I almost stop when she starts screaming, but I can't now. I have to see this through. Even if... Even if it kills her.

Better that than letting her go on like this.

I tear the tiny thing free from her and I don't even bother to examine it before I throw it to the ground and crush it with my foot, grinding it into fine sparkling bits. It only takes a second, thankfully, and then I can turn her around, take her gently in my arms.

She feels so small. I cup her chin in one hand and tilt her head back, trying to look into her eyes. "Chiaki? Chiaki, can you hear me? Please be okay."