At World's End

Entry 4

"Jerry, I'm scared," Leila weakly revealed. 

She was like a damsel in distress as she hugged me tightly. 

"Why?" 

"You ask me why?... Are you asking that?" 

It was hard to figure out words in my current state so I stuck with the basics. 

It was easier that way. 

"I won't die…" 

"That's not something you can decide." She met my eyes before adding. "You don't understand the processes that come with the job of an Explorer." 

"Enlighten me." 

"The theory isn't what's important, it's what happens after, Jerry. I just… I've already lost a father figure… I don't want to lose my brother too." 

Darn it!... 

My heartstrings tugged wildly. 

It was dark but I could make out the contours of her face, and imagining her crying wasn't a big deal. 

Her silent sobs brought life to the silent playground and I was forced to act. 

I whispered while pulling her head closer. "I don't want to lose you too. But would you be happy seeing me spend each waking day with the pain in my heart?" 

It was a mean question but I had to ask. 

How many more days would I be able to handle it? 

My heart yearned to complete the promise dad made. 

He wanted to show me the outside world, free from the monsters but he died before he could complete his work. 

So I would do what he couldn't and rid the outside world of the monsters. 

It was a bold goal… some might call it stupid but I don't mind because I understand just how stupid it is. 

Heh… dumb, I know but I have to follow my heart. 

"... And we both know about the real situation with the Heart. If it collapsed, then what would happen then?" 

Leila tightened her grip. "It might not collapse during our time… no need to be pessimistic." 

I understood why she'd say that but being optimistic… It wasn't exactly my way. 

"The chances of that being the case is slim. We are both young enough to remain for at least 50 years. What are the chances of the Heart staying that long?" 

She reminded silent for a few seconds. 

I couldn't tell what was on her mind but she seemed deep in thought. 

She soon replied while digging her fingers into my back. "…Then I'll let you become an Explorer." 

"You will?" 

"Mn, I don't want to see my brother depressed and… I also want to fulfill the wishes of father." 

"Thanks, Big sis!" 

She put her head up again as she added. "I'll support you as best I can… so please promise me one thing." 

"What's that?" 

"Don't die." 

My heart skipped a beat at her words. 

I don't know why, maybe it was because of the way she said it or the feeling behind it… in any case, it left a mark deep within. 

It's not like I planned to die, anyway. 

"Sure." 

She pulled away from me and turned on the flashlight, then grabbed hold of my hand before pulling me back home. 

I smiled sheepishly, allowing her to pull me along. 

It was nice to be cared for. 

I guess I was lucky to not be truly alone after Dad died. 

Don't worry, dad. I'll protect Leila and fulfill your wishes. That's my promise to you. 

Suddenly, Leila stopped walking. "You know, dad always said that Experience is the best teacher, seeing is believing and stuff like that." 

"Yeah…" 

"You may think you understand the outside world because of the journal but please… don't let the experience be the death of you." 

"I just promised not to die." 

She wore a dreadful expression as she turned to me. "Remember, Jerry… there are fates worse than death." 

Her words sent shivers down my spine for some reason with goosebumps breaking out all over. 

The cold night turned colder and I could have sworn someone was breathing heavily on my neck. 

"…I understand." 

I'm sure she didn't mean any harm with her words, but I couldn't help but imagine a few horrifying scenarios, after all, my imagination was my best friend. 

Leila squeezed my palm gently and pulled me the rest of the way home. 

That night… I was unable to sleep as her words kept echoing in my mind. 

The moment the lights came on, I sprang out of bed and glanced over at Leila sleeping peacefully. 

I had half the mind to wake her up, after all, she was the reason I couldn't get a wink of sleep. 

Was there a need to terrify me like that? 

Hah, I guess she was trying to make me understand the world I was about to enter but still… Hmmph. 

Wham 

"Ow." Leila cried out as she opened her eyes while rubbing her shoulder. 

My pettiness got the better of me and I hit her with my pillow. 

With the contents being somewhat heavy, being hit by it was equivalent to an untrained punch. 

She looked at me with eyes that said she was wronged but I couldn't care less. 

Hmmph! 

Turning my face away, I got out of bed and quickly pick up a change of clothes and a thick rectangular material that I used as a towel. 

Leila was still quite dazed as she saw me move about agilely. 

Just as I was about to leave, I turned to face her and put my tongue out. 

Childish?... Yes. 

Effective?... Why not? 

"You little brat!" Leila exclaimed as she hurled her pillow at me. 

Hehe, too slow. 

I bolt out the door and close it behind me, hearing a light thud which meant that the pillow had hit the door. 

A second later and I would have felt her wrath. 

Can't stay here any longer. 

I quickly rush out the door and into the shared toilet with our neighbor on the left side. 

As there were twenty houses in our block, a total of ten bathrooms were constructed. 

There were two reasons for this. 

One, water was a commodity in the tower that couldn't be wasted since our underground reserves weren't infinite. 

If that finished, then our chances of getting water from the outside… well, I'm not sure that would be plausible. 

So a set amount of water was provided to each toilet and it was up to the two houses sharing the bathroom how to make use of it. 

The second reason was that we were on the 101st floor.