The rain grew heavier.
He waved to his companions and pointed at the few fish left on the ground.
Then, amid his companions' calls of thanks, he picked up his fish and turned to leave.
The drizzle thickened, cool against his face.
Wanting to get home faster, he turned into a small alley.
SPLASH, SPLASH.
The sound of his footsteps echoed through the rainy alley.
Suddenly, Ville's ears twitched.
He heard footsteps other than his own.
He looked up out of reflex.
Through the curtain of rain, a blurry figure was walking toward him.
They weren't far, yet for some reason, he couldn't make out their face.
As the figure drew closer, Ville felt a strange palpitation, his chest tightening as if squeezed by an invisible hand.
In the instant they brushed shoulders, the person suddenly looked up.
Through the veil of rain, a pair of crimson, cross-shaped pupils stared straight at him, so cold they held not a trace of warmth.
In that instant, Ville's consciousness clouded over.
