Even if I was blind, I would have still seen him, sensed him, bustling past. Nearly tripping, and then turning his eyes on me. I can sense his presence in pitch darkness, can feel his gestures and cues as if they're my own.

At the sound of my name from him I draw in a shaky, unsuccessfully steadying breath. I look up, at his face, at the forced nature of his smile.

Is he putting on an act? Is he pretending to be happy to see me?

"Eiji," I sway slightly, torn between rushing at him, gathering him up in my arms and never letting him go, and turning around, leaving his life free and peaceful without me in it.

I remember Date's words, that I help him in ways I don't even know about, that we can learn together what we can be for each other now. How to be Eiji and Ankh in our new lives together.

There aren't tears in my eyes, but they sting like there will be any moment. "Eiji... I'm sorry. So sorry."