When you are telling a story, you create a world of your own. That applies to the fantasies but not too well to the reality. The events around you are random and unforgiving. It's like a wild predator trying to rip everything apart when the only thing you can do is to accept it like a helpless prey. If you get lucky then you may find a way to fight your way out. For me, I was mauled by that predator over and over into a point of no fighting back. The only thing I could do was to keep on going into the abyss, to let myself know that I am still alive.

The coffee became cold. But I was accustomed with it; with coldness. It would get blended with my long and boring metaphors.

-So I see you haven't gotten to bed after all Ms. Inspector.

-Nice view you have from here. I didn't notice it until now.

-Yes. Jane likes to sit here and draw. I wish I could spend more time with her. You know she likes to draw, more than anything.

-Hmm. I saw some of her sketches. Nice going.

-Tells me she's gonna be an artist, you know those ill.u.s.trator type I think.

-(Chuckles)I had interest in concept arts and photography when I was in high school. I should have some old work pieces with me.

-No way. I would have thought you were a literature person if not for our exciting meeting.

-(Laughs)...So how's she doing? It seems to me that she could do fine with some time outside. Probably with someone she's fond of.

-...Ramen. You must have some background in cooking too, right?

-Huh? Oh, no. She's not a picky eater, that's all.

-If you say so. Anyway, thanks for being here with her...I can't stop you if you think that making her forget about the evening is good for her. I can't do anything to help her either. So that's that.

-...

-...

-What happened to her mother?

-...We had an accident while driving back from a trip...she didn't make it.

-I am sorry.

-Jane has been having hard time getting along with others since. Can't stay in noisy places for long. Gets panicked. See, I moved here to give her a new scenery; you know the rest more or less.

-The trouble with wanting something is the fear of losing it, or never getting it.

-It makes you weak? Makes you frightened?

-...

-Don't give me that c.r.a.p!!

-You should know better.

-What do you expect that little girl is gonna think when she hears about you leaving her?

-...

-Going by your book, I would think everyone's dead already just after being born.

-Aren't we? Our fear of it makes us play safe.

-You know what? I used to think we were being cowards by fleeing from town to town... but at least we're trying.

-...(Phone rings)

-Alright then. Good night Inspector.

-(Sighs)Yes h.e.l.lo? Dt Selina Johnson here.