Another 2001 by Yukito Ayatsuji

Author:Yukito Ayatsuji [AYATSUJI, YUKITO]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Yen On
Published: 2022-05-18T00:00:00+00:00

6

“It sounds like there’s been more misfortune at school.”

I was sitting in the exam room at the “clinic” in the annex of Yumigaoka Municipal Hospital.

“I heard that two more third-years passed away this week.”

Nodding slightly in response to Dr. Usui’s inquiry, I told him that one of the students who died had been the head of the biology club that I was part of and that the other had been a classmate of mine.

“The deceased were close friends of yours this time, right?”

“Yes.”

After some hesitation, I confided in him that I’d been the first to arrive at the scene of the horrible accident that had claimed Shunsuke, the head of the biology club.

“Oh.” Dr. Usui must not have expected that, because his eyes bulged in shock. But he maintained his polite, calm tone of voice, just like always, as he said, “That must have been very difficult for you…and I’m sure that what you’ve just told me isn’t the full account. Did the shock of that moment make you flash back to the incident three years ago?”

“Uh…yes…when it happened, I couldn’t do anything…at all…”

I confessed that a sudden, dizzying panic had overtaken me and that I had passed out on the spot.

“Mm-hmm. That’s understandable.” The doctor nodded, maintaining his usual demeanor. “Was that the only time you lost consciousness?”

“Yes.”

“Have you been able to sleep properly at night since it happened?’

“No. Not much.”

“When you wake up, are you experiencing vivid flashbacks?”

“…………”

When I wasn’t able to answer, he scribbled something down in my chart, then said, “At any rate, I’m going to give you some sleeping medication. If you continue to sleep poorly and have frequent nightmares despite the pills…and also if you start suffering bad anxiety during normal day-to-day activities, then please don’t hesitate to come see me. Even if you don’t have an appointment, it’s okay. Call this department directly, and we’ll get you in.”

“All right. Thank you.”

Dr. Usui closed my chart and stroked the whiskers around his mouth. “Hmm.” He lowered his voice somewhat. “And yet, the disturbing—no, tragic incidents continue to occur. Now, unexpected accidents can happen anywhere, of course, but still…”

He frowned keenly and muttered, “Let me see…”

“Is it that legend you mentioned?” I asked, anticipating what he was working up to. “What kind of stories have you heard, Doctor? You told me there were some strange legends related to ‘death.’”

“I do hear some irresponsible rumors on occasion. Unscientific stories about places being cursed and so on.”

Unscientific, you say?

I cast my eyes down, recalling my phone conversation with Hazumi the day before last with unpleasant feelings.

“Ah, well.” Dr. Usui lowered his voice even more. “Actually, my daughter was a little worried about that, you know.”

“Your daughter…”

That little girl I ran into after my April counseling appointment. If I remember correctly, her name was Kiha.

“Kiha?”

“Oh! Have I introduced you two before?”

“Uh, no. One time when I was here before, I bumped into her outside the examination room. She said hello to me.”

“Did she? She’s surprisingly friendly toward strangers.” He grinned, nodding to himself.

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