Chapter Two: Memories
Scene 1 – The Cold Morning
Dawn had barely begun to stretch its first threads across the horizon when Hiromi opened her eyes. There was no change in her expression—no sleepiness, no discomfort—just a complete void.
She was lying on the ground beside a fire that had died down into a pile of glowing embers. The cold air bit at her skin, but she did not shiver.
Rustle…
A faint sound made her eyes slowly shift to the other side. There, at the edge of the camp, stood the woman, tightening the straps of her leather coat. She didn't seem to notice that Hiromi was awake—or perhaps she simply didn't care.
She raised her hand and tied her hair back carelessly, then let out a long sigh before grabbing her short sword and fastening it to her waist. She looked at the horizon for a moment, then turned—and her eyes met Hiromi's.
"Oh? You're already awake?"
Hiromi didn't respond. She simply sat up in silence, her hands on the ground, eyes fixed on the woman as if waiting for something.
The woman narrowed her eyes slightly, then let out a soft laugh.
"So, are you expecting me to feed you now?"
Hiromi didn't move or change her expression.
The woman raised an eyebrow, then turned and walked over to a small box beside the tent. She pulled out a piece of bread and tossed it toward Hiromi.
"Here, eat this. Don't expect me to cook for you—I'm not your mother."
The girl caught the bread without a word, then began to eat slowly, as if she hadn't expected anything else.
The woman watched her for a moment, then shook her head with a mocking smirk.
"You're strange… No questions, no thanks, no complaints… You just take what's given. I've never seen a kid like you before."
Hiromi said nothing, continuing to eat silently.
"Anyway, you can't stay here. I'm not a babysitter."
Still no response.
"Do you have somewhere to go?"
No answer.
The woman narrowed her eyes again, then sighed.
"Alright, alright… I figured this would happen."
She turned away, lifting her head toward the sky where the sun was still hidden behind the distant mountains. Then, in a low but clear voice, she said:
"If you've got nowhere to go, come with me. Maybe we'll find a place you can stay."
For the first time since they met, something shifted in Hiromi's eyes.
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Scene 2 – The Road to the Town
The road was rough, winding through hills and small forests. Wet leaves shimmered under the pale sunlight, and the smell of damp earth filled the air.
The woman walked with confident steps, and just behind her, Hiromi followed in silence. She didn't ask where they were going, didn't complain about the walk, didn't try to catch up. She just walked—like a shadow following its master.
The woman looked back, then smirked.
"You know, if you were any other kid, you'd probably be holding my hand right now or asking a thousand questions. But you… you just walk behind me like a ghost."
Hiromi didn't reply.
"Oh right. I forgot I'm talking to a wall."
She laughed, then kept walking.
…
After hours of walking, the outline of a town began to appear on the horizon. It wasn't large—just a village surrounded by a wooden fence, with scattered stone cottages inside. A small market near the entrance was slowly coming to life as people began opening their shops.
The woman stopped at the entrance, then turned to Hiromi.
"Alright, listen carefully. This place isn't fancy, but it's safe. We won't have any trouble here as long as we keep our heads down."
Hiromi didn't respond, but her eyes slowly scanned the surroundings, as if trying to absorb the new environment.
The woman smiled lightly, then stepped forward.
"Come on, let's find a place to eat something decent."
Hiromi followed, her footsteps as quiet as ever.
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Scene 3 – A Hot Meal and an Unexpected Conversation
They entered a small inn near the market. The smell of hot soup and fresh bread filled the place. It wasn't crowded—just a few merchants and weary faces hardened by harsh lives.
The woman chose a corner table, sat down, and motioned for Hiromi to sit. The waitress approached quickly, as if she knew the customer.
"The usual?"
The woman nodded, then looked at Hiromi.
"And make it two this time."
Hiromi sat silently, her gaze sweeping over every detail—the windows, the exit, the faces of the people.
"You don't like enclosed spaces, do you?"
She looked at her, neither confirming nor denying.
The food arrived—two steaming bowls of rich soup and fresh pieces of bread. The woman started eating right away, while Hiromi studied the bowl for a moment before slowly starting.
"What's your name?"
Hiromi lifted her eyes briefly, then returned to her food.
The woman chuckled softly.
"No problem… No need for words, as long as you don't try to kill me in my sleep."
There was a hint of jest in her voice, but her eyes watched the girl seriously.
"You know… I don't take kids. I don't like them. But you… you're not a kid."
Hiromi's gaze paused briefly, then she kept eating.
"You're something else."
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Scene 4 – Echoes of the Past
Later that night, as the inn slowly fell into sleep, Hiromi stepped outside. The air was cold, and light rain fell from the sky.
She stood under the porch, her eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the trees.
Memories? No. Just sounds… distant screams, flames devouring, something being dragged away.
She closed her eyes, as if trying to push the images from her mind.
"You're not going to forget easily, are you?"
It was the woman's voice—she was standing behind her.
Hiromi didn't respond, but her shoulders moved slightly.
"I've seen that look before. Those who come out of the fire don't come back the same. No trust, no safety, no peace."
Silence. Only the sound of rain.
"But at least… you're not alone anymore."