Page 88 of Sixty Meters Under

Lennart tapped the screen and spoke, “Yes?” with anticipation, since it was Elin on the other side of the line.

“Lennart? We found something. Please come to the lab.”

Lennart’s heart skipped a beat. “I’m coming right away.” He hung up and jumped from his chair, almost losing his balance when he tried to reach the door.

?

When the guard placed a new tray in front of his bars Ryosuke stood up and examined the contents. The chicken soup and juicy meat mixed with rice smelled delicious, but Ryosuke resisted his urge to eat. His stomach twisted, but the only thing he took from the tray was a single stainless steel fork.

Not perfect, but better. It should be enough.

He nodded to himself and sat on his bed with his back to the bars. He tucked his legs under his backside and stared at the fork in his hand.

I wish I had a piece of paper and a pen. Would it raise a suspicion if I asked for some?

He ran his fingertips over the sharp edges of the fork and bit his lip. His anxiety increased and his heart picked up its pace.

This is for the best. I’m making the right decision. It will be over soon.

Ryosuke closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

It might seem scary… But… it’s the only way. I took a life. I shall pay the price.

Ryosuke wished he could leave a letter for his parents and reassure them not to worry and explain his decision. But he knew it would be too risky.

His chest rose and fell as he relived his most cherished moments behind the closed eyelids. A smile appeared on his lips and then his face became wet with tears.

I will miss you… Mom, Dad, Aki… You are a great family. I couldn’t ask for more.

Ryosuke opened his eyes and bit his lower lips.

“Forgive me. I hope you’ll be able to forgive me one day,” he whispered softly, looked at his lap and squeezed the piece of metal.

When he wiped away his tears, Lennart’s face appeared before his eyes. Ryosuke smiled brokenly. “And you…You…” He closed his eyes again and began to sob.

I wish… I wish I had met you under some other circumstances. Or in another lifetime… I… Maybe…

Ryosuke wiped his face with his sleeve and opened his eyes. Regret sat deep in his chest as he thought of Lennart. His heart squeezed as more tears began to roll down his cheeks.

Lennart… I can’t… I…

I love you.

Ryosuke’s whole body slumped and shook. It took him another moment until he calmed down a little.

I need to stop. I don’t have much time.

Ryosuke examined his wrist, and when he was sure he found the right spot, he pressed the sharp edge of the fork to his vein.

Opening the vein here should work. Painful sure, but I had to endure. I hope nobody notices before I bleed out.

His hands shook. He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth as he prepared to take the final step.

God, if you exist, forgive me.

His heart drummed behind his ribs. Ryosuke didn’t want his life to end like this, but his decision was final.

I have to do this.