“Hello, Ai.”
“Hi, Teri.”
Their ordinary greetings upon reuniting caused both their hearts to ache.
For just a moment longer, they wanted to savor that small sense of peace.
Aillet gave a soft smile.
“You’ve brought quite a crowd. Not exactly thrilled about it, but I still opened the gates because you came.”
“I’m sorry. The church tends to flaunt its authority with large numbers, so I couldn’t come alone.”
“I understand. It’s nothing you need to apologize for.”
“Even so, thanks for opening the gate despite the inconvenience, Ai.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“How’s your body? Are you alright?”
“I’m perfectly fine. Were you worried?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
His demeanor changed suddenly at that point.
“Enough to die.”
“…….”
“If you hadn’t opened your eyes, I might have died along with the world.”
“…….”
All around them, people gasped in disbelief.
Naturally, Aillet’s own gasp was among them.
Their conversation, heavy with unspoken emotion, ended there.
“Ai.”
The quiet way he called…