That day was a meadow where the sunlight poured down warmly. Carmen was standing in front of me, talking about something. What she said is faint now, but I remember thinking she looked quite cute as she continued speaking with a gentle smile.

Then, suddenly, her expression sank into seriousness.

A request to see her will through to the end, no matter what state she might end up in. It was an irresponsible request, so like her, yet strangely, it was a promise that felt exactly like her.

Even so, I did not hesitate.

I was ready to do anything she asked. Even if it was a request too heavy to bear.

After that, Carmen began to gather colleagues one by one to heal the sickness in people's hearts. Benjamin, who followed me; Kali, the Grade 2 Fixer; Gabriel, Giovanni, Elijah, Michelle, and Daniel from the Wings. And the young children taken in from the Outskirts, Lisa and Enoch.

But honestly, I wasn't entirely happy with that process.

I always respected her will. Nevertheless, she began to spend more and more time with other people, and the time she spent with me decreased by that much.

A few days passed. She was still busy, and I spent my day buried under an endless pile of paperwork.

While walking down the hallway, I spotted Carmen in the distance.

Without realizing it, the corners of my mouth lifted slightly. My pace quickened at the thought of finally being able to talk to her.

But—

Kali was by her side. They were just close friends. I knew that better than anyone.

And yet, an inexplicable unpleasantness bloomed in a corner of my chest.

Why does it have to be her? Why is she laughing like that, passing me by?