Chapter 2: The rain...

In the world shrouded by the eternal clouds, a tempest brew unseen, threatening to engulf the essence of existence.

The light of the day faded. It was evening. Kaito worked part time at a convenience store.

Standing on the checkout counter, lit brightly with holographic computer, Kaito informed the customer purchasing the bread, "That will be 450 digital bits..."

A click sound with a message appeared on the holographic computer. The purchase was successful. The customer left.

Looking at Kaito, "Finally getting used to this job, kid?", the manager asked.

"Yes, sir... The beginning was a bit rough, but I am getting used to it now..." He replied.

The manager appreciated him, "Well done!"

Mai arranging the items in shelves, said, "Hey, I was the one who taught him... I need some appreciation too..."

She proceeded to step down the ladder.

The manager laughed cheerfully, "Very well, Very well... Pay attention to the balance, don't fall down..."

Looking at the time, Kaito asked the manager to leave, "Sir, it's past 7 PM, I have an appointment..."

Kaito leaves the store and proceeds towards the Hospital Flora, where his sister was admited to.

Teasing Mai, the manager asked "Still not told him? How long will you wait?"

The teasing was successful, Mai blushed, "I..." She said with both of her hands on her face, "It's very embarrassing... I just can't do it now... His situation is not right... I don't want to force my feelings on him..."

Kaito arrived at the hospital.

The atmosphere changed drastically after a few minutes passed.

With a sad expression, "Mr. Kaito, do you understand?" The doctor said.

Kaito couldn't respond. The weight of the situation supressed his voice, the tightness in his chest kept increasing. His sister, Ayui, has entered into a serious state...

"K..."

"Kai...?"

"Mr. Kaito?"

Close to his breaking point, the voice of the doctor echoed several times in his head.

He finally responded, with a tears streaming down his face, "why... Why, my sister? Why must SHE suffer from this? Sir, you know right? After grandma left, she is my only famil..." His voice broke, it could not handle the weight of his emotions.

In an attempt to console him, the doctor said, "Mr. Kaito, I totally understand your condition..." After pausing for a second, he continued, "Mrs. Ayui, too, is confused by this sudden situation... She needs your support... You must not break down in this situation..."

Calming down, Kaito asked, "Thank you, sir, but... Isn't there any way? No matter how little, I just need her to improve..."

The doctor replied, "There is, there absolutely is, I am sure of it... But finding that, is my role... Mr. Kaito, please go and meet Mrs. Ayui, she had been looking for you since a long time..."

Kaito quickly left to see Ayui...

The doctor took a deep breath as he readjusted his glasses, "I guess I have to rely on that..." He said.

Rushing through the corridor of the hospital, Kaito breathed heavily. He reached the room of Ayui, only to be stunned by the shocking sight. The room was empty.

Just as he wandered around in the search of his sister, a nurse came rushing down towards him, informing him, "Mr. Kaito, your sister... has disappeared..."