Editing Ghost Hunt:Volume 8 Chapter 15 (section)

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When we rushed out of the bungalow, a crowd full of several curious onlookers was gathered by the water’s edge.

The area was heavy with signs of twilight. The shore was caught in the shadow of the mountain, and the perimeter of the boat on the shadowless lake was brilliant as if illuminated. The surface of the water was glistening in the setting sun.

The black head of the diver appeared at the surface of the water near the motorboat. A hand extended from the inside of the boat and was given a rope. As the person on the boat pulled the rope, some sort of dull-grey mass of cloth soon rose to the surface of the water. The underwater diver got into the boat and the boat began to move. It headed toward the shore.

Watching that scene, it felt like we were observing some kind of ritual.

The boat arrived at the shore. It touched ground at the water’s edge and stopped. When the diver, who jumped down, pulled on the rope, a grey…. No, something wrapped in a dirty silver tarp was hauled forward. It was brought to the water’s edge. From among the people who were watching from a short distance off, a single figure began walking to the water’s edge. It was Naru.

Naru crouched beside the mass of cloth that had been pulled up. He reached out a hand and the middle-aged diver could be heard trying to stop him.

“Don’t do it.”

“No, I’m fine.”

Naru’s voice was calm. He lacked expression.

Naru knelt on the tarp. Stretching out his white hand, he turned up the sheet. From the edge of the bundled tarp, a small bit of jet-black hair could be seen peeking out. The diver, who was beside him, averted his eyes.

Naru stared fixedly at that… then he replaced the tarp with a steady hand. Remaining silent, he stood to his feet and began to walk along the water’s edge.

His profile was tranquil with neither tears nor traces of suffering.

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It became an uproar after that. However, Masako, Ayako, and I, followed by Mori-san, quickly left that place and returned to the bungalow. We brought Naru’s mother with us.

Naru’s father is Martin Davis. His mother’s name seems to be Luella Davis. According to Mori-san, his father is apparently called Professor Davis to distinguish from Naru, who received a doctorate. I’m not sure of their age, but I think it’s slightly older than our mother and father’s age.

Also, Professor Davis has brownish red hair and Mrs. Davis has magnificently blonde hair. The Professor’s eyes are blue and hers are violet.

Mrs. Davis cried a lot. It was sad and I felt sorry for her, but I was at a loss for words to comfort her. After a long time had passed and it had become dark outside the window, Mrs. Davis at last raised her face from where it had been resting on Mori-san’s shoulder.

“Please, excuse me.”

Her Japanese had a slightly unsteady feeling.

“I’m sorry, for not greeting you.”

Everyone shook their heads and after seeing that with her tear-swollen eyes, she asked,

“Do you understand my Japanese?”

“It’s very good.”

When Masako said that, Mrs. Davis finally smiled. Even so, it was painful to see her mouth trembling as she smiled.

“Those two would talk secretly in Japanese, so I studied the language. However, Japanese is difficult. I can’t speak it well. I’m sorry.”

‘Those two’ probably meant Naru and his older brother.

“Thank you so much for taking very good care of Naru.”

“Not at all. Thank you, too.”

Masako bowed and Ayako stood up.

“I’ll refresh the tea. Since it’s cooled down.”

“Um… My condolences.”

When I said this, Mrs. Davis looked at Mori-san. Mori-san said something in English, then Mrs. Davis smiled at me.

“Thank you very much. Are you Taniyama-san?”

“Yes, that’s right. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. Naru can be difficult since he’s a serious person. Thank you very much.”

Since she said so, she must know I’m working part-time at the office.

“He really is a bit difficult, isn’t he?”

When I said this, Mrs. Davis laughed.

“But he’s a good child.”

“I know.”

“I’m very proud of both of them.”

Saying that, she opened her hand, which held a handkerchief. In her palm, she had a business-card sized picture frame. She gently caressed it. When I tried to peer into it, she handed it over.

“I’m very proud.”

There were two boys in the picture. They had the same face. The same stature. One’s expression was somewhat more gentle than the other’s. It was two Narus.

“...Gene?”

I pointed to one. Mrs. Davis nodded.

They were really similar. Gene was smiling and Naru was frowning slightly.

“It’s like there are two Genes.”

Masako said as she looked on from the other side. I definitely think so.

Rather than two Narus, it felt as if there were two Genes present in the picture. I understood the reason immediately. Naru was wearing a navy blue sweater. His shirt was dungaree. It was the first time I had seen Naru dressed like that.

...Oh, I see.

I understand.

Those… were for mourning.

All black clothes. They were for Gene.

—For the half he had lost.

Suddenly, tears nearly spilled out, but I quickly fought them back. I have no right to cry in front of his mother. First of all, this sorrow belongs to those who knew Gene well and loved him.

I returned the picture frame to Mrs. Davis. She grasped it in her palm as though it was very important.

“Poor Gene.”

Mrs. Davis said with tears in her eyes once again.

“I think it’s painful for Naru, too. Poor thing.”

“Yes...”

“Though they were born together, it’s wrong for them to be separated like this. It’s truly cruel.”

“I think so, too.”

When I said that, I became tearful and couldn’t hold back. I stood up on the spot and quickly went outside.