Ease

PROGRESS... 90%

ERROR

The word was the same as ever. I've seen it a million times in the past few weeks, yet I couldn't comprehend it. What was in error? Was it the computer? Life in general?

I don't know.

Quite frankly, I'd given up hope of ever figuring out. To live life was to live in error.

***

R-Senpai: “You okay there, buddy? Been quiet of late.”

***

No. No, I am not. The notification disappeared without having to move a muscle. My rebellious brain refused to process anything related to electricity. Even the expired contents in the half-full mug refused any further assistance. I heard the words of an old professor ring in the back of my mind, something about the best progress happens after you've given the mind a rest. But right now, even that seems beyond my comprehension.

The chair creaked as I spun around. Nothing. No living shadows met my gaze. No whispered words entered my ear. It remained to be seen whether Airiel would honor her promise of a visitation. I presume her fear of light kept her away for the previous few days.

At least, I hope it was only her fear. Wait, what am I thinking? A shake of the head waved the thoughts away, yet one voice still managed to pierce through.

Don't go running after shadows.

“No... no...” Grabbing my head with both hands did nothing to clear my thoughts. Even less so when I spun myself back, and the error message met my gaze. “I... I need to get out of here...”

***

Insomniac pigeons cooed in the trees as my feet walked through the park's gate. The noise amused me. I spared a thought of a flock cooing in frustration as they watched half their nest surrender to gravity.

I might be projecting there. I pressed my arms tighter in a fleeting attempt to fight the chill. It was my punishment for neglecting to look at the temperature before I rushed out of my house. At least the chill managed to freeze the curse of flurry thoughts. The winter breeze and distant rush of cars turned out to be the best medicine for my troubled mind, and I soon felt myself enter the first stage of relaxation.

Twigs snapped as I continued towards the bench overlooking the river. A popular spot; securing its cemented seat was a luxury, but I doubt anybody would stake their claim in the dead of night. Even the homeless would search for pastures warmer. An unruly type with their eyes on my wallet could be an issue, but the police station across the road lessened the chances of that happening.

There we go, I thought as I sat. A cold shiver shot through my spine as I sat down, but cold would give way to a smidgen of warmth soon enough.

A siren beckoned my attention, but it was distant enough not to worry. Even the insomniacs in the branches resumed their discussion after a moment's respite. Without further worry for my safety, I let my attention drift back to the running water. The stream prevented any thoughts dwelling outside the park. It wasn't long before my eyelids threatened to send my consciousness downriver. The fuel tank was empty as well.

“... Good evening...”

“I...” The yawn swallowed the first word of my response. “...wondered whether you were going to appear.”

“... I did say I would visit again...”

“I wasn't so sure after your previous exit.”

“... I... am sorry... about that...”

“Why? You startled me, but you didn't do anything wrong.”

“... It was not my intention to do so...”

“Accidents happen.”

The silence hung between us, yet I took comfort in it. For all the wonders modern civilization has given us, we can't seem to shake our primitive instincts. I guess mine thought double the numbers meant double the safety, even if it was debatable whether my companion was physically here.

Or maybe I was relieved to have a conversation not revolving around work.

“... It was the first time you called me by name...”

“Hmm, I guess you're right. I must have figured calling out to a shadow could have been insulting,” which elicited a giggle.

“... I would not mind, though I do have a preference...”

“As we all do.” A chill made me compress myself.

“... You should return if you are cold...”

I guess the shiver in my voice had been noticed. “Later. It would be best to stay away from the computer for a while.”

“... Are you not making progress?...”

“Too little.” I sighed. “I... needed some fresh air.”

“... I understand...”

A flutter in the branches drew my attention upward where I noticed several sticks falling. Guess there were a few bugs.

“...There is no light...”

“Hmm?”

“... We are people of shadow... there is no light where we come from... so our bodies can't cope with it... That's... that's why I was scared...”

“What happens if light touches you?”

“... We can handle an extremely dimmed light... We will appear as if in a haze... but light burns us... away...”

“That's why you only visit me at night.” I nodded at the realization.

“... Yes...”

“But why only some?”

“...It is difficult to explain...”

“I have some time.”

“... A story for another day... You need to go home... before you catch a cold...”

The thought of my dimly lit room made me sigh all over. “In a few.”

“... Very well...”

Neither of us spoke after that, with the flowing water as the only noise filling the air. The pigeons had gone silent. I assume their meeting had adjourned, and they had started to apply the fixes to their nests.

In the end, it wasn't the fatigue that convinced me to start my return, but the cold seeping into my feet. Airiel was right; while getting a cold is unpleasant, getting one now would be terrible.

“Guess it's time I follow your advice.” The featureless eyes met mine as I stood up. “Thanks for coming out tonight.”

“... The pleasure is mine... I will visit again...”

“Thanks.” She was gone in a blink. “I kinda hope so.”

***

... Yes... so do I...