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Chapter 3 - ARC 2: Perfect Life (Ch. 13-26)

At age thirteen scozza begins a journal, written in small neat letters.

Entry: "Five years left. What do I want to become before I vanish?"

Noticeably, Konikura has grown into a spunky, clever little girl with a habit of asking hard questions.

Konikura: "Hey Scozza— Why do people die?"

Scozza (pausing): "So life can mean something."

He Answered Skeptically.

One night, Konikura cries after a nightmare. Scozza hugs her tightly.

Konikura: "Don't ever leave, okay?"

Scozza (softly): "Don't Worry!!– I'll always be here."

He Lied.

Later that night, Reina watches Scozza from the kitchen window, sensing something strange about her son's eyes — "too old for a boy his age...".

At age fifteen Ace teaches him how to drive early — in a quiet parking lot on weekends. They argue over music, and laugh at bad radio jokes.

Scozza developed a bad habit, as sometimes He stares at the mirror longer than he should. One night, Nyxcie appears in the glass. Its fur seems to ripple with light.

Nyxcie: "Three years left. Any Regrets?"

Scozza: "No, None yet."

A month later he plays the villain in the school play. The audience loves him. For once, he enjoys the spotlight, unlike last time.

And at Jules' house, under blankets and stars, they talk about aliens, death, and dreams, Jules asked — "Does life have any meaning if we'll all die in the end?", scozza shrugged — "I don't know.".

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