Since when... has it been like this?

I've forgotten exactly when it started. To be precise, it feels like I was forced to forget. Various memories that I didn't want to lose were forcibly erased.

And the beginning was a long time ago. I don't know the date I arrived here, but I'm sure it was long ago. I've been living here for quite a while now. I'm starting to get used to it, but it's also a bit eerie.

It started a few days after I arrived. I first saw a man at a playground. He looked to be in his 20s. But he didn't show his face. Whether he didn't want to show it, or was afraid to, I still don't know.

...No, why should I care?

Things I don't want to think about but am forced to remember, memories I don't want to lose but am forced to forget. All of that started when I met that man.

Does that man take away memories? Does he create thoughts on purpose?

That couldn't be it. He didn't seem like the type of person to do such a thing. We lock eyes occasionally, and he looks rather gentle. He looks pale and his eyes are always unfocused. Sometimes I wonder if suspicion even exists in him.

I approached him cautiously. Something might happen if I'm not careful. Did he know that psychological state and act accordingly?

...

There was no answer. He didn't even turn his head. I couldn't tell if he was ignoring me or if he couldn't hear me.

Just waiting for an answer, I froze in that spot. It wasn't just a stiff expression; because I didn't move from that spot, I felt like I was turning to stone.

Slowly—

He turned his head. Could it be that he can't hear? He moved his hands, expressing himself in sign language.

You must leave this place. Quickly.

That was the meaning of the signs. A chill ran down my spine. Is this place really dangerous? The time spent losing memories and the time spent thinking about things I hate. The reason it's all getting longer and darker. It was all because of this one space.