Photographs

*Phoenix*

I woke up in my bed on Saturday morning. The past week felt like a dream. I reached under my low bed and pulled out my photo album. My fingers stroked the black leather cover. I felt my eyes go out in a haze. I think I might cry now.

I force myself to toughen up and open the book. I turned to the last page. Omi, Ayame, and I stood in a photo together. They�re real. I looked at those photos. Yep, they�re real. I looked at the other page. Orochi held me in some others. He�s real too.

I gently touched my lips. I thought about that kiss. He and I in a bond. I felt my body go cold. There is something off about him. It feels like he wants to rape me or something. I don�t really know.

I looked through my pictures once the shock wore off. Most of my life was in this book. This helped with my memories. Katie�s idea, really. She told me it helped to remember that way. Judging by these photos alone, I have met so many people in my life.

Then, I saw that damned burn. Number twenty-two. A path opened up in my mind again. I felt my right shoulder. I still have it. Number twenty-two. I reached into the album pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. I opened it up and read it.

7= Ayame

21= Omi

22= Me

Right. I begin to remember my mission. I have found other doomed ones. I have to find the other thirty-four.

�Phoenix, honey!� my mom called from downstairs. �I have your breakfast!�

I looked at the door. �I�ll be down in a moment.� Silence. I kept eyes low to the pages in my lap. My mother� I don�t want to talk about her. I�ll eat later, don�t worry.

I just sat on my bed and viewed my memories and case. Just stall until she goes back to bed. Typical morning at my house, really.