Richie sat blankly on his bed, listening to the clear birdsong outside.
Knock, knock, knock. Someone knocked on the door, and then Anya came in.
"Richie, it's time for breakfast! Hurry up and get out of bed!"
Richie shook his head, pulling himself out of his thoughts. After answering Anya, he got out of bed and dressed.
Anya wolfed down her breakfast while Twilight kept glancing at the television in the living room.
Richie ate distractedly, replaying what had happened in his dream.
If it really had been nothing more than a dream, why had every detail felt so real?
He even remembered pinching his own cheek, and it had hurt.
A polished broadcaster's voice came from the television.
"In recent days, major natural disasters have struck several regions.
"A devastating magnitude-eight earthquake has struck western Ostania, while flooding has hit the southern region.
"The death toll, number of injured, and economic losses have yet to be calculated. Rescue and relief efforts are still underway.
"Please stay tuned to this station for further reports.
"Today, we also have another report on the extraordinary storm a few days ago, the likes of which have not occurred in three hundred years..."
Like Twilight, Richie stared at the news on the television. He had just taken a bite of bread, but now he had even forgotten to chew.
He simply stared, taking in every word the reporter said.
Richie suddenly realized that the great storm a few days ago had already been a warning to him.
He glanced at Twilight and Yor as they ate, then at Anya, whose head was bent over her food.
How could he let this world keep collapsing and watch everyone in it, including himself, disappear?
Suddenly, the bread felt lodged in Richie's throat. He could not swallow