Volume 25 Chapter 5 Part2 (1/2)

”Noooo - ”

The shriek echoed in the dead of night

”Mama, mama”

Touko rushed over, turning on the bedside light and shaking her mother by the shoulder until she awoke

”Haa … haa … haa”

Ragged breathing Her eyes were open, but she hadn't fully woken up She'd tripped on the boundary between drea forwards

”It's alright It was just a dream”

Touko stroked herher errant strands of hair

”It's alright”

She repeated Then, as though she were gradually understanding the state of affairs, her h for confirmation:

”Touko-chan”

”That's right”

Touko affirht,” once more This one wasn't for her mother - she said it to calm herself down

”You're really sweating”

There should be a towel somewhere in the roorabbed by her pajama sleeve

”Don't go”

”Mama … ”

Touko went back to kneeling down on the carpet

”Don't go Don't leave mama behind Please”

She ihter, tears in her eyes