Chapter 2: For a second by your side, my beloved (part 2)

Two floors, a gate with metal bars, and the car park to the right, now empty.

In front of the door is a green mat with black lettering that says "Welcome".

—I'll open it!.— Judy says before I take the key out of my pocket… At some point she made a copy, although she usually sneaks in through my bedroom window.

Judy turns on the lights, both inside and outside, and IA follows after her. Henrietta looks around and examines the house carefully, maybe imagining how to escape...

I close the door, locking it. To the left, a living room, to the right, the kitchen and dining room. We walk to the kitchen, the largest place to talk. We don't take off our shoes, we're not accustomed to doing so.

—The second floor would be better.— Henrietta says.

—Mmh, you're right.— I reply.

—Just a moment, Razar hasn't eaten in hours.— IA says, opening the fridge, taking some precooked meat, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Although I'm not hungry, I understand her, IA usually prepares my food daily, knowing that I don't like household chores.

—This doesn't need to be cooked.— IA adds.

Judy takes bread from the pantry and places it on the counter.

—Do you want something, Henrietta?.— I ask.

—No, don't worry, Razar.—

Although we're inside, she doesn't let go of my hand, I don't want to say anything, she must have her reasons..

—Judy, can you hand me a glass?.— I ask.

—Of course.— She replies, leaning to grab the glass cups. They were on top before, but since she comes often, we changed the location to make it more convenient for her.

—Here you go, Razar.— She adds with a smile.

—...Are you leaving tonight?.— IA asks while finishing the sandwiches, and I drink water from the tap. Realizing that I need my hands, Henrietta lets go of me but clings to my shirt, like a little girl?.

—We're in a town, right?.— Henrietta asks.

—Razar, Judy.— IA says, giving us each a sandwich, and continues responding to Henrietta.

—Yes, we're in a town.— She walks past us, and we follow her to the stairs.

I'm not hungry, but I know I must eat. I put a hand on Judy's head who goes up first before me and we head to my room.

—We have a small train station, but it's probable they've halted the transportation service. The upside is that since they found nothing in the closed-off area, other than a slightly damaged house, the train service will probably be back in operation tomorrow morning, or so it's most likely.— IA explains, opening my room door.

—Watching the news would be the best...it won't tell us what's really happening, but we could get an idea of the current situation.— Judy says.

—The TV is downstairs, but I have a radio.— I say, sitting on my bed.

Before sitting beside me, Henrietta looks out the window, she must be worried. IA grabs a chair and sits in front of us.

Judy climbs onto my desk and turns on the radio, searching for a local signal.

—Can you just take a train like nothing happened?.— IA asks.

—As I said in the forest, it's most probably that the United States only told Japan a small part of what it knows, and Japan agreed because it needs the military power of such an ally, especially with China lurking, and this would be an "information cooperation". The United States doesn't have the freedom to operate military units wherever and whenever it wants, even if there are foreigners looking for me and they present themselves as civilians, they wouldn't pose a threat to me.— Henrietta explains.

"Here is Magistra station speaking to all its listeners in the town....A satellite was supposed to fall in the residential area that was closed and evacuated for civil protection, but according to reports, the damage has been minimal. The curfew and transport services will be lifted tomorrow at 7 am.."

"The mayor of the town, whom we saw trafficking sheep, says that the armed forces are still patrolling the streets and have started with the forest. But there's no trace of any danger...people can rest assured… Now let's move on to the weather report...it's going to rain tomorrow-"

We listen to the radio while Henrietta speaks.

—Is that all we need to know?.— Judy asks, still standing on my desk.

—Thank you, lovely.— I smile, and Judy turns off the radio.

—In a way, it's not absolute, but I'm sure in this country, for now, at least for tonight I will be safe.— Henrietta concludes.

It's hard to eat with what's happening, IA caresses my knee, smiling, looking at my sandwich, urging me to eat. I know she'll force-feed me if I don't start eating..

Judy sits next to me and rests her head on me. Henrietta looks more relaxed with our interaction, she seems to have understood that the three of us are very close, although she can't help but glance at Judy when she comes to my side..

—"A small slip, and everything could go to hell", can't we know anything more about you other than your name, Henrietta?.— IA asks, turning her gaze towards her with seriousness but calmly.

—The simplest explanation for what's happening to me is that I'm a biological, involuntary, mutation. Of course, I used to work with a man named Hans, but I haven't seen him in a long time. Perhaps...he's the reason for all this.— Henrietta says.

—I know there's much more to tell, but I need you to understand, I can't...I just need to be with him a little longer.— Henrietta continues, caressing my hand..

—It's fine, I'm sorry, we understand. You're lucky we're used to discussing topics as strange as they are paradoxical on a daily basis.— IA says, patting Henrietta's head.

—If someone asks tomorrow, you can say you're Kokoro's relative, she's our teacher at school and also comes from Italy… From your surname, I suppose you're somehow Italian. Since she used to be a member of the mafia before, she's highly respected and feared in the town.— IA adds.

—Yuno is also a foreigner. She used to work in a research center in the US but moved here to become a teacher about 7 years ago.— Judy says.

IA stands up, adjusting the chair back on my desk.

—Wouldn't it be risky to spend the whole night here?.— IA asks.

—I'm not going to sleep. I think someone could pretend to be a civilian and bring a photo that resembles me, saying they're looking for me. If they found the soldier from before, they would come to this house. But since access to the town is closed, and the personnel who arrived in the area are limited, it's not unreasonable to assume that this person doesn't exist and that Japan has also deployed its intelligence area. Tolerance has its limits.— Henrietta replies.

IA opens my wardrobe and takes out a folding bed where she usually sleeps when she visits me.

—Again, the dilemma between the power of two countries is ironically what is protecting me for now.— Henrietta adds.

Although very risky, her logic is correct. If she were wrong, IA would have objected.

—It sounds convincing, but I also have the feeling that at any moment they could break down the door.— IA says, looking at Henrietta and unfolding the bed. I stand up to help her.

—If that happens, I'll hear them, don't worry.— Henrietta says.

Judy looks for a blanket, and we finish setting up the bed.

—Judy will sleep with Razar, I'll stay here, and do you really not need to rest?.— IA asks.

—No, it's better this way. It seems that when I'm unconscious, I emit some kind of radiation, so they must have detected me the first time.—

—Well, if you change your mind, we can bring a bed, at least for you to lie down.— IA says, smiling awkwardly.

—Thanks.—

—IA, can we talk for a moment?.— I ask seriously.

—It'll only be a moment, Henrietta.— I tell her. She clings to my arm, and I pat her head trying to generate some trust. When she lets go, we walk with IA to Kanna's room.

—We'll meet again in the park, okay?, like the first time, and as always.— I say, closing the door behind us.

IA looks at my necklace and finally makes eye contact with me.

—...I'll be sitting on a bench, maybe it'll be very dark, maybe it'll be cold..— IA says with a tone of sadness, approaching my face and kissing my cheek.

—May your path be accompanied by light.— She adds..

I know how she feels, I know.

***

After a shower, and brushing our teeth like every day, we went to bed. We were quieter and calmer than usual. "Goodnight", was the last thing we said.

Judy was holding onto me tightly, IA was close to my bed, and Henrietta sat on the chair next to me, suggesting that I sleep fully dressed.

It was hard for me to fall asleep, I must have been awake until dawn, thinking about what I should do, what is right, and what is not. In the end, everything went dark.

***

—Don't you prefer to wait, IA?.— Henrietta asks me as I watch Razar still asleep. I bought him some curtains that don't allow light to pass through, I know how much he hates getting up early.

—It's okay, I have to go to my house and to school. I also have to take this little one with me.— I reply, caressing Judy's head.

—Are you his girlfriend?.— Henrietta asks.

—I'm someone very close to his life, just like Judy.— I reply.

Judy caresses Razar's face to say goodbye.

—Take care of him.— I lean in to kiss Razar's cheek, and as I stand up, I kiss Henrietta's.

—Breakfast is on the table, and the train's rush hour will be in an hour... and Henrietta.— Judy says.

—Yes?.—

—Remember to send me the letter.— Judy adds.

Henrietta leans down so Judy can kiss her cheek, and we both leave the room, closing the door carefully to not make noise.

As we go down the stairs, my chest hurts. Before reaching the exit, I take Judy's hand. She, like me, looks around the corners of the house with nostalgia.

Closing the door behind me, everything seems normal, nothing out of place. How much do one lady's feelings matter in a vast world?.

The sky looks gray, it will rain.

At this point, it's already daytime, but there's hardly anyone around, just an occasional person and a few cars. The police and military are gone, as we heard on the radio last night. Almost... as if nothing had happened, as if it had all been a strange dream and as if Henrietta had always been with us.

—Are you sure?.— Judy asks, looking up to make eye contact with me.

—I need to change my clothes and you have to go to school, right?.— I reply.

In 20 minutes, we'll be at my house.

—You know what I mean, IA.— Judy says seriously.

I let go of her hand to caress her head.

—Today I'll wear a white dress.— I reply.

I don't deny that I would like another chance.

Just like at Razar's house, when we arrive at mine, the parking area is empty, which means Kaede isn't here.

—Not even a call?, you look sad, IA.— Judy says as we enter.

—Are you going to let him go without saying goodbye?. You didn't sleep at all last night, did you?, you miss him already, don't you?.— Judy continues.

Her words hurt me.

—I'll go change, get an umbrella, Judy.— I say in a low voice, climbing the stairs I detest so much.

—Mmmh!!.— I startle when I see her so close to me.

My eyes feel a bit heavy. When I open them, the first thing I see is Henrietta's face. She's sitting on the floor next to my bed, staring at me, very intently...

I don't feel Judy's body... looking behind Henrietta, the folding bed isn't there.

—They left not long ago.— Henrietta says, caressing my head.

—We must hurry, have breakfast, and leave. It'll soon be the best time to catch the train.— She adds.

With a bit of fatigue, I get out of bed. As Henrietta requested, I slept in my clothes, so I don't need to change.

—Are you okay?, you didn't rest at all last night, right?.— I ask, heading towards the bathroom, stroking her cheek as I pass by.

—I'm fine, Razar, lack of sleep doesn't seem to affect me.—

—I'm glad to hear that, although it's hard to take in. Did you see anything strange last night?... I'll go brush my teeth, and then we'll leave.— I say.

—Sure...and no, actually, no one walked on the street all night.— Henrietta says with a smile. Again, I can see her braces, they don't show much when she talks.

She was right about staying here. I can't say to what extent it was the best or too risky, but she's the only one who understands what's happening.

—...…— I stay silent as I enter the bathroom.

—...…— Just like Henrietta... who enters with me... and she's even so kind as to close the door behind us...

I look at her through the mirror, and she smiles again. I don't say anything and wash my face and brush my teeth.

Leaving the bathroom, I notice she's holding onto my shirt.

—I'll just get the money.— I tell her, returning to my room.

—Mmh.— Henrietta expresses in agreement.

I usually work occasionally, saving all I earn. I don't have any significant expenses, except for some sweets for Judy or for birthdays.

I open a drawer in my desk and take all the money, also a backpack with some clothes and a blanket in case we need it. I move quickly along with her, who reads my movements so as not to bother me, because obviously, she doesn't want to let go of me..

—Do you need anything, Henrietta?, Kanna must be a similar size to yours.— I ask before going down the stairs.

—No, I'm fine. I like these clothes.— Henrietta replies, slightly raising her left hand to emphasize her school uniform.

On the dining table, there are sandwiches covered with plastic, it looks like they have more ingredients than yesterday.

Judy left a note.

I know you're dying to see me, but I also know how you are. I want to see you soon and go back home together. All my love, Judy.

IA didn't leave anything..

—I'll write a note for Kanna, and then we'll leave.—

I take the paper next to the refrigerator and the landline phone along with a black pencil.

Kanna, a friend came to visit me. I'll be out for a while. Don't worry, I'll call you when I can. Take care a lot, and don't eat too many cookies. With love, Razar.

—Can we go out?.— I ask Henrietta after sticking the note with a magnet on the refrigerator door.

—Yes, there's no one important.— She replies with a smile.

We take the sandwiches, walk through the door, I lock it, and we head to the train station. It will start raining soon, a few scattered drops are already falling.

—I'm a little worried.— I tell Henrietta, who's holding my right hand.

—Don't worry, it's not the time or the place.— She replies.

—Trust me... trust me, Razar.— She adds, squeezing my hand gently.

..As we walk through the streets, at this hour, it's the same route I take to school..

We always meet halfway, the few times Razar wakes up on his own, usually...

It's she who wakes me up, and we go together...

I'd say it's his weak point...

I wonder if she'll wait... how long will she wait?.

...We arrive at the train station, Henrietta looks at each person there, about 20, searching for any unusual gestures.

She decides we should sit for a moment where the train awaits, a few minutes later, it starts raining heavily, a summer rain, but the roof is covered so it's not a problem.

—They must all be from this town, if you pay attention, they walk similarly, they all seem different but have the same body language pattern, they must have been born and raised here.— Henrietta says.

—Mmh, and what's the destination, Henrietta?.—

—The next city.— She smiles.

We approach the ticket booth, barely a space for two people, and speak to the man selling tickets.

—Good morning, two tickets to the next city.— I say.

—Good morning, sure...that would be… here you go, it's 10 dollars..— The man, looking somewhat sleepy, quickly looks at the map on the wall and selects the destination. As I don't look very young, and with Henrietta having obviously foreign features, he doesn't ask for identification.

—Here.— I say to Henrietta, pressing my hand against her cheek, which is holding her ticket.

—It's cold..— Henrietta says, closing one of her eyes where my hand is, then she gently caresses it.

—We're departing!.— The train conductor comes out of his cabin and announces loudly.

—Time to go.— I tell Henrietta.

—Yes!.— Henrietta says with a smile.

I only have a backpack as luggage, and she carries nothing with her except for her clothes and her necklace.

We hold hands and enter the small train of just two cars.

It's raining quite heavily, I lead Judy by the hand, holding an umbrella with the other, as we head towards her school.

—Aren't you going to say goodbye to him?..— Judy asks..

—It's better this way, Judy, you must understand..—

—You still have time.— Judy says.

We walk down the street, making sure no cars pass by...

—Aren't you going to wait for him?.— Judy asks.

—Yes, I will.—

—Then... why didn't you tell him?!.— Judy stops when we reach the sidewalk.

—Why?!.— Judy shouts, stepping away from the umbrella, the water quickly starts soaking her.

Her voice was so loud it stopped me.

—If you really will, then go. I'm just a kid, he doesn't see me as a lady.— Judy starts crying.

—But he does see you!..I envy you!.— Judy lightly punches me, clenching her fists.

—Go!, run!.— She shouts..

—Run!!….—

The umbrella falls to the ground, and I start running as fast as I can...

It's hard to move with my dress, and the rain falls heavily...

It's hard to breathe. The farther he is from me, the more I need him...

My dress becomes heavy, I run through the crowd, not stopping.

I climb the stairs that lead me to the station, and my heart hurts more with each passing second.

I arrive breathless, my hair, my body covered in water, I hear the sound of the train, and my soul shatters.

The train is moving away, I see him, and in tears I cry out with all my strength.

—Always!..I will always wait for you here!..—

..The train departs from the platform, I stand there looking out the window and hear the voice of IA, she was completely soaked, I made her cry..

I don't know to what extent her words were beautiful or hurtful.

We both stood there, looking at each other, each getting smaller.

I miss the touch of her hands..

..Now Henrietta holds mine tightly..