The wind of Silent Bell shifted.
Once, it had been just a village—a bar, a market, and people with simple lives. But ever since the incident, fear had settled in like fog. Gangs, gods, and other, stranger things moved in the shadows now.
And at the center of it all was a single boy.
Change was coming.
Damien Sweetsong—a boy who had lived with the never-ending guilt of losing someone close to him—finally decided it was time to go.
He would leave with nothing. A lot had happened to his home, and none of it was good.
But just as he reached the door, a familiar voice called through the darkness:
"And where do you think you're going, young man?"
Damien turned. Standing there with her arms on her hips was the woman who had raised him.
She wasn't his mother—but he thought of her as one.
"Kana… I have to," Damien said.
But Kana shook her head.
"Damien, we can make this work. Please. Just give it a chance."
"I don't—"
Her eyes began to well with tears. Damien felt the guilt strike deep.
He walked over and held her hand.
"Kana, please. You know this is for the best. Too much has happened here. If I go… they won't be after you anymore."
Kana pulled her hand back.
"I'll have you know I can handle them."
Damien laughed gently.
"I know you can. But… if I leave, they'll be gone. Forever. You'll be safe."
He searched her face.
"See what I see."
She let out a long, heavy sigh.
"At least… let me give you a sack for your journey. Please. Let me do that."
Damien smiled and nodded.
"Okay."
"Let's see… we could pack some mashed potatoes, some steak, a few apples to keep you healthy…"
Kana rifled through the fridge, pulling out what little remained.
Damien stopped her.
"Kana, leave something for yourself, please."
"Damien, you're a growing young man. You need everything. I can always go to the supermarket. It's fine."
It wasn't fine. Kana didn't have the money—not like she used to. Not since the incident.
No one came to her bar anymore.
"Kana… I'll take half," Damien said, stubborn as ever.
Kana looked into those fierce green eyes, her expression softening. She hesitated, then gave a small nod.
They packed the bag together. And when it was time, Damien wrapped her in a hug.
As she embraced him, Kana whispered into his ear:
"Find what you're looking for."
Damien stiffened.
How did she know that's what he was doing?
But he said nothing. Instead, he buried his face in her arms and murmured,
"I love you."
"I love you too, Damien," she replied softly.
Then she pulled away, wiped her face, and said the words he'd never forget:
"Now go. Go. Be free."