NAOMI

I stared after Ayumi, trying to decide if I should track her back down. I shouldn't be here, alone...again. "Sachi-chan...Sachi-chan, where are you?" a raspy voice called dimly. I screamed. "Shinozaki! Shinozaki! Please!" I wobbly stood up, panting. She was back! I fell back down, stunned and terrified, as she leaned her ghostly black and purple form over me. "Sachi-chan..." she repeated. I shrieked, swatting the mist away as I tried to regain my balance.

That doesn't work well when you're running for your life with a sprained ankle. But, lucky for me, I had experience. Good or bad, I don't know. I just want Ayumi back by my side! I raced to the door, a little faster than last time. Instead of hair, the door was bound with..."Blood?" I exclaimed. How can I tear through that? No matter, I was losing time! I screamed desperately as I worked my way through the red slime. "Sachi-chan.."

She was getting closer! "Sachi-chan...don't be afraid..." Unpleasant memories floated around my head. My puking self. Bloodshot eyes. Seiko dying right in front of me. I released another loud shriek as the demon touched me.

Then, darkness.

Breathe. I slowly opened my eyes, observing my surroundings. I was clearly aware of Ayumi crouching besides me, concerned. Anger pulsed through ne, but I forced myself to repeat the instruction. Breathe. Think about what you should and shouldn't say. I then recalled the harsh words I had spoken to Seiko, right in this condition. I felt like I would explode if I held my breath in suspense. She didn't look at me, but I could tell.

She was regretful. "I heard you screaming," she said softly as I sat up. I narrowed my eyes. It's a bit late for an apology now, Shinozaki. "I ran as fast as I can...and you were there, spitting out blood. not just any blood though. Black blood." She finally met my gaze with sad eyes. "I tried to help, but you lost consciousness. I thought the beds were still a little dusty, too much to still be a breathing hazard, so I just set you down here."

She stood up, offering me her hand blankly. I took it gratefully, hoisting myself up. Ayumi glanced downwards in shame. "I want to stick together with you, I really do," she whispered, "but what if I go crazy again?" With that, she sprinted down the hall, tears making a trail. I stared after her, open-mouthed and shocked.

She left me...again.