Not until the next morning.
Did consciousness slowly return.
She kept questioning herself.
What am I doing?
Why haven't I killed them?
These people aren't my parents at all!
But on second thought.
She calmed down again.
This is a nightmare I wove.
Life and death are mine to decide with a thought.
There's no hurry.
Let's see what other tricks they have.
Sirin followed behind the woman called "Mother."
They wove through the bustling crowd.
The ordinary clamor reached her ears.
Everywhere she looked, everyday life was peaceful.
An absurd thought rose inexplicably in her heart.
If I had never encountered the Honkai.
If Mother were still alive.
Would this happiness, so close at hand, have been mine too?
"Let's look over there."
Cecilia's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Her feet followed of their own accord.
The shop was filled with a dazzling array of goods.
Cecilia picked up a piece of clothing.
Turning to Sirin, she smiled. "This one's so cute."
"It's hard to choose."
"After all, my daughter looks beautiful in anything."
"I wish I could bring the whole shop home."
Sirin's gaze lingered on another garment.
She hesitated for a moment.
Then pointed at that piece of clothing.
"Would this... suit me?"
Cecilia's eyes lit up.
She immediately clapped her hands in praise.
"You have such good taste!"
"Put that on, and you'll be the most dazzling little princess."
As she spoke, she spread her arms.
"Come here. Let Mommy hug you."
Her body reacted faster than her mind.
Sirin abruptly stepped back.
"Don't touch me!"
The girl recoiled, flinging away the arms reaching to embrace her as though she had been shocked.
Her breathing quickened, her chest heaving.
That moment of wavering had been utterly absurd.
Was I actually yearning for that woman's warmth?