to see her?

I know how busy she is. Every day, she has so much to take care of...

You're a very important friend to her.

You know... I was up on a high place today. And I kept standing up, and looking down...

But I had all the letters she wrote to me in my pocket. I kept every last one. And I just kept holding onto them.

She told me to keep living. That the sweet dreams of my fairytales would come about someday.

I don't know if I should trust myself, or trust her...

You can absolutely trust her.

She's a real fairy, after all.

Fairy?

You'll understand as soon as she's here. She says before you become an adult—

Sakiko looks up at the clock.

It's an antique one, hung high on the wall, and the hour and minute hands are slowly converging upon each other.

Dammit...

What is it?

Iris was saying, before you become an adult...

You mean, before my birthday? Iris wants to celebrate my birthday?

Yes, and we're running out of time...

That's alright, I haven't celebrated my birthday in so long anyway.

I'm not a child anymore. When you're grown up, you don't need celebration.

Sakiko's gaze flits around, and something catches her eye.