“But, in the letter I got—” Rui pulled the envelope from her jacket pocket, “it only said there may be—what was it? Prank callers? In this game. It’s not a for-sure thing. So…maybe Amy saw or heard something that proved there are prank callers? Or maybe she was just confused.”
Rui turned to the young girl for the first time. Heavens, she was even younger than she’d realized, and to be in a game like this…no, no. It was fine, because this game wasn’t even real in the first place. There was no real danger here, and Rui would keep telling herself that until she believed it through and through.
“Hi Amy! My name’s Rui, and it’s really nice to meet you! I was wondering if you heard anything or saw anything last night? Is there a reason you’re so sure there’s a prank caller here?”
Outside the hotel, Amy was just entering the store with Steven and Gen, stepping into the sweet-smelling coffee house and taking in all that was for sale. But, simultaneously, she was still in the room with the people who had stayed behind. It was like time had become unmoored, allowing her to be in two places at once. But she didn't seem to notice this.
She considered thoughtfully before responding, tap-tapping a finger again. "Gen seemed to be describing something like pranks calls, when he said he could send messages. Didn't he? We don't know for sure if everything that was written will be here, but--" she pulled out her own letter, smoothed it out "--we do have a buddy system, and I think Madamesoille and her partner being attacked might mean there's a dangerous person who's third party. And--'fun' is on this list."
She shook her head at that. "I wouldn't exactly describe this experience as 'fun', but the organizer maybe thinks so. And pranks calls and secret messages, they seem like something someone who likes buddy systems would also like.
Amy was quiet again as she folded the envelope and replaced it in her pocket. She bit her lip, seeming to hesitate, and then said:
"Both you and Madamesoille were asking about messages. No one has piped up so far, but now I'm being asked directly so I guess...
"...There could be more people who can send messages, or people who have received them. But, we don't really know what's going on here. We don't know what purposes the messages are being sent for, or if the people feel okay claiming, or even if they're so important. Like, let's say I do know something. But maybe I wouldn't want to say it yet, because it could be dangerous for me." She shifted in her seat. "Honestly, I kind of feel weird about being asked this directly. I'm not saying you're trying something on purpose, just, um... I guess this is all I'm going to say on the matter for now. And if no one speaks up--well." She fidgeted awkwardly.
"But, um, maybe we ask someone who
has said they know something about messages--Gen. Maybe later when he and Steven and I come back from--"
Amy paused, an odd expression on her face. But, within a moment, it seemed to be wiped away.
"When Gen's ready, maybe he'll think it will be okay to talk about."
-----
Meanwhile...
The store has many nice things! A cosy coffee shop, an impressive selection of candy, and the usual veggies, fruits, and snacky things you would find at a convenience store.
You notice a particular section - the "Gift Shop". There are various cards and letter-writing implements, as well as little bags and toys, flowers and chocolates. A sign near the counter says that sending gifts and letters to friends and family is "free of charge"... and wait, is that sans behind the counter? Wasn't he just outside? You didn't see him come inside...
Amy stepped into the sweet smell of the coffee shop, taking in all the various things for sale. For whatever reason, the coziness of this struck her. She felt warm inside. "Neat, there is a whole bunch of candy." She smiled at Gen and Steven.
But then, her eyes caught the Gift Shop. Her attention was diverted as she read the sign. "And, um, cool. Gifts. Uh..." She bounced on her toes. "You know, my family called yesterday, they're a bit worried, and I guess...maybe I'll send them something." She paused a moment. "So, what are you thinking about getting, Gen?"
