I took a deep breath and slowly sat up, feeling the last traces of calm slip away as reality crept back in. Kanari rose with me, her movements graceful and unhurried. She reached for something beside her—a familiar weight—and handed it to me.
"My camera," I muttered, surprised. "You kept it safe?"
She nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "Of course. I thought you might need it again."
I took the camera, feeling the cool plastic in my hands. I flicked on the night vision, half-expecting to see more endless white. Instead, the world around me shifted into sharp, eerie green. The walls were thick stone, lined with rusted bars and heavy doors. "This place looks like a prison," I said, glancing at Kanari. "Did your mom really think locking you up in a prison was a good idea?"
Kanari laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, not here. This place is connected to the room where I was sealed, but I was never locked in a prison. My mother wanted to keep me safe, not punish me. The magic here… it's complicated. Sometimes the rooms change, connect in strange ways."
I felt a twinge of guilt. "Sorry. That was a shitty thing to say."
She waved it off, her smile never fading. "It's all right. I understand why you'd think that. This house isn't exactly welcoming."
We walked together, Kanari's footsteps light and silent beside mine. Eventually, we reached a door that felt different from the others—warmer, somehow. Kanari opened it, and I stepped inside.
The room was… holy. There was no other word for it. Crucifixes hung from every wall, Bibles stacked on shelves, candles flickering in every corner. Strips of parchment covered in holy scripture were taped to the walls, forming a barrier of words and faith. In the center was a simple bed, neatly made.
I stared, taking it all in. "Your mom really went all out, huh?"
Kanari nodded, her expression turning wistful. "She did everything she could to protect me. Even now, I think her magic still lingers here."
I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the exhaustion settle into my bones. Kanari sat beside me, close but not too close. Without a word, she reached out and began to gently massage my back, her fingers working out knots I didn't even know I had.
I tensed, instinctively pulling away. "You don't have to do that," I said, trying to sound tough.
Kanari's hands didn't stop. "You're always tense, Itsumi. I can feel it. You carry so much stress, so much pain. You don't have to pretend with me."
I let out a long, shaky sigh, my shoulders slumping. "I'm not used to this. People caring, I mean. Usually, it's just me against the world."
She was quiet for a moment, her hands still moving in slow, soothing circles. "You don't have to be alone here. Not anymore."
I closed my eyes, letting the tension drain away. For once, I let someone else take care of me, even if just for a moment. It felt strange, almost wrong, but also… good.
"Thank you," I whispered, barely loud enough for her to hear.
Kanari smiled, her voice soft and reassuring. "You're welcome, Itsumi. You deserve a little peace."
And for the first time in a long time, I almost believed her.