The night faded to day with the morning’s glory, and the rain had ceased unknowingly. Water dripped from roofs and puddles littered the ground, and only children and plants were joyous about this. Alis awoke with his muscles aching. Sitting up while sleeping was more horrible than he could imagine. He nearly longed for his bed back in Mr. Keller’s house, but he swiftly threw that idea into the gutter. He looked down at his hand still interlocked with Ei’s, and he studied Ei’s delicate fingers. They were far paler than his own, creating a sharp contrast. He then looked up at Ei, who was sound asleep. His long black eyelashes were undisturbed, and his relaxed face was unrecognizable from his awake and annoyed expression.

Alis thought, “How could he make sleeping while sitting look so comfortable?”

Alis let go of their hands and stood up, and his joints cracked as he did so. He stretched as best as he could, but the soreness of his body was still there. He pouted as he realized that he’d have to wait for at least a day before his muscles relaxed. Alis was sure now that staying in alleyways was a bad decision, and he’d have to find somewhere else to go. Alis left the alleyway and walked along the streets, and he made eye contact with some people walking by. They gave him a judgemental glare, and he was certain that they knew he was a thief. That day, Alis decided to try to talk to the people in the apartments, as the ones with houses were reluctant to let him and Ei stay. Alis knocked on the door, and a man answered. He didn’t even let Alis speak before he slammed the door in his face. This situation happened dozens of more times, and Alis eventually gave up on his mission. As he walked down the streets, he felt like the colours of the world looked duller than before. His heart tugged at his chest, and he couldn’t help but clench his fists. His fingernails dug into his palms, and then he heard a commotion. It was as though his body had moved on its own, dragging his soul toward a crowd of people by a road that led out of the village. Alis walked into the crowd, and he saw a man punch Ei across the cheek, and his small body fell to the gravel road.

“Never come back, demon scum!”

Alis stared at Ei’s empty expression as he felt the wound on his cheek, and he looked up at him. A hint of sorrow grew in his eyes, and Alis’ heart lurched as he felt his thoughts leave him. He rushed toward and grabbed Ei’s arm and lifted him up. They sprinted in silence down the road, and the gravel poked the bottom of their feet. The sun was harsh and bright, boiling their skin as though it were on purpose. Ei could barely see as he wasn’t used to facing the sun, but for some reason, he could see Alis clearly.