Chereads / REAPER'S BALLAD / Chapter 42 - Episode 40: THE COMFORT WE ALL NEED

Chapter 42 - Episode 40: THE COMFORT WE ALL NEED

On a far province of Japan...

A lady, with golden eyes and white hair noticed a nonstop tapping on her window.

She opened it, and was surprised to see a white cat with the same golden eyes.

SHARMAINE: You look like me in a way! How adorable!

She rubbed the kitty's forehead and the cat replied with satisfied purrs.

The lady looks like she's on her late 20's.

SHARMAINE: You're so cuddly. Wait! I'll get you something.

She leaves him.

The cat looks at a nearby family photo. It tilted his head as if to give more focus to it. Then lightly jumped inside to get a closer view.

The family looks lovely.

When Sharmaine comes back, the cat was gone.

All she saw is a real golden bracelet. A memento from the cat perhaps.

She picks it up, then puts it on her hand. But out of curiousity she goes outside. Looking for the cat's whereabouts.

But she failed to find him.

...

Harry stands on an edge of a cliff.

Thinking about everything he had discovered that day. He visited his sister's grave earlier. And felt a nail in his heart loosen up.

The wind then suddenly stops. And a familiar aura befall on him. He turns around.

Humility was there. Watching him.

Hands on his pockets.

HUMILITY: So, you've finally found yourself, hm?

HARRY: Yeah.

HUMILITY: And?

HARRY: I've always thought that among the three of us, I was the baby. You two are pretty cool. And well, I never thought about me being cool...

Humility snickers.

HUMILITY: Go on.

HARRY: I have a sister! And I...I saved her.

HUMILITY: That's great, right? But Harry, even before, l really think you're already cool.

HARRY: Well...thanks I guess?

HUMILITY: But...uh, you're okay now, right?

HARRY: Yeah...

Humility walks closer towards him. Then stops beside his position. As if telling him to keep talking.

HARRY: Sometimes. I want to NOT be a reaper, you know? So l can join her. I miss her badly.

HUMILITY: I understand. But sometimes, life is a sad ballad. You never know how it plays, but you're certain that it'd contain love, hope and tragedy.

HARRY: Seems so. So...uh, sorry if you worried about me.

HUMILITY: It's cool. You even got Red worried.

HARRY: Really?

HUMILITY: Yes. I can see in his eyes that he wanted to look for you too. But can't. Due to of course...Gabby.

HARRY: Wow, so you do care.

HUMILITY: Of course we do. You're our baby.

HARRY: Okay stop with the teasing.

HUMILITY: *chuckles* Okay. So...wanted some more alone time or...

HARRY: Nah. I think I have had enough. Let's go back now. I miss the lights of Tokyo.

HUMILITY: Okay. And don't forget your dues, okay?

HARRY: OH. Okay, got it!

HUMILITY: And Harry...

HARRY: Wut?

HUMILITY: You look good with your hair untied like that. Your bangs rocks.

HARRY: Really?! Then I wont tie my bangs any more. I'll just tie from behind!

HUMILITY: Erm...right.

...

Harry decided to give Red a visit too. To of course, stop his worried face from worsening. It was a Sunday that day.

Gabby just watched as the two friends talk and laugh at one another. Hinting how they've missed each other. If Gabby didn't knew Red any better, she might have shipped the two already. After all, Harry's face was a perfect blend between masculine and feminine.

She hummed as she continued animating on her computer.

...

Gabby's body froze, while her body was drenched in sweat. Her eyes were wide open, but she couldn't move or even at the slightest bit, tilt her head.

She can see a ghostly apparition stare at her. While holding both her hands.

She opened her mouth wide open, and a row of sharp teeth came into view.

Gabby struggled to break free from monster.

But she couldn't.

All she could do was let out soft whines as the monster continued to torment her with its grotesque figure.

Red, who decided to stay up late, heard her soft cries. Despite them having an agreement of him not going on her room ever ever, he still opened its knob and check up on her, after of course, a few hesitation.

His eyes opened wider when he saw a ghoulish figure looking at her.

He quickly let out his scythe and aim it at the monster.

It noticed him. And quickly hissed and went out the window.

Gabby was freed from her nightmarish state and panted furiously to catch her breath.

She then, out of reflex, hoisted her arms up, as if to demand a hug for comfort and Red calmly obliged.

GABBY: Seeing them...have been my curse.

She whimpered as she buried her face on his chest. She stopped there for a while, as if looking for a heart beat. She was expecting to NOT hear anything, but she somehow did. It felt comforting. He felt warm. Alive.

Red decided to wrap his arms around her and embrace her tightly.

She had been through a lot.

He wondered how she survived childhood, knowing that there were a LOT of things that are beyond imaginable, scary, and ferocious.

He looks at her shivering body and he felt devastated.

She was suffering because of the past's mistake.

RED: You're a good girl. And as long as I'm here, I'll do my best to always always make sure you won't get hurt.

Gabby's tears dropped from her cheeks. Surely what's happening to her isn't as fun as it sounds. It was scary. Still frightening even though Red was there for her.

Why, among all people must she feel and experience things like these?

She looks up to meet his odd eyes, who were looking at her too.

GABBY: Thank you.

He only smiled and nodded.

RED: Want me to watch you sleep?

GABBY: Eh, sounds sweet and creepy but, uh, no thank you.

RED: I can stand all night.

GABBY: I'm sorry.

RED: OH! How about ice cream tomorrow?

GABBY: Yes! I'm sold!

RED: I knew you'll like it! So...tomorrow afternoon, okay?

GABBY: Okay!

Red patted her red soft hair, then walked towards the door. He closed the lights again then decided not to close the door.

He sat on the coach and listened as Gabby fall asleep.

He smiles unknowingly after recalling their hug.

Right...so, ice cream tomorrow.

He'll make sure she'll have fun.

The fun she truly deserves.