Thank you

Ryo scooped Ellie from the ground and carried her up to her living space. He placed her on the floor only to allow her to fish the key from her pocket, then lifted her up again.

After settling her on the couch, he went to the bathroom and filled the tub. After he filled the tub, he found Ellie hugging her knees to her chest while she sat on the couch. Her chin rested on them and rocked herself back and forth, while staring blankly into space.

His chest tightened at the sight of her. Hair disheveled, her eyes round and unsteady. The corner of her lips swollen and showed signs of bruising. His hands formed into fists on his sides as he recalled how pitiful she looked trying to fend off her attacker.

“Ellie…” he softly called her. She did not seem to hear him. He approached her and touched her shoulder. Ryo’s heart broke when she flinched from his touch, and her eyes rounded in fear. Her pa