Exhibition (4)

I stared blankly at Cecily and Marie's backs as they left, saying they wanted to have a private conversation.

On the way, I asked how long it would take, but they said it might take a while and simply continued on, telling me to look around at the exhibited works until then.

Judging from what had just happened, I could roughly guess what they would talk about, but I had no opening to intrude, so I had no choice but to stay put.

They would come back once they had enjoyed the displayed works, but I couldn't help being curious.

"Hmm..."

Was this what it felt like to set out as a group of three and, before long, be left all alone? I gazed blankly at where Marie and Cecily had disappeared, then looked around.

I had somehow ended up alone, but there were still plenty of passersby coming and going through the village. Everyone was too absorbed in viewing the exhibition to do anything but enjoy the festival.

In other words, hardly anyone paid attention to me just because I was alone.

'I might as well walk around for now.'

Since Cecily had said it would take a while, looking around would be better than standing still. I moved on and began admiring the works I had not yet seen, one by one...