The Visitor

We returned home some weeks later.

I've been practically stuck with Step-Father-san the whole time so it's been awkward but not terrible. We talked about many things and Mom was barely around like always. I couldn't help but feeling slightly annoyed about that, but it wasn't too bad. Out of all the men Mom has seen, he's the least shady and he doesn't mind my tone or questions at all. It's kind of suspicious. Should I be on guard? But he didn't strike me as that kind of person.

Still, coming home by myself that day cause Mom had places to be and he had to return to work... It felt odd. Lonely almost. Kagami was away, Arima-san went to a hot springs with her family, so the town felt quiet.

My feet were on autopilot and my mind a blank as I trekked towards our neighborhood. Maybe that's why I didn't see him until I arrived at my destination.

The GPS in my mind turned off the second I approached our gate.

That's when I saw him.

A lanky fellow with a plaid jacket tied around his wais