Mother

A tornado of voices and whispers spun inside Natsuo's head, destroying everything in its path. Trying to hide from the tormenting thoughts, he sat on the plastic floor of the police station's men's bathroom booth. He hugged his knees, silently pleading for the whirlwind to pass.

"Shoji was already fourth; keep sending them on my way, it won't be lonely," Ayumi smiled at him.

"I - I didn't mean to - "

"Then, why didn't you do what I told you to do? If you had turned yourself in, Shoji wouldn't have needed to sacrifice himself."

Natsuo buried his face between his legs and tried to cover his ears, but the accusing words only grew louder.

"You silly, do you think that will help?" Ayumi chuckled.

"Just leave me alone," Natsuo insisted feebly.

"I came to pick you up. What are you doing there?" Jiro wondered behind the door, assuming Natsuo's words were for him.