Page 86 of Sixty Meters Under

“Are you here? Lucas?” Edvin tried too.

“I don’t think so…”

Edvin released a heavy sigh, took his headphones off and placed them on the smooth wooden surface. Unlike him Liam lost his temper and threw the headphones across the room. “Dammit! Fucking signal!”

?

The metal door opened, echoing down the hall. Heavy footsteps followed, one pause, then another. The tray was placed next to the opening and once again a voice rasped, “It’s breakfast time.”

Ryosuke didn’t move a muscle, although he was long awake. He remained on his side, his face hidden from view. Thefootsteps retreated and the metal door closed. Ryosuke heard Richard grab his portion and eat. His own stomach protested, but he didn’t want to give in. A few minutes passed before Ryosuke stood up, crouched next to the tray and stared at its contents.A slice of bread with butter, ham and a boiled egg. A few slices of vegetables and a fork. No knife. Again.

Ryosuke looked closely at the fork, and frowned.It’s not good enough.

He left the portion of food untouched and went back to lie on his bed. He was already starting to feel dizzy, so he decided to preserve his energy.

I’m making the right decision. I don’t deserve to eat. I’ll leave the food for others, but guards are persistent in bringing it for me. That’s probably my father’s doing.

“You still haven’t touched your food, have you?” Ryosuke heard Richard speak from across the hall. “I hope guilt is gnawing at you and will eat you alive.”

Ryosuke’s frown deepened. He hated that the man was right. Though he didn’t answer him, there was no need. He only curled into himself, wishing to disappear and closed his eyes.

He was suddenly awakened by a female voice: “Ryosuke?”

He blinked a couple of times, recognizing Ayame. She stood on the other side and squeezed the bars.

“Love?” she called again.

Ryosuke felt a headache kicking in. He reluctantly rose to a sitting position, missing the position he was in before her arrival.

“Hi.”

“Yeah, a very warm greeting,” she said, her voice bitter.

“How else should I greet you?” Ryosuke snapped, irritated.

“Well, certainly not like this.” Ayame crossed her arms.

Ryosuke rolled his eyes. “I’m in jail, Ayame. In a jail cell. Did you come here to make me feel worse?”

“No. I did not.”

“You obviously don’t know how I feel. Nor care about it.” He supported his head with his palms.

“I do! That’s why I’m here and visit you every day.”

Ryosuke didn’t look up. Ayame continued, “I miss you! You have no idea how hard it is without you. I count minutes, hours, but I don’t know how long I’ll be without you. It’s driving me crazy!”

He clenched his jaw and looked at her. “Ayame…”

“I miss you very much!”

Ryosuke narrowed his eyes. “I need to tell you something important.”

“Yes, love?”

“Locked in here I had a chance to think about everything.” He sighed. “Ayame, we should break off our engagement.”

Her lips formed an O as she gaped in surprise. “W-what?”