The House in Which Nightmares Dwell 9.2

[touchturnfly]

2

"... ... Around here probably," Takigawa said as he applied white charms on each wall and on the window. On the washi characters were written that looked like a symbol or an incantation. Takigawa wrote it, but he skillfully wrote it despite his young appearance.

"With this at least I think there will no longer be any strange appearances in this room."

Takigawa smiled and Midori felt her strength leave her shoulders. Reiko, who was awakened by Midori's scream, was patting her back. The palm of her hand was warm.

"... ... Thank you very much."

"Midori-san, here you go."

Masako held out a cup and Midori and Reiko took it. The sweetened milk tea comforted her.

"... ... I'm sorry for frightening you all," Midori said, but Masako shook her head.

"Not at all. -- It's all right, currently there is nothing here. That boy seems to have disappeared."

After she talked to the people who rushed in about what had happened, Naru told Takigawa to prepare the charms. Takigawa provided them by using an inkstone and writing brush he brought with him, and Masako made tea for her. Naru, who heard about the general circumstances, took Hirota along with him to newly investigate some places.

They sympathized with her and she received help. That sensation gave her reassurance.

"Well, rest easy today. If you like shall I get in touch with the company?"

"Takigawa-san will?"

"I'm the doctor-in-charge at Shibuya Clinic, because Kumakawa-san needed to take off for rest for a short time -- Or something like that."

Midori chuckled at his joking tone. At last, something hard and cold inside of her started melting.

"Ah, you're laughing, so you should be fine."

"I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Well, it's my job. It would be no good if I got frightened or withered away at something like this. If I didn't accept it I'd be having a hard time."

"Is it like that?"

"It is. So if you're not bold, you won't be fit to work as an ogamiya."

"You wouldn't say so."

"Irritating things happen if it becomes boring. How about you and your mom enjoy yourselves at a bar? And, to kill two birds with a stone, I can come as an escort if you like--"

"-- Hey. How could you flirt under these circumstances?"

The one who said that in disgust was Mai who just entered the room at that moment.

"Geez, I'm not flirting. I properly invited her mom along."

Mai slightly glared at Takigawa.

"I guess you really are that carefree huh."

"Oh you, an invitation to go on a date is regardless of how old you are. It's all about your manners towards women."

"Sinful monk."

"Call me a ladies' man!"

Midori and Reiko laughed.

"Stop saying foolish things, how about a nap? John is coming."

"He's coming?"

"In the morning. He'll come as soon as he's free."

Midori looked at Takigawa and Mai.

"John?"

"Oh, he's a catholic reverend who cooperates with us. He's good at removing possessing spirits," Mai said and made a small smile.

"He's amusing with various things, but he's a really good and capable person. Please don't worry."

"Amusing?"

"He has a personality that kind of makes you laugh. It's pitiful."

When Midori inclined her head, Mai laughed and told her that she would understand once she met him.

"I don't think it will take that much time, but please take a rest at any rate. If your stamina falls, your willpower will take a hit too."

"That's right. ... ... Thank you."

"Masako and I will sleep in Midori-san's room. If there's anything, please wake us up as soon as possible. The other colleagues are awake too."

Midori nodded. The hand that stretched out to her to help her felt warm.

---

Back to Chapter 9.1 | Forward to Chapter 9.3

Notes

Washi: A style of Japanese paper. Read the wikipedia article or the UNESCO listing for more information.

Ogamiya: A person who worships, or rather, a one who is in a profession of worshiping (monk, priest, etc).