Side Story 89: The Future of the Past (2)

I had collapsed somewhere in a forest.

I didn't really know what date it was or where I was. I had simply wandered on in a daze until I ran out of strength there.

I probably would have died in less than three days. Back then, I thought that would be fine, so I didn't even try to fight it. I simply sat by the roadside and closed my eyes.

Someone odd enough to bother speaking to me came along.

I don't really remember what I answered. Probably something like, "Leave me alone," or words to that effect.

And then I lost consciousness. When I came to, I was lying in the grass, and a girl was peering down at me.

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"Oh, good. You're awake."

A charming, slightly freckled face smiled at me.

"...Who are you?"...