Chapter 8: what the people saw

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the streets as Umbra walked toward Akari's house. The events of yesterday—his outburst at school, the harsh words he had thrown at her—played on a loop in his mind. He had pushed her away, and she hadn't deserved that. She had been there for him when no one else could perceive his pain, yet he had hurt her in the most despicable way. He knew he needed to apologize and make things right.

As he approached her house, he noticed something was amiss. An oppressive silence reigned, and the front door was slightly ajar, swaying in the breeze. A knot pulled tight in Umbra's stomach. Something wasn't right.

He slowly opened the door, and his heart started racing in his chest. His eyes scanned the living room, then he heard it-yelling was followed by the unmistakable sound of a slap. A chill ran down his spine. Sans thought, he moved in the direction of the noise, his instincts yelling at him to hurry.