Page 62 of His Hell Girl

I still, blinking repeatedly as if I can't quite believe what I'm seeing. Taking a few steps, I reach the back of the wardrobe, coming face to face with a human-sized teddy bear. In fact, it's practically the same height I am.

It can't be…

Blue with a pink ribbon, the bear looks eerily like the one I'd seen months back, during my first visit at a shopping center. It had stayed with me because I'd never seen such a big toy before, and it wasblue—my favorite color. The pink ribbon had only made it more endearing and I remember spending some time just admiring it, barely working up the courage to touch it.

It had reminded me of everything I'd ever wanted growing up, but never received—most of all, it had reminded me of comfort.

I don't know why. Maybe it was the hue of the blue, or the softness of the material, but for a brief moment I'd wanted it more than anything. Of course, I hadn't gone through with buying it, since why would a grown woman need a bear?

But to see it here…

My gaze strays even lower, and I recognize the teddy bear I'd ripped in front of Vlad the other day. This one, a different shade of blue, is only slightly bigger than my hand.

I frown, suddenly realizing something.Allthe bears had been blue, or at least a shade of blue.

Picking it up, I almost feel bad for committing bearicide, but as I pat him over, trying to locate the tear I'd caused, I realize there's none.

Instead, there's a black, ugly jagged line starting from the bottom of the bear and going up to its neck—holding the seams together.

He didn't…

I don't know whythisof all things makes my eyes burn with unshed tears, but as I rummage more through the back of the closet, I find a small sewing kit.

He did.

And I'm suddenly more confused than ever.

Why would someone who hasnofeelings care about something as trite as this?

"What the…" I can't help but stare at the small bear, and the poor yet endearing attempt to put it back together.

Why would someone who kills people in cold blood care about a stupid teddy bear?

Numbly walking back into the room, I'm still holding on to the bear, my thoughts a big, jumbled mess.

Now, more than ever, I can't seem to getanyproper read on Vlad.

There's so much contradicting information that I don't know what to believe anymore. He's putting too much effort into this for someone who supposedly doesn't care.

My treacherous heart hones in on that thought, and I cannot stop myself from hoping.

I need to get to the bottom of this… before I get my heart broken again.

My mind made up, I decide to wait and confront him. After all, it's the only thing I can do that will ensure I'm not simply building scenarios in my head.

Because I've learned already that misplaced hope hurts the most. And I don't want to fall prey to it again.

I decide to wait around until he comes home, alternating between snooping some more and rolling around in his big bed, unashamedly inhaling the scent off his sheets.

A small nap and a lot of boredom later, it's already night. I'm very close to giving up when the door to the room swings open, Vlad coming in.

He doesn't even notice me at first, intent on taking his clothes off.

"Fuck, you startled me," he says when I turn on the lamp on his desk, raising an eyebrow at him. Slowly getting up, I place myself in front of him, not willing to give him any opening to avoid me this time.

"We need to talk," I say.

"We do?" he asks, confused.

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