We were together for only a short time, but I was happy. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. Thank you for coming to me. I love you. I love you. Thank you. Good-bye. I love you. I love you.

Back then, she thought she was prepared. But she hadn’t been prepared at all. She was lonely, sad, and desperately holding on. It was only because Chitose had abruptly disappeared that she was able to avoid a painful farewell. Even then, after Chitose disappeared, Abino had clung on. But now she was going to let go. Abino closed her eyes.

What Abino found in the unit was closure. After that trip, Abino returned to her cheery self at the dinners.

He had interacted with the creature only briefly, but his clothes were already covered in hair.