000 The light that seeped in from the window had grown dim.
001 The skies were still overcast with thick clouds, but during daytime I was able to get by without electric light.
002 Which was why I often failed to notice the gradual darkening of my apartment due to the setting sun behind the clouds.
003 I played my muffled Fortell and read a book I had lent from Asino, until it was about time for evening to set in.
004 [Phorni]
005 "Isn't it about time for dinner?"
006 Phorni notified me of the time as I was sitting behind my Fortell, improvising some random tune.
007 She was always humming a melody along with the sound of my playing, so it was surprising she could keep track of the time so well.
008 She annoyed me sometimes, but being a person who easily lost track of the time, I was thankful to have her.
009 [Chris]
010 "Huh? That late already?"
011 I stretched, and shot a glance toward the clock for confirmation. It was slightly past six o'clock.
012 Although I didn't have a set time for dinner, it still felt a bit too early to eat.
013 [Chris]
014 "Oh? It's still a little early, isn't it?"
015 [Phorni]
016 "Just a little. Anyway... I have a little something to ask you."
017 [Chris]
018 "Huh? What is it?"
019 [Phorni]
020 "What are you going to do for dinner today?"
021 [Chris]
022 "... Why do you ask?"
023 I could detect a hint of seriousness mixed in with her usual cheer.
024 [Phorni]
025 "Well... I was just wondering if you were going to eat out again."
026 [Chris]
027 "Hm? Oh right, it's Saturday. I guess eating out might be nice."
028 [Phorni]
029 "... Did you forget?"
030 [Chris]
031 "Nah, not really. It probably would've popped into my head eventually."
032 [Phorni]
033 "... I see."
034 [Chris]
035 "Phorni?"
036 [Phorni]
037 "... No, never mind."
038 [Chris]
039 "Was that what you wanted to ask?"
040 [Phorni]
041 "Pretty much."
042 [Chris]
043 "... Phorni?"
044 Why did she ask something like that?
045 And why did she expect me to eat out?
046 [Phorni]
047 "It's nothing. I was just curious."
048 [Chris]
049 "Why did you expect I would?"
050 [Phorni]
051 "Because it seems you've been practicing with her a lot lately."
052 [Chris]
053 "... Yeah, I suppose."
054 [Phorni]
055 "Hey, what kind of person is Fal?"
056 [Chris]
057 "A diligent person. Didn't I tell you before?"
058 [Phorni]
059 "That's just a general impression! I want to know more!"
060 [Chris]
061 "Why, all of a sudden?"
062 [Phorni]
063 "It seems you've been practicing with her a lot lately, so I'm obviously curious."
064 [Chris]
065 "Have I, really? Well, I admit we've been at it fairly often lately. But... what kind of person is she, huh..."
066 Truth be told, I didn't really know myself.
067 [Chris]
068 "That's a difficult question."
069 I wondered if she'd been listening to me or not...
070 Her head inclined, she grumbled for a moment, and a second later she suddenly raised her voice.
071 [Phorni]
072 "Then I'm going with you!"
073 [Chris]
074 "W... What?"
075 [Phorni]
076 "I wanna check her out!"
077 [Chris]
078 "You can't just---"
079 [Phorni]
080 "I won't take no for an answer! Or else I'll tell Ari!"
081 [Chris]
082 "... Okay. How?"
083 [Phorni]
084 "Just watch! I'll use this pen to..."
085 Just as Phorni grabbed onto a pen about the size of her body, I picked it up by the tip.
086 [Phorni]
087 "Wah!"
088 She slipped and fell before she had a chance to utilize her wings, as though having no grip at all.
089 [Phorni]
090 "W-What did you do that for!?"
091 [Chris]
092 "You should know by now that this is an impossible task for you. Don't you ever learn?"
093 [Phorni]
094 "B-But!"
095 [Chris]
096 "Fine, fine. I just have to take you along, right?"
097 [Phorni]
098 "R-Really? Are you sure?"
099 [Chris]
100 "Better than having you write down stupid things. Anyway, she's working. I'm not sure if we'll be able to meet her, so no complaints afterward if we don't."
101 [Phorni]
102 "Loud and clear! If I walk to the kitchen, I can at least look at her all I want!"
103 [Chris]
104 "I'd appreciate it if you didn't pull anything stupid. ... Well, anyway. I guess I'm the only one who has to get ready."
105 [Phorni]
106 "Obviously. I'm always ready to go!"
107 The fairy, who didn't need any preparation to go out, spread her wings excitedly. And now she began urging me to hurry.
108 [Phorni]
109 "Chris, you're so slow!"
110 [Chris]
111 "Unlike you, I live my life abiding by the laws of physics. Don't put me on the same level as a sprite of music, or whatever you call yourself."
112 I stripped out of my lounge-wear and slipped into something presentable.
113 From the looks of it, the rain outside was pretty weak, but still, I felt I shouldn't dress too sloppily.
114 It was a mere trattoria, but there was still the possibility Fal would see me.
115 Unlike in the town Ari lived, it was still warm here, so a coat wasn't quite necessary.
116 I pulled on a heavy sweater and walked to the front door.
117 [Chris]
118 "Phorni, I'm done. C'mon."
119 [Phorni]
120 "So slooow!"
121 Phorni flapped her wings in delight at the sound of my voice.
122 She kinda felt like a pet to me, although I wouldn't dare say that to her face for fear of retaliation.
123 She excitedly dove off the desk, and dropped - or rather, glided - all the way down, up to right in front of my feet.
124 Before she had a chance to touch the floor, I caught her mid-air and gently placed her on my shoulder.
125 [Phorni]
126 "Okay, let's go."
127 [Chris]
128 "Yeah, yeah."
129 It was still a little chilly outside at night.
130 Unable to get wet from the rain, and seemingly not feeling any cold whatsoever, the little mysterious creature was cheerfully scouring the path beyond the rain.
131 [Phorni]
132 "This way? Is it this way?"
133 [Chris]
134 "Yes, it's this way. I'm walking toward the place, so do I really need to tell you the way? You're not even walking on your own feet to begin with."
135 [Phorni]
136 "Oh, who cares? I haven't been out in a while."
137 [Chris]
138 "Well sure, but..."
139 Seeing Phorni scanning the town with keen interest made me realize how long it had been since we last went out together like this.
140 She seemed to enjoy being outside.
141 But since she rarely asked me to take her out, I always thought she didn't like it.
142 But then, the chance to see Fal in the flesh after all that I've told her about her might instead be what she's so happy about.
143 [Chris]
144 "Are you happy?"
145 [Phorni]
146 "Huh? Well yeah, it's been a while after all."
147 Her soft wings moved and grazed my ear, which tickled a bit.
148 [Chris]
149 "Hey... Don't move."
150 [Phorni]
151 "Oh, sorry."
152 [Chris]
153 "Are you happy about getting to meet Fal?"
154 [Phorni]
155 "Well, that too, but also about just being outside."
156 [Chris]
157 "Can't you go out whenever you want? Your wings... Right, I guess you can't fly to high places with them."
158 [Phorni]
159 "No, I can go out on my own. I can just walk, right? But you know..."
160 [Chris]
161 "What?"
162 [Phorni]
163 "I'd rather not go out all alone."
164 [Chris]
165 "Huh? But..."
166 [Phorni]
167 "Ah, no, don't get the wrong idea. It's not like I always want to go out - I'm just happy to go out every once in a while like this."
168 [Chris]
169 "In that case, fine..."
170 [Phorni]
171 "Yeah, it's fine,"
172 she concluded with a smile, settling that topic of conversation.
173 I silently wondered if it was really okay to leave it at that.
174 [Phorni]
175 "More importantly, are we there yet?"
176 [Chris]
177 "A little longer. It's just around the next corner."
178 [Phorni]
179 "What's it called?"
180 [Chris]
181 "Copert... You'll see when we get there. Anyway, I take it you understand?"
182 [Phorni]
183 "I understand. I won't say anything when you're talking to Fal."
184 [Chris]
185 "Also, no getting upset because I ignored you. And don't go wandering off on your own."
186 [Phorni]
187 "Yeah, I got it!"
188 I went over a few rules we had agreed on when going out in the past.
189 Other people couldn't see Phorni, so under normal circumstances I didn't talk to her.
190 It wasn't exactly desirable to be seen muttering to yourself like that.
191 [Chris]
192 "We're almost there."
193 [Attendant]
194 "Welcome!"
195 I was led in by the same waitress as before.
196 I came early this time, so it wasn't very crowded yet.
197 Since there were still many seats available, I could thankfully make full use of a table for two.
198 I'd probably be done eating by seven o'clock when it would become crowded, so I wouldn't have to sit at a table with a stranger.
199 I lowered Phorni from my shoulder and opened the menu, which I hadn't received the previous time.
200 [Phorni]
201 "What will you have?"
202 [Chris]
203 "Doesn't matter,"
204 I answered in a low voice, keeping my eyes on the menu and making sure not to move my lips too conspicuously.
205 [Phorni]
206 "That girl wasn't her, right? Will Fal come to take your order?"
207 [Chris]
208 "No. She said she cooked food in the kitchen."
209 Right after the words had left my mouth, someone I hadn't seen before came to take my order. I ordered the same lasagna I'd had before and left the menu for what it was.
210 Phorni began badgering me about wanting to see Fal, apparently having gotten irritated after seeing yet another person that wasn't her appear.
211 [Phorni]
212 "Hey, can I go look further inside?"
213 [Chris]
214 "If you're that eager, sure... Careful not to fall."
215 [Phorni]
216 "That's the restroom back there, right? Seems there's a staff only area beyond there."
217 [Chris]
218 "Looks like it."
219 [Phorni]
220 "Carry me up to that point."
221 [Chris]
222 "... Ugh. Oh well."
223 She could be such a bother.
224 She made it appear she didn't need anything at all, but then demanded all sorts of things from you.
225 The moment I picked up Phorni and put her on my shoulder, pretending to be scratching my head, someone suddenly called out to me from behind.
226 [Fal]
227 "Chris! Good evening."
228 [Chris]
229 "Ah..."
230 [Phorni]
231 "... Nya!"
232 Phorni was about to fall due to the speed at which I turned around.
233 I swiftly raised my arm to resettle her on my shoulder, pretending to be adjusting my clothes.
234 [Phorni]
235 "Geez... Don't turn around so suddenly!"
236 [Fal]
237 "Seeing as you came for dinner again, I assume it was to your liking last time?"
238 [Phorni]
239 "Oh, could it be?"
240 [Chris]
241 "Good evening, Fal. I suppose you're right about that."
242 I made sure to mention her name, so Phorni would understand.
243 [Chris]
244 "You're in your normal attire... What about work?"
245 [Fal]
246 "Guess what... I get off from work at six every day from now on. The manager just told me."
247 [Chris]
248 "Until what time did you normally work?"
249 [Fal]
250 "Until nine. My shift is shortened by three hours."
251 [Fal]
252 "Since it was a bit sudden today, I had some work left that took until now to finish, but starting next time I'll be able to time things better."
253 [Chris]
254 "Err... But..."
255 Didn't the issue of whether or not it was possible to shorten the shift lay with her, rather than with the manager?
256 Or, since Fal represented an important part of the kitchen, if she were to be omitted, the store would be inconvenienced...
257 But in that case, this decision wouldn't make sense.
258 I never put much thought into it until now, but the very fact that Fal was working during such crucial times was a little peculiar.
259 While I could venture a guess as to why someone would have to do that,
260 Fal didn't look like the kind of person who would need to, and I hesitated to ask.
261 [Fal]
262 "... What's wrong?"
263 [Phorni]
264 "What's wrong?"
265 Fal and Phorni almost simultaneously asked me in an inquiring tone.
266 I ignored Phorni and replied vaguely.
267 [Chris]
268 "No, it's nothing."
269 [Fal]
270 "It's about my work, right?"
271 [Chris]
272 "... What is?"
273 [Fal]
274 "You're wondering why I was able to shorten my shift - and if I could have done that, why I didn't do so sooner... Am I right?"
275 [Chris]
276 "..."
277 [Fal]
278 "Don't worry, my salary will remain the same."
279 Fal's answer was right on the mark, as though she had been able to see right through my evasive words and silence.
280 Her answer told me part of what I'd wanted to know.
281 [Phorni]
282 "Why is Fal working?"
283 Phorni said, although only I could hear it.
284 Since Fal was all I talked about to her lately, she'd had plenty of time to ponder such things.
285 It seemed she'd ended up at the same question as myself.
286 [Fal]
287 "Mind if I join you for dinner?"
288 [Chris]
289 "Huh?"
290 [Fal]
291 "I'm hungry. I have things to talk about, and this is a table for two. Or were you waiting for someone?"
292 [Chris]
293 "No, I wasn't. Umm... go ahead."
294 My ear was suddenly pulled, reminding me of the objective that I brought Phorni here for.
295 [Phorni]
296 "Very well."
297 [Fal]
298 "Then hold on a sec."
299 I expected her to take a seat, but Fal left only that and disappeared back into the kitchen.
300 Was she planning on making her own meal?
301 [Phorni]
302 "... Hey."
303 [Chris]
304 "... Hm? What's up?"
305 [Phorni]
306 "She's kind of pretty."
307 [Chris]
308 "I suppose so."
309 [Phorni]
310 "You seem happy."
311 [Chris]
312 "... I suppose so."
313 [Phorni]
314 "So that's why you're practicing with her until late every day."
315 [Chris]
316 "... Of course not."
317 [Phorni]
318 "Oh really?"
319 [Chris]
320 "Be quiet... She's back."
321 Ending our low voiced exchange with that, I shifted my gaze back to Fal, acting as though nothing was out of the ordinary.
322 [Phorni]
323 "There's no need for me to be quiet, though."
324 [Fal]
325 "... Sorry about the wait."
326 [Chris]
327 "You went into the kitchen?"
328 [Fal]
329 "Yes, I ordered something directly. It's kind of awkward to wait for someone to come and take my order, and it'll be done sooner this way."
330 [Chris]
331 "Oh, I see. I suppose you wouldn't actually make your own food."
332 [Fal]
333 "Well yeah. I finally get the chance to have dinner with you, after all."
334 [Phorni]
335 "... Geh."
336 Phorni furrowed her brow and grumbled at seeing Fal's cheeks redden.
337 She was probably concerned about Ari.
338 [Chris]
339 "So what did you order?"
340 [Fal]
341 "Pasta. What about you?"
342 [Chris]
343 "I ordered... the same as last time."
344 [Fal]
345 "Ah, so you liked that."
346 [Chris]
347 "Yeah... I suppose."
348 [Phorni]
349 "You seem to be hitting it off well."
350 She was right about that.
351 Fal was blushing, telling me she was glad she could have dinner with me, and I had ordered the same lasagna she had treated me to before.
352 It was supposed to be just a random choice, though.
353 But it was true that I liked it, so I decided not to correct anyone, and avoided Phorni's gaze.
354 [Fal]
355 "It'll be right over. It was almost done baking when I checked."
356 [Chris]
357 "I see."
358 I shot an uninspired response, perhaps overly conscious of Phorni sitting next to me.
359 I spent the time waiting for my meal trying my best not to show too much bluntness in my behavior.
360 [Fal]
361 "We weren't able to talk much in the end."
362 [Chris]
363 "I guess not."
364 By the time Fal's order had arrived, the trattoria was already packed, rendering us unable to have a relaxed meal.
365 She struck up conversation again underneath an awning in an alley a little ways from the store, where we had sought shelter from the rain.
366 [Fal]
367 "But I'm glad I'll be able to dedicate more time to practice now,"
368 Fal brightly said all of a sudden.
369 [Chris]
370 "Huh? Oh, you're right."
371 [Fal]
372 "I know we're free tomorrow, but are you going to practice?"
373 [Chris]
374 "... Well, I was planning to, on-and-off."
375 [Fal]
376 "On-and-off, huh... Are you sure that's enough?"
377 [Phorni]
378 "Waitta minute! Chris is working hard on Sundays as well, you know? Then again, he normally doesn't do anything at all after coming home.
379 Ow!"
380 I flicked Phorni's forehead while pretending to be wiping raindrops from my shoulder.
381 It sounded somewhat like she was standing up for me, but Fal couldn't hear her anyway.
382 Besides, I was pretty sure Fal only said that out of concern.
383 [Chris]
384 "Well... something like that."
385 [Fal]
386 "In that case, wanna practice together tomorrow?"
387 [Chris]
388 "Despite it being a day off?"
389 [Fal]
390 "Yeah. And there's still the thing I couldn't talk to you about during dinner."
391 [Chris]
392 "But I'm kinda apprehensive about going to school on a free day."
393 I wasn't opposed to practicing of itself, so I meant that as more of a joke.
394 [Fal]
395 "Then would you be okay with it at some other place?"
396 [Chris]
397 "Huh?"
398 [Fal]
399 "That's what you're saying, right?"
400 [Chris]
401 "I... guess."
402 [Fal]
403 "Then won't you come to my apartment?"
404 [Chris]
405 "... Your apartment? I wouldn't want to intru---"
406 [Fal]
407 "Then I guess the only option left would be yours."
408 [Chris]
409 "H... Huh?"
410 [Fal]
411 "You won't have to bother transporting your Fortell, and in your area, people aren't opposed to loud music during the day, right?"
412 [Chris]
413 "Well, you may have a point, bu---"
414 [Fal]
415 "Perfect."
416 [Chris]
417 "Uh... What? Wait a minute now..."
418 [Fal]
419 "Is there a problem somewhere?"
420 [Chris]
421 "... I have to clean my apartment."
422 [Fal]
423 "I love cleaning."
424 [Chris]
425 "..."
426 [Fal]
427 "Maybe you don't feel like practicing?"
428 [Chris]
429 "I didn't say that."
430 [Fal]
431 "So you want to have a proper practice session, but you don't want to go to school, and my apartment is out."
432 [Phorni]
433 "... Hey."
434 [Chris]
435 "..."
436 [Fal]
437 "Furthermore, the instrument is already at your apartment, and we won't have to worry about the neighbors there."
438 [Phorni]
439 "It sounds like you're being coaxed into doing what she wants."
440 ... I'm perfectly aware of that.
441 [Fal]
442 "... So what exactly is the problem here?"
443 [Phorni]
444 "Uh oh. Her next line will seal the deal, you know?"
445 ... I'm aware of that too.
446 [Fal]
447 "Are you saying you don't want to practice with me?"
448 [Phorni]
449 "Oh boy. That settled it."
450 [Chris]
451 "... That's not it."
452 [Fal]
453 "Then what?"
454 Okay, fine.
455 I'd rather not.
456 There was no way I could tell her that I didn't want to practice with her now.
457 Sure, I enjoyed performing with her.
458 But... on Sunday...
459 [Phorni]
460 "Ari's letter arrives on Sunday."
461 Right.
462 Ari's letter would arrive.
463 A letter that would worry about me being unable to find a partner.
464 ... But would teaming up with Torta, like Ari pushed me to, really be the conclusion she wished for?
465 The only thing I'd been able to sense throughout the letters up until now, was that the distance between Ari and I had grown.
466 Was it this, or was it Torta that I wanted so badly to avert my eyes from?
467 [Chris]
468 "... Okay, fine."
469 I had answered before I realized it.
470 [Fal]
471 "Really? Great!"
472 All I wanted now was to shake off this hesitation and fully focus on the coming graduation recital.
473 I lightly nodded to Phorni, then began talking about tomorrow with Fal.
474 [Fal]
475 "Then I'll come tomorrow afternoon, okay?"
476 [Chris]
477 "Sure. Sorry I can't accept you in the morning."
478 [Fal]
479 "Hahaha. As long as we keep at it until nightfall, we'll have plenty of time even if we start at noon."
480 [Chris]
481 "Uh... That's a little..."
482 [Fal]
483 "Just kidding. It's a day off after all, so we can take it easy."
484 [Chris]
485 "I'm glad to hear that."
486 [Fal]
487 "Yeah. So, is it okay if we meet in front of Copert?"
488 [Chris]
489 "Ah, since it'll be lunchtime then, how about having lunch there first?"
490 [Fal]
491 "Hmm... Let's decide on that tomorrow."
492 [Chris]
493 "Oh. Well, either way is fine with me."
494 [Fal]
495 "Okay then. See you tomorrow."
496 [Chris]
497 "See you."
498 Leaving a pleasant smile, Fal walked off into the rain.
499 I watched her leave, then started to walk home, until Phorni stopped me by pulling my hair.
500 [Phorni]
501 "Hey, is she really coming to our place?"
502 [Chris]
503 "... I suppose she is."
504 [Phorni]
505 "Even Torta hasn't come often."
506 [Chris]
507 "Things happen."
508 [Phorni]
509 "..."
510 [Chris]
511 "Hey, Phorni?"
512 [Phorni]
513 "... What?"
514 [Chris]
515 "You don't like Fal coming over?"
516 [Phorni]
517 "I wouldn't go that far... Why do you ask?"
518 [Chris]
519 "When I thought about it, I realized that apartment isn't just my own."
520 [Phorni]
521 "S... Stupid. Isn't the rent being paid for by your parents?"
522 [Phorni]
523 "I'm just a freeloader living there of my own accord... You... You can do whatever you want."
524 [Chris]
525 "What are you getting all flustered about? This isn't just about rent, is it?"
526 [Phorni]
527 "Sure it's not, but... Argh, wait, Chris! What are you trying to say?"
528 [Chris]
529 "Nothing. I was just asking."
530 [Phorni]
531 "Geez... I-In that case... I don't particularly mind."
532 [Chris]
533 "I see... Thanks."
534 [Phorni]
535 "Don't thank me for something like that."
536 [Chris]
537 "Really? Great!"
538 I concluded in a cheerful tone, mimicking Fal.
539 [Phorni]
540 "... Ah!"
541 [Chris]
542 "Don't get mad. You said it yourself."
543 [Phorni]
544 "... Well sure, but..."
545 [Chris]
546 "Ahaha. Well, whatever."
547 [Phorni]
548 "That's my line! ... Geez."
549 In the end, we were able to settle the matter in good spirits, and went on as though nothing had happened.
550 Phorni was no longer upset, and she never made any snide comments about Fal.
551 [Chris]
552 "Shall we go?"
553 [Phorni]
554 "Sure."
555 In an attempt to avoid having my recently warmed up and fulfilled body grow cold, I hurriedly cut my way through the rain.
556 [Chris]
557 "By the way. I'd appreciate it if you kept this a secret from Ari."
558 [Phorni]
559 "Huh?"
560 Phorni seemed a bit surprised at the final words I spoke to her on the trek home.
561 Against my expectation of her getting angry and retaliating, Phorni only quietly smiled.
562 [Phorni]
563 "... Sure. I'll keep my mouth shut for you."
564 bf06
565 It would be difficult to tell her that I didn't want to practice with her now.
566 Sure, I enjoyed playing together with her.
567 But, on Sunday...
568 [Phorni]
569 "Ari's letter arrives on Sunday."
570 That's right.
571 [Chris]
572 "Fal."
573 [Fal]
574 "Yes?"
575 [Chris]
576 "Sorry. I have some important business on Sunday I can't get out of. I'll practice in the evening, but..."
577 [Fal]
578 "Ah, I see. I suppose I never asked whether you were busy or not."
579 [Chris]
580 "Sorry."
581 [Fal]
582 "Don't mention it. I should apologize instead. I only meant to fool around with you a little."
583 [Fal]
584 "I know I made it sound difficult to refuse, but don't worry about it."
585 [Chris]
586 "Thanks."
587 [Fal]
588 "See you next week. Come to the practice room if you'd like."
589 [Chris]
590 "... Yeah."
591 [Fal]
592 "See you later."
593 [Chris]
594 "See you."
595 Leaving just a smile, Fal walked off into the rain.
596 I watched her leave, then started to walk home, until Phorni stopped me by pulling my hair.
597 [Phorni]
598 "Hey... Are you sure about this?"
599 [Chris]
600 "About what?"
601 [Phorni]
602 "She was a candidate partner, right?"
603 [Chris]
604 "I guess."
605 [Phorni]
606 "... Stop giving vague answers."
607 [Chris]
608 "... Sorry."
609 [Phorni]
610 "What are you going to do?"
611 [Chris]
612 "I haven't decided yet. Besides, just because I refused her offer doesn't mean she can't become my partner anymore."
613 [Phorni]
614 "..."
615 [Chris]
616 "Didn't you say so? Tomorrow's the day Ari's letter arrives."
617 [Phorni]
618 "... I did."
619 [Chris]
620 "So, this is for the best."
621 [Phorni]
622 "I see."
623 [Chris]
624 "Right."
625 [Phorni]
626 "... Heheh."
627 Phorni giggled happily, then closed her eyes and started humming, as she would often do when in a good mood.
628 If Fal had come over for practice tomorrow, I might not have been able to play with Phorni anymore.
629 [Phorni]
630 "Let's sing tomorrow."
631 That was all she said before starting to hum again, which I went along with by gliding my fingers along an imaginary keyboard in mid-air.
632 The notes were resounding in my head.
633 I leisurely walked back home, all the while taking in the whisper-like sound of Phorni's voice next to my ear.
634 b12