The last thing I clearly remember was my own scream which was interrupted by the shot. The time slowed down while I was looking at her lifeless body falling on the ground. Her head hit heavily on the hard surface, splashing drops of crimson blood. I stopped breathing. It felt like all my air is exhaled. She didn’t move an inch. I couldn’t hear and see anything – only her body motionlessly lying on the cold red ground. My body was heavy but I decided to make the first step towards her. Slowly, step by step, moving my legs filled with lead, I was unable to take my unblinking stare off her.
“Aniki.”
I’ve heard her voice from deep inside. She is fine. I know she is fine.
Something starts to slowly break inside of me.
But it doesn’t matter. Because I know that she is fine.
My head feels heavy, in a fog, the pain is radiating roughly to the back of my skull. My eyes are covered with veil. It’s hard to concentrate but I cannot stop staring at her. I fall down to my knees exhaustedly. Right in front of her. Why am I so scared to touch her? She is fine, I know.
“Aniki.”
The pain echoes in my temples, and I don’t feel the beat of my heart. Without realizing, I picked her by the shoulders and turned her to face me. Her white hair had mussed and soiled with blood drops that trickle out of the fresh wound. I didn’t notice that half of her face is completely covered with scarlet blood. I touched her chin. It’s still warm. - Churu, I’m here. Hey. Let’s go home. Her eyes are filled with emptiness. I am smiling at her trying to maintain my consciousness. - I still want to try your cake. My voice is cracking and I can barely hear myself. - Come on.. Let’s go.. Churu.. Grabbing her pale hand into mine, I hold her head closer to my chest, feeling the warm blood covering my neck. But she is cold. She is so cold. I hold her tighter with both my hands. Her soft lips are touching my collarbone. Hot tear ran out of my right eye. The last thing I clearly remember was my own scream.