I dragged my heavy feet almost by force into the night city to search for my mother.

The scent of the people passing by was thick with perfume. My nose began to ache, and I instinctively covered it. Seeking fresh air, I headed for the rooftop of an abandoned skyscraper.

I clicked the door open. I opened it and stared straight ahead. A girl was there, humming to herself while playing cat's cradle.

...Hey, what are you doing?

Normally I'd just look the other way, but I spoke up. It was because I felt something strange coming from her.