Page 213 of Mercy Written in Blood

"Do you want to avoid talking about it while I remain nearby?"

Renji folded the umbrella.

"Yes."

Haruki nodded. No offence. No attempt to persuade him. He leaned against the railing overlooking a sunken garden where rain darkened the gravel into broad, irregular patterns. Renji stood beside him. For a while, that was enough.

The city hummed beyond the university walls. A train passed somewhere to the south, its sound arriving softened by distance. Renji rested both hands against the damp umbrella handle.

"I remember my sister's scar," he said.

Haruki did not move.

"She stole my sword when she was eleven. It was too heavy for her. She dropped it and cut her hand trying to catch the blade."

"Did you blame her?"

"I shouted until my mother arrived."

"And then?"

"I took responsibility."

Haruki looked at him. Renji's mouth moved faintly.

"She would have been punished more severely."

"That sounds like you."

"The journal says she struck me on the night of the attack."

"And embraced you."

"Yes."

"What do you remember?"

"The strike."

Haruki's expression softened.

"Not the rest."

"No."

"Perhaps your mind kept the part that matched what you believed."

"That I had failed."

"Yes."

Renji looked towards the garden.

"The memory feels complete."

"Most convincing lies do."

"It may not be a lie."