Brace yourself

For a split second, it feels like the floor dropped out from under you. You hear Imari scream out, but it sounds muffled. Just as soon as it happens, it’s gone. A dim light starts to shine in from somewhere. You can’t make out the source, it seems to be coming from everywhere. There’s some sort of mist around you, limiting obscuring your vision somewhat. This is exactly like last time back in the shopping district. Only this time you’re on your own.

No, there’s someone else here, you can hear them wimpering.  You walk out of the aisle and see Imari looking around bewildered.  “Imari,” hearing you makes her jump and spin around to face you.  You raise your hands, “it’s alright, it’s just me.”

“John san?  What’s going on?  Where did those guys go?”  She wraps her arms around herself and shuffles from side to side.  How do you explain this to her?  “I’m not entirely sure myself, but this has happened to me before,” you explain.  “I came here the day I went into my mini coma.”  The news doesn’t help her nerves any.  “I wish I could tell you more, but we need to get going.  It’s not safe here.”

“What do you mean?” she asks.  “For all I know it’s just you, me, and probably my friend Hinako.  We need to get to her.”  She gives you a curious look, “Hinako?  Hinako Yamada?”

“Yeah you know her?” you ask.  She nods, “we’ve been friends since Kindergarten.”  ‘Small world,’ you muse to yourself.  “We need to get back to my room.  That’s probably where she’ll look for us first.  Come on,” you hold your hand out to her and she tentatively grasps it.  Her hand is soft and warm to the touch, fitting for a professional caregiver.  You gently lead her to the door and make sure the hallway’s clear before stepping out.

You make a beeline to your room with Imari in tow.  You move at a brisk pace, but she doesn’t have a problem keeping up.  She tells you which way to turn to get you there fastest.  You have to hurry, you can feel them and it won’t be long before they sense you.

You reach your room, but you stop short when you round the corner.  Imari almost bumps into you and she squeezes your hand even tighter.  You don’t remember leaving the door open.