For several days before it happened, Guest had been acting strange. One moment they were resisting like mad, begging to be let out, and the next they were hurling insults and curses to make things difficult. But then, that back turned away from me became as cold as ice, without even a hint of tears.

Are you really the Guest I used to know? You've certainly become obedient.

In a moment of inexplicable pride, I leaned over Guest's kneeling form, only to see it. Hidden in my shadow cast over Guest's body, their hands were clasped together in desperate prayer. So that was the purpose of this kneeling—to pray. As if a god had actually answered, the moon shifted, pulling my shadow away from Guest.

Do you want me to be punished? Or are you trying to escape? Guest, everything I did was for you.

So don't run away. I don't know what I might do.

I toyed with Guest's soft hair, whispering in the kindest voice I could muster. It was a threat, but I didn't want them to be too terrified. I was sure Guest had resigned themselves to this.

Why aren't they here? When did they escape? I gave them food, clothes, everything they could possibly need. Affection? Was there not enough affection? If this isn't love, then what is? Are you saying a puppet's love is meaningless because he has no heart?

I must return to how things were. I must put on the mask of the time when there were no memories of us, and be cold-blooded. I must step onto the stage once more. I stepped out of the empty room and went to find Guest just as I was, without even putting on my hat. It's certain they managed to slip out of the building somehow, but they couldn't have gone far. At most, a nearby alley or the forest. In that moment, I was grateful for this puppet body that doesn't lose its breath no matter how hard I run. Rain and snow mixed together, fluttering dizzily in my vision as if trying to hinder my search, but eventually, I spotted them through the haze. I found Guest, soaked and half-frozen by the rain and snow, yet still struggling desperately to crawl away.

...It's a perfect day, isn't it?