sora

If that was really her, then she'd only be there because she was Infected. She wasn't... someone who lived there.

Did you see the letters?

Letters? What letters?

They came with the notice from L.G.D. this morning. Apparently they're letters of appreciation from the residents we saved.

Those letters are the reason the government is giving us that certificate.

Isn't that what you're reading right now?

Oh, no... This is... a fan letter from before.

A fan letter? You're reading it now, of all times...?

Uh... Don't worry about it...

It really is nothing, Texas. I suddenly felt like it. That's all...

Are you coming with me to the L.G.D.? I'll drive.

Mmhm. I'll go!

Get in the car then.

Texas... If... Just if. If a Lungmenite becomes infected, what options do they have?

I can only think of two.

They either have to leave Lungmen or go to the slums.

Right... There's no other way... I know that.

Texas.

Hmm?

In the future... will I be allowed to go on deliveries alone? I don't want to be a bother... but I am a member of Penguin Logistics, and I want to help out like everybody else.

Can you protect yourself?

I... I can...!

Once you prove to me you can hold your own, I won't stop you.

Yeah, thanks.

It kind of feels like I'm always thanking you...

A week later...

Lungmen, somewhere in the slums

Hello, is anybody home? Your package is here!

Who is it...?

Hello, the items you ordered on the Penguin Logistics website are here. Could you please sign for the package~?

A package...? Leave it outside the door.

Okay!

Umm... could you please sign for the package as well?

I... I'm not sure I can step outside...

Huh? Is everything okay? Do you need any help?

No, that's not what I meant... I don't want to come outside... You... You're not infected, right? I have Oripathy... I could spread it to you...

I appreciate Penguin Logistics at least letting me place orders, but you could catch Oripathy from me. Please just go!

Mister... Mister? Please, calm down.

We've got long, stable relationships with Infected clients. Oripathy isn't something you can catch from physical contact.

Don't worry. All Penguin Logistics staff have received Oripathy prevention training. You can't hurt me.

And if you need any assistance, we can help you out anytime. We've partnered with a pharmaceutical company on several projects...

Mister, are you okay?

Are you... not afraid of me?

Of course not! Penguin Logistics aims to serve all customers with wholehearted devotion!

Never mind... Leave it at the door.

Okay...

Right, can I count on you people to deliver a letter uptown for me next time?

Of course! Penguin Logistics offers mail delivery too!

Eh... fine. I need to let somebody there know how I'm doing. If they're willing to write back.

Um, Mister...? If you would like, I can help you get in touch...

No, never mind. Just stay away from me. My brain is a mess right now.

I...

Okay...

Let's leave it at that. I'll use you guys again next time.

It wasn't her...

I couldn't find her today either... Maybe she's already left Lungmen.

Maybe it never was her anyway...

But the handwriting in the appreciation letter to Penguin Logistics is the same as the fan letter I got.

She didn't leave an address or a name. It was just a simple thank you letter, but I know it. It was you.

...I just... want to see you once again...

Are you willing to see me? Should... I even see you?

There is something I want to tell you face to face. I want to tell you that you've got to cheer up and find hope again.

Tomorrow... I'll come again tomorrow.

Two weeks later...

Lungmen slums, during a delivery

Hello, is anybody home? Your package is here!

Hello, the items you ordered on the Penguin Logistics website are here. Could you please sign for the package~?

Is anybody home?

(Grits teeth)

Hm... this is the right delivery time...

Yeah...

Hello? Is there really nobody home?

(Trembles)

...It's her voice.

But...

(It's the right place... Are they not home?)

I'll leave it at the door and send them a delivery confirmation... Okay.

Sora subconsciously places her hand on the edge of her pocket. Slowly, she takes out the letter.

On the old, tattered envelope are the words 'To Miss Sora.'

Sora has read the letter inside and compared it with the letter of appreciation countless times. Its contents have been etched into her soul—

Not only do the words of appreciation within evoke her nostalgia, they help keep her mind at ease.

How come I can't find you? I saw you around here not too long ago... Have you really gone somewhere else?

I... want to see you again.

The person inside grips the door handle.

Yet the door does not open.

But it's no big deal... I know we'll meet again.

Okay, time for the next package... Where does this one go...?

She's gone... right?

(Bends over)

(Picks up the package)

Thank you... Miss Sora.

Looks like you got my letter.

I want to see you again too, but right now... my body... my disease...

You'll be happy once I finally find the courage to face myself again, right?

I... I'll come to your concerts again, and I will be there at your fan meetings.

Someday.

...Just who are you, anyway?

Penguin Logistics.

So you're with that logistics company everyone's been buzzing about, the one that's got connections on both sides of the law.

If you don't want to end up like your buddy lying over there, then get lost.