Chapter 17: The Morning After

As the first light of dawn crept into the small room, Tokyo stirred in my arms, her eyes fluttering open as she looked up at me. I smiled softly, trying to reassure her that everything was okay. "Hey, how are you feeling?" I asked, my voice gentle. Tokyo's face scrunched up as she tried to process her surroundings. "I...I don't know," she replied, her voice hoarse from vomiting. I helped her sit up, and she leaned against me, her head in my lap. I stroked her hair, trying to comfort her. "Do you think you can walk?" I asked, concern etched on my face. "We need to get you something to eat and drink." Tokyo nodded, and I helped her to her feet. She swayed unsteadily, and I had to hold her up to keep her from falling. As we made our way to the small kitchen area, I couldn't help but notice that the room was spotless. The bucket was gone, and the floor was clean. It was as if no one had ever been there at all. I helped Tokyo sit down at the small table, and I rummaged through the cupboards, searching for something to make her feel better. I found a packet of instant noodles and some dried fruit, and I set to work making a simple breakfast. As we ate, Tokyo's color began to return, and her eyes brightened. She smiled weakly at me, and I smiled back, relieved that she was feeling a little better. "Thanks, Akira," she said, her voice still hoarse. "I don't know what I would have done without you." I reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You'll never have to find out," I said, trying to reassure her. "I'm here for you, no matter what." As we finished our meal, I noticed that Tokyo's eyes kept drifting to the small window. I followed her gaze, and my heart sank. Outside, I saw a figure standing in the shadows, watching us. I quickly got up and moved to block Tokyo's view, trying to shield her from the sight. But she was already up, her eyes fixed on the figure. "Akira, who is that?" she asked, her voice trembling. I hesitated, unsure of what to say. But as I looked out the window, I saw the figure step forward, its features illuminated by the morning light. It was the man from the camera, the one who had been watching us all along. And he was smiling at us, a cold, calculating smile that sent shivers down my spine.