September 29th Year 1850
Rei wakes up in the outskirts of a town called Kurozawa.
His nose is bleeding. Around his neck hangs an old-looking key, strung like a necklace.
Clutched in his hand is a small journal. Inside, there's a burnt photo of a family.
On one page, written in shaky ink:
> "Don't Go Out On October 3rd No Matter What."
He's dizzy. His head is foggy. The only thing he remembers is his name — Rei.
As he stands, a whisper curls through the cold forest air:
> "...You came back. Thank god."
He spins around — no one is there.
---
Just then, an old woman walks past on the trail, carrying a basket of herbs.
She stops when she sees him.
Old Woman:
> "Are you trying to get yourself killed out here?"
She doesn't seem scared. Just tired and concerned.
She tells Rei to head back to town, but he struggles to walk and says what townn?
She sighs, then gently offers her arm.
As they walk, she questions him:
> "Are you from Kurozawa?"
"What's your family name?"
"Why were you in the forest?"
Rei shakes his head.
Rei:
> "I don't know. All I have is this key… this journal… and the photo i just know my given name."
---
They reach the town.
Kurozawa is steeped in grey mist.
The buildings are quiet. The streets are clean. But everything feels... off.
Rei stares as they walk through.
> "I've never seen this place before…
…But I know it."
Rei feels overwhelming deja vu.
People greet them politely too politely.
Their smiles are warm, but their eyes are empty.
Something's wrong, but no one speaks of it.
Old Woman:
> "You're not in good shape. And no money either, huh?"
"Come with me. You can stay at my place for a few days."
"But you'll have to help me out too."
Rei hesitates. Then nods.
As they walk, he quietly asks:
Rei:
> "Do you know what happens if you go out on October 3rd?"
The woman immediately stops.
She grabs him — hand over his mouth.
Old Woman (whispering):
> "Don't say that outside."
"Don't ask anyone about it."
---
They reach her house — old, wooden, faded with time.
Inside: three rooms, dried flowers hanging from the ceiling.
She owns a small flower shop and sells to nearby towns.
She's not rich — just surviving.
She then says my name is hanae and i run this flower shop.
Over dinner, the mood shifts.
Hanae :
> "Every October 3rd, people vanish. Quietly. Without reason."
"It's been going on for decades."
"The town doesn't fight it anymore. It just... accepts."
"My whole family disappeared years ago. I'm the only one left."
---
Later that night...
Rei lies on a futon in the guest room.
Moonlight creeps in through the thin curtains.
The key rests on his chest.
He stares at the ceiling. Then —
> "October 3rd is coming…"
A whisper in the room. His breath stops.
Rei sits up.
He turns toward the mirror on the far wall.
---
The reflection is not his.
A silhouette stands in the mirror.
Pale and tall, with a crooked, crawling smile.
It speaks.
> "You're not whole yet, I see..."
> "Don't worry."
> "We'll fix that."
Rei's eyes widen. He can't move.
He can't speak.
The key trembles on his chest.
---
TO BE CONTINUED...