Aila's POV

23:23

I looked around the whole place as I entered Herbert's apartment. I can't believe my eyes. The floor, the ceiling, the wall, most of the things here are... Everything is...

"Everything is red." Herbert said as if he read my mind, it must be obvious from my expression, seeing that I looked left and right, the moment I entered the apartment. Come to think of it, his umbrella and muffler are red too...

"Is it because it's your favorite color?" I asked and I was surprised by the look of his face as he heard this. It seemed like a mix of sadness and pain can be found from his expression, his eyes were dead for a moment then he replied dryly "Yes, it is." It seemed like a heavy topic so I tried to change it

"Thank you again for this, Herbert. I promise to repay you! I'll do anything." I said and Herbert just stared at me, his eyes fixated on mine then he came closer, his hand reached close to my face... wait what is he doing? I closed my eyes waiting for what comes next.

"If it's anything, promise me you'll be okay. Not now but someday you will be, so take a rest. The guestroom is the one on our left next to a big painting." I heard him as I felt his touch on my head, giving me a pat. I opened my eyes and his smile is what I first see. Somehow, it made me smile back. Not a forced one but a genuine smile.

23:50

Drip Drip Drop

I heard the sound of the rain yet again. I turned to my other side of the bed in case I could fall asleep in this position. Every sound of the raindrops falling made me want to fall asleep. Not because it's soothing but I just want to fall asleep to stop from hearing it. I close my eyes one more time in attempt to fall asleep as darkness surrounds me.

00:00

...---...

Oh God, I cried to sleep, let me wake up hearing her laughter...