The old church was gradually abandoned by the children who had just finished praying and singing, each of them returning to their respective homes one by one.
What had once been filled with lively voices, laughter, and echoes of prayers was now slowly replaced by the sound of footsteps fading into the distance, leaving behind an emptiness that felt far too sudden.
(Dak... dak... the sound of footsteps echoed faintly)
"That was fun, right...!?"
"Yeah... let's pray together again next
time...!?" the children said cheerfully as they walked away.
Their voices gradually disappeared, swallowed by the quiet surroundings. The once lively church now stood in silence, as if it had returned to its natural state—cold, empty, and unsettling.
Only a few children remained behind, those who lived within the church itself.
Before Raymond could leave the church, he suddenly heard a voice calling out. He, along with the remaining children, was told to gather, though he had no idea why.
"Come... gather around...!?"
The voice carried a strange warmth, yet something about it felt unnatural. At the same time, the bell above began to swing again, producing a loud, heavy sound that echoed through the hollow space.
"What does he want from us...?" Raymond muttered under his breath.
With no real choice, Raymond walked forward and stood together with three other children.
"So... I called you all here because today, we have a new child who will begin living here," the caretaker, Ethan, said calmly.
Raymond frowned slightly, confusion clearly written on his face.
"Hey... who are you talking about...?" he asked.
Ethan paused for a moment, then slowly turned his gaze toward Raymond. A stiff smile appeared on his face.
"Why... it's you..."
"You're the one I'm talking about..."
Silence fell over the group once again.
None of the children spoke. They simply stared at Raymond, their eyes fixed on him, waiting for his response.
"Hah...!?"
"Since when did I ever say I wanted to stay here...?" Raymond said coldly, pointing at himself.
Ethan's expression changed.
The smile on his face slowly twisted into something colder, more unsettling. The veins on his forehead became faintly visible, though he still tried to maintain his composure.
"Haha... you didn't hear wrong..."
"As the caretaker—and the one who found you—I have a responsibility over your life..."
Raymond noticed that small shift immediately.
That slight change in tone... that forced calmness...
It was enough to make him realize one thing—if he resisted, things might not end well for him.
He remained silent for a moment before finally speaking in a quieter voice.
"Fine... maybe you're right..."
The sky outside had begun to dim, the orange light of evening slowly fading into darkness. The sound of the bell, which had been echoing endlessly, gradually faded as well.
"Haha... that's the right choice..."
"So, children, this is the new child who will be living here. He will be your new friend."
"Now... introduce yourself."
Raymond felt irritation rise within him, but he chose not to show it.
"Raymond... my name is Raymond."
"Haha... did you hear that? Now it's your turn," Ethan said.
"My name is Ray, I'm 14."
"My name is Maria, I'm 14."
"My name is Samuel, I'm 17."
The children stood neatly in line, their faces filled with excitement—an excitement that felt out of place.
"They... look strange..."
Raymond observed them closely.
Their bodies were thin, almost fragile, and there were marks—scratches, bruises—visible on their arms and legs. Some of them looked like they had not been properly cared for in a long time.
Still, Raymond chose not to dwell on it.
Instead, he turned back to Ethan.
"So... can I leave?" he asked.
"No... it's already night. There are many
dangerous things outside. Besides, you should prepare to rest. Start by bathing."
For a brief moment, Raymond felt something was off.
Yet, this time, he pushed that feeling aside.
"Maybe... what he said makes sense...
But what kind of danger could even exist out there...
Damn it..."
With that, Raymond followed Ethan and the other children.
They moved back inside.
Before fully entering, Raymond couldn't help but glance once more at the statue.
A shiver ran down his spine as the memory of what he had seen earlier resurfaced.
Without wasting time, he quickened his pace and followed the others.
Behind the staircase he had descended earlier, there was a small room.
It was the bathroom.
"So... this is where we bathe. If you want to clean yourself, you do it here."
"Since you're new, you go first."
"Alright, children, return to your rooms. I'll call you once Raymond is done."
The others left.
Raymond stepped inside alone.
The moment he entered, the air felt different.
Cold. Damp.
It wrapped around his body like something alive.
A strange smell lingered in the air—something difficult to describe. It was a mix of stagnant water and something slowly rotting.
In the corner stood a stone basin filled with water. Its surface was covered with a thin layer of moss.
The water was still.
Too still.
Its reflection seemed unnatural, almost distorted the longer he looked at it.
A wooden bucket lay beside it, its handle worn and fragile.
Every time it moved, it let out a faint creaking sound, as if it might break at any moment.
Dim light entered through small holes in the damaged wall, casting long shadows across the room.
Raymond's shadow stretched unnaturally along the floor.
The wooden planks beneath his feet were damp and covered in moss, making every step slippery and uncertain.
Without wasting time, Raymond quickly removed his clothes, eager to leave the place as soon as possible.
"Damn it... this place is really uncomfortable..."
The sound of water echoed softly as it poured over his body.
For a moment, everything seemed normal.
Until—
"Hus...?"
A faint sound.
Soft.
Almost like a whisper.
Raymond froze.
Slowly, he turned his head, scanning the room.
From the small holes in the walls—
He saw them.
Eyes.
Dozens of them.
Watching him.
"What... is that...?"
His body stiffened.
He rubbed his eyes and looked again.
Nothing.
They were gone.
Silence returned.
"Was that real... or not...?"
A chill ran down his spine.
Not wanting to think any further, Raymond quickly put his clothes back on.
His movements became rushed, almost desperate.
Without looking back, he immediately walked out of the bathroom.