Page 238 of Mercy Written in Blood

"What day is your birthday?"

"I heard the question."

"Then answer it."

Renji continued looking at the blank line. The pause lengthened. At first, Haruki thought Renji was deciding how much truth to reveal in front of the administrator. Then Renji's brow tightened. Not secrecy. Calculation. He was trying to remember.

Haruki straightened. Renji glanced towards the calendar on his desk. The movement was small. It told Haruki everything.

"Tomorrow," Renji said.

The administrator blinked. Haruki said nothing. Renji looked at the date again as though verifying the answer.

"Yes. Tomorrow."

"You forgot," Haruki said.

Renji picked up his pen.

"I did not forget."

"You had to check the calendar."

"I was confirming today's date."

"You knew today's date when I arrived."

"I knew the time."

"That is not the same thing."

Renji wrote the date onto the form. The administrator accepted it quickly, perhaps sensing that remaining would become uncomfortable.

"Thank you, Doctor Takahara."

She lifted the paper. Then hesitated.

"And happy birthday for tomorrow."

Renji looked at her as though she had offered condolences.

"Yes."

Haruki waited until she left. The door remained open behind her. He crossed the office and closed it. Renji set the tablet on the desk.

"That was unnecessary," Renji said.

"What was?"

"The door."

"You forgot your birthday."

"I did not."

Haruki stood before the desk. Renji reached for the food bag. Haruki moved it out of reach. Renji looked up.

"Return that."