106 What It Means to Be Perfect

Suddenly, Mildred backed off. It was as though she couldn't believe what she had done.

"I... I..."

The tavern was empty.

All the others had left while the bartender himself abandoned his post.

It was getting hard to breathe through my lungs as they had been pierced by the bone fragments. If I didn't do anything about it, I would die in just a few moments.

Mildred covered her trembling lips with both of her hands.

"What... what have I done..."

A weak smile formed on my face.

"...I see now. I was too selfish."

I coughed up a mouthful of blood.

"Everyone is their own person. I tried to fit you into who I wanted you to be."

Mildred didn't seem to hear me.

"Oh... oh god."

I reached my hand out and lightly brushed against Mildred's cheek.

"Don't worry... I'm fine."

Mildred held her forehead with her hand.

"What? But, but..."