I glanced back at Satoshi.
His hand was at his neck now, fingers dragging over the skin under his chin. His face was tight with discomfort, and I could see more angry red bumps breaking out across his throat.
Ugh.
The skin looked inflamed and furious, like it was fighting itself.
I shivered just looking at it.
Right now, that water allergy was clearly flaring up badly.
Naw. We have to figure something out. I can’t sit with him all day and watch him go through pain in silence.
I pulled out my phone and typed quickly as we walked.
Me:Grandma, do you know anything that's good for skin allergies? I have a friend that's allergic to water. He can’t stop scratching his neck.
I hit send and slipped it back into my pocket.
We reached the staircase and started descending. Three flights down to the theater level.
Yoichi spoke as we walked. "Your friends are in the movie theater. They're ready to go. The majority of the island is getting seated. The chef has provided snacks, popcorn, and drinks."
“Good.” I nodded. "What movie are we watching?"
"The Magic Garden," Yoichi said. "It's a new animated film."
I smiled despite everything. Zo loved animation. He was probably already geeking out over it.
"Since we're going for extra precaution," Kaoru said, "you're going to go in the box that looks over the theater room."
I looked at him. "The box?"
"Yeah. It's at the top where the projector and all that is."
"Oh." I frowned. "So I'm not going to be with Kenji’s people?"
"No."
"I think I should, maybe, so they can see that everything's okay."
Behind me, Satoshi's voice cut in. He was still scratching his neck, and his tone was firm. "No. We won't risk it. Let's keep you up in the box for safety reasons. Your friends are in the box with you. And they seem to be happy. They're playing music."
I sighed. "Alright. I’ll trust your guidance."
Kaoru chuckled. "By the way, the hairstylist. . .is she single?"
“You already have two girlfriends.”
“I’m always open for a third.”
“Deja as somebody’s third?” I blinked. Then I laughed.
Actually laughed.
For the first time since Kenji left, I felt something other than terror. The sound came out of me unexpectedly, and I realized how much I needed it.
Once I finished laughing, I grinned. "She’s single but listen. . .you don't want to mess with Deja. You're quite the playboy, but she is a playboy's kryptonite."
