Followed by the Chaotic Creature
Dolls fortune exchanger 5

Eli's idea really got me in trouble. I've been thinking about how to talk to Celin. But until the class broke up I didn't go near him either.

On the way home I stopped by the mini market to buy a soda. And that's where I met him again. This time I could not avoid or pretend not to know.

So we ended up walking together until home. I helped her with groceries.

"Eyeah, Celin! Can I ask you?"

"Ask what?"

"Wounds on your face, why don't you treat it?"

He was silent for a moment, then his voice sounded offended. "Are you bothered by my face?"

"No. I don't mean it. I've only ever heard from my uncle the money working at the hospital. If you ever refused treatment for your wounded face. Even when they offer it for free from city residents donations. So I thought you might have a reason. I'm sorry if you're offended," I hurriedly explained. I don't want him to misunderstand.

"I'm fine with this wound. I think I deserve it." Celin's words made me wail. Sadness and regret were clearly implied on his face. He did not appear to be pretending to draw sympathy.

He was not only injured physically but mentally.

I glanced at the grocery bag I was carrying. There's a can of lemon candy in it.

"You bought lemon candy?" my many. I find it strange because as I recall he does not like acidic foods because his stomach will immediately hurt if he eats them.

"My brother really likes lemon candy. I bought it for him. Today is his birthday" he replied.

"But your brother.."

"Dina, I don't think my brother really died like people say. As long as I don't find his body, I'll keep thinking my brother is alive."

Were they this familiar when they were alive?

"Anything, right? Though we always fight, but since he's not around I feel lonely. My mom's getting sick. And my father who went looking for him still hasn't returned. Everything feels messy without the existence of one person. I checked his room every day even though I knew I wouldn't find anything there."

Selena's body was never found despite the possibility that she was the only person killed in the fire. I think his body was burned to ashes given the magnitude of the fire that day.

If he's alive, where is he? Why he hasn't been home in five years. Isn't that even stranger?

"I thought if I was gonna put this lemon candy in her room she'd go home and we'd make up."

I gave her the bag back before we parted in front of her house.

"Oh yes, my friends and I would like to invite you to join our study group. We are still short of one more person. Do you want to join us?"

"If you don't mind me, I'll."

He nodded with a smile before entering the house. This was the first time he smiled. All this time he had always been flat with no expression. I hope we can be as close again as we used to be when we were kids.

The next day after school we were studying at Eli's house. Beyond a doubt Celin's a pretty smart kid compared to the four of us in the lesson. The explanation is also easy to understand.

Lisa was scared of him at first, but since Celin helped her work on them being close. We become familiar.

I have misjudged it. He hasn't changed at all. He's still as good as he used to be. And friendly to everyone. I chose to stay away from him for something. I want to apologize sincerely but it still feels very difficult for me.

Day 4 additional classes, today we decided to study the group at Riri's house. I was going to class to pick up Celin. But I ran into him who was climbing the stairs.

"Cellin!" call me from below. His steps stopped as he was about to turn up.

I climbed a few stairs to get closer to him.

"I forgot to tell you earlier, that we were going to study the group at Riri's house. The other children are waiting" I said.

Celin was silent and did not answer. Celin also stayed a lot in class. It was as if he had turned cold as before. The atmosphere around him felt different.

My phone's vibrating. I saw my phone screen. An unknown phone number.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Dina! It's me Celin." The voice across the phone made me freeze.

"I read your message but my pulse ran out so I called on the landline. Since morning I was feeling unwell, I didn't attend any extra classes either, so today I can't join you guys in group study."

Celin called?? Then who's in front of me? Who's been in class all day?

The figure turned to face me. I don't see any scars on his face. He's not celin! Then it must be 'He'.

"Celena..?"

I freaked. I turned to run away from him. But my legs sprained and fell down the stairs.

Legs hurt. The girl walked towards me.

"Don't! Just go! Please don't come any closer!" I begged sobbing.

Selena kept getting closer. I covered my face with both palms of my hands so scared of him.

"Sorry! I'm sorry Celena!"