I walked down this quiet street, the familiar path stirring memories of the countless times I'd taken it after work. It hadn't changed—still silent, still lonely. I couldn't help but wonder: had my body been found quickly back then, or had it taken time? The thought weighed on me, a quiet sadness creeping in. But I shook it off. Now isn't the time for that—I need to focus on my family.
The evening sky was clear, painting the city in warm hues of orange and pink. It was a scene I couldn't help but admire as I broke into a jog, my eagerness to see my family growing with each step. Arriving at the neighborhood I once called home, I paused to take it all in. Though I'd run quite a distance, my body—Naoki's body—felt perfectly fine. Not even the slightest hint of exhaustion. I silently thanked the heavens that I'd returned in simple, plain clothes. Showing up in a knight's armor or noble garb would have made me look like a cosplayer and raised all kinds of questions.
