Safe, for now.

The red bug-eyed convertible hummed back to life, dismounting from the curb.

As they headed further down the desolate street, the incandescent lights whizzed by, and the blur and bloom melded into one.

As the rain dissipated, the windscreen wipers came to a halt, no longer beating off the glass in a thumping melody. Mitsuko, Maria, and Akio were now free from nature's unforgiving lashing. Another hum vibrated alongside the engine; it was coming from the car's small heater on either side of the dashboard.

Mitsuko: It took long enough; I thought it was going to rain forever. (Glancing at Maria.) So, where does Akio actually live? My plan only got me this far. 'Chuckling.' 

The red car hung a left onto the main road, exiting the lonely side streets.

Maria: (Scratching her brow.) So let me get this straight: 'Bemused.' You planned on picking Akio up and driving around until he told you where he lived; is that the gist of it? 

An audible gulp came from Mitsuko.

Mitsuko: Maria, please don't word it like that, and I didn't plan anything; he just happened to be there. Shrugging.' But, yeah. (Tapping his foot on the floor of the car.) Well, it's either that or leave him in the rain, and I couldn't do that.

As the intersection approached just up ahead, the car slowed, with the red light catching the droplets on the glass. A softness landed on Mitsuko's face, it was coming from Maria.

Maria: (Pulling back.) That's why I love you; you always help when someone is in need. 'Giggling.' That kiss is your reward.

The chill that surrounded him was no longer there. A familiar warmth rose inside his chest, slowly rushing to his head, his cheeks blushing from the affection he'd just received. 

Mitsuko: Not in front of Akio. 'Blushing.'

Maria heard the sound of paper tearing. Once more, Aiko's little hand tugged on the tan-coloured trench coat; her attention pulled away from Mitsuko's simple heroics.

Maria: 'Gentle.' I take it that this one has your address on it. (Reaching behind.) You know, Akio, If you keep giving me these, Mitsuko might get jealous. 'Teasing.'

As before, Akio did not respond; his head turned in the direction of the window, away from Mitsuko and Maria.

Mitsuko: Don't tease the poor lad like that. 'Huffing.' So what does the note say? Does he live close by? 

Mitsuko's eyes locked onto the words written on the note, capturing Maria's stillness. The scribbles of blue on yellow paper captivated her; two words stood out. 

Maria: 'Broken.' He lives in the Dykan district. (Staring at the note.)

The stoplight faded to amber, then to green, and the car lurched forward. 

Mitsuko: 'Lightly squinting.' Did you just say the Dykan district? (Tapping his fingers on the wheel.) It must be around five or six miles away from the school; don't tell me you walk from there to the school every day, Akio.

New scribblings came from Akio, and a new note was passed forward.

Maria: 'Concentrating.' It says: "Not always; sometimes I have enough for the bus fare. I gave my bus fare to someone who needed it more than me; even though she slapped me, it still hurts a little." 

Maria and Mitsuko's eyes went wide when they heard the end of the note, and Maria responded sharply.

Maria: Please pull over. 'Frantic.'

Mitsuko: Okay, just give me a sec. 

Still wearing the damp trench coat, Maria unbuckled her seatbelt and climbed behind Mitsuko to the vacant seat, not waiting for the car to come to a halt. Her slender body slipped in between the thin gap, barely missing the clutch.

Mitsuko: 'Concerned.' Hey, be careful! I don't want to crash.

She now sat next to Akio, slowly reaching for his face.

Maria: Akio, could you please show me your face? 'Anxious.' 

The small boy pulled away, pushing his body up to the car door.

Maria: I promise, I won't hurt you. (Reaching forward.) I only want to take a quick look.

Mitsuko felt cold again, just like in the alley not too long ago. It started weakly, like a fan blow, but it grew stronger with each passing second.

Maria could see Aiko writing in the corner. With his small frame and weight pushing against the padded leather seat, she moved away, and something in her heart began to ache after seeing Akio's reaction.

The note was now visible; both Maria and Mitsuko could see it. It read, "YOU PROMISE."

In the distance, something began to move.