"Yes," Oni said.

"And what about Ran and Alexis—can they come with us?" I asked.

"They go with their Oni," she said.

My hopes fell once again. What good was any of this if we couldn't go together? I scrubbed my face with the palms of my hands.

Oni touched my forearm lightly. Words are hard. I will find them soon. Learning. Time and I will become better. I stay here with you and learn. I return home and stop knowing.

I nodded then told Alexis and ...