Chapter 15: Summer That Never Comes

“I hate this place,” said Elynne as she sat in a wooden chair by the window. Sunlight filtered through the glass, illuminating her tired face. “Everything is horrible here. Why does there have to be so much light? And so many people…”

“You're such a pessimist,” replied Ien, looking through the window at the old, worn-out streets of Aven Veritas. “I don't know anyone who hates the sun. You can feel life now that it's spring.”

“Are you sure we're sisters?” asked Elynne with a mocking smile. “Besides, you're lucky to be a kid. The guards who check you at the entrance don't grope you all over to 'verify' that you're not carrying weapons. I hate this shopping center with a capital H.”

They were both in Aven Veritas, a massive shopping center in the Saint Mary district, full of products brought from distant countries where human rights were nowhere to be found. Places like the sunny republic of Banania, where people worked without complaining… Mainly because complaining was made illegal last year.

“Everything here is old and dirty… This isn't worth leaving the house for.”

“Having someone touch you should be cause for celebration. How many years without a boyfriend have you had now?” said Ien with genuine concern. “Forever, I'd bet. Aren't you worried about ending up alone?”

“Y-you little piece of shi—” Elynne blushed, even more so when she realized the waitress and other customers were laughing at her. “I-it's none of your business. And look who's talking, what about you, huh?”

A very childish response, considering that little Ien was barely eleven years old. Though that wasn't the only reason someone would call this scene childish.

Ien took a sip from her coffee cup before responding, with a mischievous smile.

“Big sister, I already told you: there's a procedure for getting a boyfriend. You have to go through stages. I'm already working on that.”

“Uh-huh, and what's this procedure?”

In contrast, Elynne began eating her strawberry ice cream with whipped cream and colored sprinkles. To complete the cuteness, they had drawn a little puppy face on top of the ice cream with chocolate sauce.

“Well, first you have to find someone you like. Then, become his childhood friend. After that, in adolescence, you need to create a love triangle with him and his best friend. Next, you need to get a love rival, and finally, when you're already an adult, you can hold hands and he proposes to be your boyfriend.”

“…”

Elynne said nothing.

She could only think that her sister had more problems than she thought… while eating her strawberry ice cream with whipped cream, colored sprinkles, and a little puppy face drawn with chocolate.

“You don't know anything about love, brat,” said Elynne, turning her gaze toward the window.

A small silence fell that clouded the strange normalcy of the moment.

Ien continued drinking her coffee, swirling the metal spoon in the cup. Her sister watched her sideways with concern before speaking.

“Ien… you're quite…” she said softly.

“Hmm? Did you say something?”

“No, nothing,” she regretted the comment she was about to make.

“She's quite strong… Despite everything that happened with Thea… my wound… Ugh, it still hurts.” Elynne's thoughts stopped when she touched her wound.

“Stop doing that, or it'll never heal,” said Ien. “You look like a kid who can't stop touching.”

“That sounded terrible.”

“Speaking of touching, why did you reject Roger?” asked Ien, changing the subject. “He's a good guy, and he wants to be with you. You must let him touch you.”

“Enough with the touching talk! You promiscuous little wench,” Elynne took big bites of her ice cream, trying to calm down. “I'm not going to invite him… nom, nom… if… well, if you know who is going to contact me. In fact, you should be grateful I didn't send you to school.”

“And leave you alone? No thanks,” she continued sipping her coffee. “Besides, I have to make sure you don't do anything stupid.”

“You can't… nom… you can't do anything. And why are you acting like you're the mature one?”

“Says the one who ordered ice cream with a puppy face,” said Ien, laughing.

“Shut up! And you always eat ice cream, don't you? Why are you drinking coffee now?”

“Oh, big sister. Only children indulge their whims whenever they can. We adults have learned to control our impulses,” said Ien, holding the cup as if she were a high society lady.

“You say that, but you put seven spoonfuls of sugar in it… You'll end up with diabetes before you're twenty.”

Elynne looked at her mobile phone to check the time. It was a little past one in the afternoon.

“There's a long way to go before five o'clock, big sister.”

“What worries me most is the movie… I admit you have nerves of steel,” said Elynne. “The last thing I want before… Well, you know, is to go to the movies.”

“All the more reason. Being worried all day will only make it worse. Think of it as an oasis of peace in the middle of the desert.”

“In the middle of hell would be more accurate,” thought Elynne, taking the last bites of her ice cream.

“I'm going to ask for the check,” said Elynne. “Finish your coffee quickly.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

They call it a shopping center, but it's actually apartment blocks converted with shops and restaurants.

Passing through the central plaza toward the western exit, there was the VisionPlex cinema. The latest technology in holograms, but with one inconvenience…

“It bothers me having to walk on these cobblestones…” said Elynne, stumbling over the potholes and cracks in the ground. “Don't let go of me, we're walking very close together.”

They left the café only to encounter an afternoon crowd.

“I agree…” said Ien. “It's incredible that it's so full for a weekday… and so early.”

“That's why I hate it. Stinky, old, and… ugh… I twisted my ankle… Full of potholes. Ugh… it's tiring to walk here.”

Everything was signposted… not “well” signposted, but the rusty signs were everywhere, indicating the shops, bathrooms, emergency exits, and the cinema.

“It's been a while since we watched a movie, hasn't it?”

“It's an experience, yes,” said Elynne. “But I still prefer to watch TV at home.”

“Please, a holoprojector is the most incredible thing in the world! Buy me one and I won't bother you anymore.”

They arrived at the outskirts of one of the apartment blocks. In what would be the vehicle access, there was a large sign projecting a hologram from emitters installed in the gate frame.

“I'd never have enough money for something like that,” Elynne pressed the intercom at the cinema entrance. “What movie are we going to see?”

“'Summer That Never Comes.' A romantic movie. We all need love in our lives.”

“But it's not something I'd watch with my sister… or with anyone.”

“I bet you would with Roger…” murmured Ien almost imperceptibly.

“Did you say something?”

“Nothing.”

Elynne spoke through the intercom requesting two tickets.

“Using a vehicle parking lot to project movies… what an idea.”

“Heh, heh,” Ien laughed. “I love that you can move around while they're playing. But hurry up, we have to go down the ramp.”

“It starts in half an hour, no need to rush.”

However, Ien grabbed her sister's arm to take her to the floor where the screening would be.

Going down, you could smell the aroma of freshly made popcorn. The smell of butter made Elynne start to salivate.

“Mmm! I guess I have enough for a bag of popcorn. Hey, you hid the drinks in your backpack, right?”

“Yes… But it's not right. It's forbidden to bring food and drinks into the cinema.”

“Bah! Are you paying? They ask for your pancreas as collateral for a ginger ale.”

Arranged against a wall were the cinema's official stands for buying all kinds of treats. It went without saying that the prices were exorbitant.

“Oh, God… I'm drooling,” said Elynne, while her stomach rumbled. “They look so delicious.”

“Sister, control your stomach. How embarrassing…”

“Look at those things. I think they're strawberry gummies covered in sugar. And those popcorns with strawberry sauce! And those chocolate chip cookies filled with strawberry cream!”

Nothing escaped her. She scanned the menu on the screens with the skill of an android. An amazing talent.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

“E-excuse me…”

“Start acting like an adult, please,” Ien's tone changed to a more serious one. “A young lady must show some composure.”

“I'd fill my mouth with those chocolate-covered strawberries and wouldn't care about anything else. Let them say what they want, public opinion is just toilet paper with extra steps.”

“H-hey, Ely…”

“If only I had money left over to buy that strawberry shake… No, wait. The cinema demands popcorn with butter. We must secure the butter!”

“Elynne, please, you're going to get fat just from fantasizing about food. What will Roger think of you?”

“What does it matter? He's not here. I can stuff myself, even if it's just in my imagination. Ooh, everything looks so delicious.”

“Roger… I'm sorry for my sister's careless behavior. Please don't rush to judge her.”

“Oh, no! Not at all, in fact, I find it quite adorable,” said a male voice… behind Elynne.

“Huh…?” Elynne asked a natural question.

“Right! If you set aside how grumpy, foul-mouthed, antisocial, loud, stingy, and bitter she is, you'd find she's an adorable person,” Ien's sincerity was crushing.

“S-she has other qualities,” said the same male voice. “For example, she's very honest and direct. And she has a big heart. Plus, she's good with little animals, even though she makes faces at them.”

“Huh…? Huh…? Huh…?” Elynne didn't dare turn around.

“And she has a great butt! Take a good look, Roger. I bet you'd bite it if you could!”

“I-I-I-I-I-I'd never do that. Besides, you shouldn't use those words, Ien. It's not appropriate for a girl your age.”

After that last sentence, Elynne turned slowly… you could hear her creaking like a rusty door.

“Eeeeeeeeeeh!” Yes indeed, it was Roger, the boy she had canceled a date with for this very day. “IEN, YOU LITTLE WITCH, WHAT DID YOU DO!”

“Heh, heh, heh. You should thank me for arranging your love life.” Ien was full of herself, while Elynne looked at her with a murderous mix of surprise and fury.

“H-hello Elynne,” said Roger, with a nervous smile. “I'm glad to see you. But… uhm… something strange is happening here.”

“Strange! Why are you here? I beg you, tell me it's a coincidence. And tell me you'll forget everything that's been said so far!”

“Okay, I can handle the latter. But the first… it's not a coincidence. You invited me to see a movie, or so… at least… Ien said.”

Elynne's face was perfect for embodying a horror movie… she opened her mouth which looked like a black hole… and her eyes were bloodshot… And her little sister simply smiled back at her, as innocent as always.

“You'll pay dearly for this betrayal…”

“I see that… it was all a misunderstanding.”

“No! I mean, yes, but… Ah… don't feel bad. Uhm… look,” Elynne lifted her shirt to her abdomen showing the patch she had on her wound. “I didn't lie about anything! I'm really injured!”

“Whoa, big sis, you're shameless. Why are you showing your belly button like that?” Ien made a mocking face of overdone surprise. On the other hand, Roger blushed. “Though I'm surprised you're so thin for how much you eat. Right, Roger?”

“Y-yes, I-I can see that,” Roger tried not to look at her belly, though his eyes wandered on their own. “Well, don't worry… But then why are you here? You should be resting.”

Elynne quickly covered herself when she noticed Roger's gaze and… basically everyone in the cinema.

“Whatever. First, Ien, I'm going to murder you! What does this mean?! Second, why did you tell him to come?! But answer me after I murder you!”

“Roger, did you bring what I asked you for?” she ignored her sister and addressed the boy.

“Yes, in fact, he's coming back from paying for the tickets.”

“Ooh, let me see, let me see,” said Ien, putting her hand to her forehead.

“Don't ignore me, brat…” Elynne was about to explode.

A boy of similar age to Ien approached the group with a paper in his hand.

“He has wine-colored hair and violet eyes!” said Ien. “Excellent choice, Roger!”

“Excuse me… who is this boy supposed to be?” asked the older sister.

“I'm wondering the same thing,” the young man with violet eyes stood still, looking at the two girls. “Who are these, ca-… Roger?”

His tone was quite harsh, matching his sober clothes and that unfriendly face. Though he wasn't ugly at all.

“Well, he is…” before Roger could answer, Ien interrupted him.

“A pleasure, I'm Ien Reed,” she lifted her skirt slightly like a damsel. “And she is my older sister, Elynne Reed. Could you tell me your name, gallant gentleman?”

Elynne stared at her little sister… she was completely shocked by how surreal it was.

“'Kaay… hello,” the young man replied, equally uncomfortable. “I'm Aran. Roger, is this necessary?”

The young boy looked at his companion almost seeking an excuse to leave.

“He… is my cousin,” Roger hurried to answer. “And he's a good kid… I think.”

“Huh? Cousin? Yes, yes. Hello… aaah… Aran.”

The young man sighed and made a gesture with his hand.

“Are we going to see the movie or not? You know there's no time to waste.”

“Yes, yes. That's what we came for,” Roger replied.

“Surly and distant… my weakness,” said Ien, as she approached Aran. “I love tsunderes.”

“Tsun… what?” asked Aran, confused. “Hey, d-don't get so close. Who do you think I am?”

“Candidate for childhood friend, wild boyfriend and unfaithful husband,” Ien winked at him. “Don't let it go to your head, you have to earn your way into my heart.”

The group collectively forgot how to breathe… and the script officially went off the rails.

“Come on, let's go to the movie,” said Ien hanging onto the boy. “Do you have the tickets, Aran?”

“Yes, but let go of me, weirdo.”

“Come on then, it's about to start!” said Ien dragging Aran toward the access to floor -2.

“Ien, the movie is on floor -1 and there are twenty minutes left,” said Elynne.

“Ah! But that's the movie that 'you two are going to see.' Aran bought tickets to see 'Demon Buster,' or am I wrong, Roger?”

“Well… you told me to buy those tickets. That it was the movie Elynne wanted to see.”

“Ien, something is very wrong with you!” Elynne was completely thrown off by the little devil that was her sister.

“Ha, ha! Don't worry, big sister. You're going to see 'Summer That Never Comes,' and Aran and I are going to see 'Demon Buster: The Endless Castle.' You'll be able to watch a cute love movie alone together.”

“S-stop dragging me,” Aran was being pulled by a girl he had never seen until that moment.

“Hey, the tsundere role is fine, but do your cousin and my sister a favor so they can become boyfriend and girlfriend already,” Ien whispered in his ear. “Besides, tell me you don't like the anime 'Demon Buster.'”

“I don't watch anime.”

“…” Ien almost short-circuited. “Those are minus points, childhood friend candidate.”

“I'm not applying for the position, thanks!”

“Keep it up and you’ll unlock the cuckold ending.”

The discussion between both continued until Ien finished dragging Aran to floor -2, once Roger gave him a look with his eyes.

“Your sister is… special.”

“I'm going to hide her body in the closet,” said Elynne with a smile so radiant it scared Roger.

“Aah… Should I buy you some popcorn?” he tried to change the subject.

“With extra butter, please,” Elynne replied… with a smile so radiant it scared Roger even more.

“I-I'll go get them.”

The young man hurried toward the candy shops, leaving Elynne alone.

“Stupid, damn brat…” thought Elynne. “…I won't be able to calm down with Roger nearby. Somehow this got complicated…”

In her pocket she kept a mobile phone. A special one… It had nothing more than a few installed applications and defined contacts. Nothing extra could be loaded on it, nor could it call any other number outside of those it had saved.

Several times she had tried calling those numbers, but no one answered.

What is a phone like that for?

Only for one thing… to receive a call from someone special.

In this case, a call at five in the afternoon… but…

BRRRRING BRRING

“Is… the phone?” Elynne's question came accompanied by fear. “But it's not five o'clock yet.”

Her chest tightened as she felt the phone's vibration. With trembling hands, she took the phone out of her pocket and went as quickly as she could to a secluded corner of the parking lot.

“Mom…”

Elynne would never call her mom. Never. But at that moment, that's what it said on the screen, on a phone with predetermined contacts.

She answered and put it to her ear.

She said nothing, just waited for the voice on the other side to speak. It took a while…

“Elynne… You lack education,” the voice on the other side was cold, but recognizable. “You're a savage. Anyway, it's not my problem that you act like a Neanderthal.”

“W-what do you want?”

“Tsk… you're unpleasant. You should serve for something more than making drawings on wood.”

“If you're only calling to insult me, I'd rather hang up!”

An abrupt silence fell on the other end of the line. It lasted several seconds that seemed to stretch infinitely.

Elynne grew impatient, but before she could speak again, her mother's voice sounded again.

“I'll kill Ien.”

“W-what did you say?”

“Now you're playing deaf. I couldn't have been clearer. I'll kill Ien.”

She tensed every muscle; her stomach almost came out of her mouth.

“No! It's a joke! Stop doing that.”

“Unlike you, I don't go through life playing. My words have weight. Could you at least try to learn that? Or is it too difficult?”

It was true… a reality as true as gravity. Thea Reed, her mother, never made empty threats.

“You… If you do something to her, I…”

“You what?”

“I… I… Just… I've only obeyed you because you use Ien as a hostage. You… will lose the only thing that keeps me under control…”

Her words, though brave, were loaded with fear.

“You're about to piss yourself. Aaaah, pathetic. Do you think you're even minimally brave enough to lay a finger on me? Ha, ha, ha. I'm sure you're trembling.”

“Nothing will stop me! I may fear you, but I swear… if I have to drag the entire world down with me, I will make you pay for every single thing you do to her!”

“Oooh, so according to you, you have what it takes to murder me? Do you have the courage to take a life?”

“Yes! And don’t you dare underestimate me. If I decide to do it, I will.”

“I don't believe you at all. You're so weak that even killing a dog scares you. Did you forget that you left Ien at the mercy of a bulldog? Or when some guys approached you in the park? How many times did I have to do your job?”

“Shut up! Shut up! All that was years ago! I'm not the same as before! I've changed! And I'm not afraid of dogs anymore. Not of strangers either. I can overcome the repulsion I feel toward you!”

“All lies. Miserable girl, it's all a facade. You only overcame your fear because Ien did it first. Only because you drew others' attention with pity. The poor invalid who needs others to help her overcome her traumas. You play the tragic heroine in front of men to get their sympathy like a slut. You've even used Ien to improve your image.”

“I don't know what you're talking ab—”

“I've seen how your boss looks at my daughter! That fucking pedophile gets excited every time Ien passes by his workshop. And you know it, I know you've seen it, I know you've felt it. Why do you think he always says you can bring her whenever he can? That he'll take care of her, all while grabbing his crotch. Why do you think he's so nice to you? It's not for your talent, you're replaceable like anyone else. It's for Ien. For Ien! You're selling your sister to a sick man!”

“The… the boss doesn't…”

“That false idea that you can protect something is a lie you tell yourself to feel better. Do you really think you're capable of killing someone other than to save yourself alone? You haven't done it before, and you won't do it now. You can't even protect Ien from me.”

“…” Elynne wasn't clear what to say. “Yes… I will. She won't die. First you'll have to go through me.”

“Fine, then. If you do it, if you can prove me wrong, I'll spare my daughter's life. And I'm being reasonable about this. Just kill one person.”

“But… What are you saying? What kind of madness did you just spout?”

“I'm giving you a chance to save Ien. Since you can murder without problems, I need you to do me a favor.”

The confidence Elynne had gained vanished. Everything had been an illusion when she realized what her mother wanted.

“I'm not going to kill anyone.”

“Oh, no? Well, then Ien will die. She's on floor -2, right? Yes! I already saw her, she's with a young man. Poor thing, he'll have to die too.”

“No, no, no, wait! Stop!”

“See? You don't have the courage. You're a coward. A useless and pathetic woman who's good for nothing. Do you think anyone cares about you? Nobody loves you, you barely have Ien and that's only because she's a child. In the end she'll abandon you, just like you did to her. Your weakness is something that's never forgotten. So why bother even listening to you? I offered you a chance and you wasted it. Goodbye.”

“All right! I'll do what you ask. But don't hurt Ien,” Elynne began to cry. “I'll do what… you ask.”

“Much better. You would have saved me saliva if you had acted like a human being from the beginning.”

After getting agitated like this, Elynne's wound began to hurt again.

“The game is simple. I want you to kill the target before the movie ends. It doesn't matter how, just do it. Your reward will be that Ien continues living. If you don't…”

“Who are you talking about? Who is that person?”

“A blond-haired boy who was by your side a moment ago. His name is Roger, right? I can see you like him…” her mother's voice became mocking. “He is your target.”

Elynne collapsed to the floor.

“Hello, Elynne. Are you there? Can you hear me? I suppose you've already wet yourself. You have an hour and a half to complete your task.”

Mute with horror, Elynne wished that in that very place someone would end her misery. If before she had life in her eyes, now there was only emptiness.

Poor girl… today more than ever she cursed the day she was born and the woman who brought her into the world.