An Anime Idea (Part 2)

"Well," said Dr. Chesterfield, staring intently back at Kurimosoda--the kind of stare that appears to be meeting your eyes, but is actually extending its phantom limbs beyond to pick apart and study your mind, "there is certainly something wrong with you." His inspection ceased suddenly and he gathered his pen to make some notes. "But it is not anything to do with your body. You're perfectly fit, physically."

"What are you writing there?" asked Kuri, trying to peer over the doctor's concealing arm, but the notes had already been written, and the pad secreted away into a coat pocket.

"Nothing, just some notes. I'm going to ask you to see--"

"A therapist. Right? I knew it. Look, this wasn't easy for me. I've tried to be truthful, and as hone--"

"No, no, you don't understand. I am referring to you to a colleague of mine, a specialist."

Kuri stared back at the doctor, in parts with distrust, in parts with distrust. And wholly burning with pain. "What kind of specialist?"

The doctor appeared to think for a moment before answering. "A--special one," he said, calmly.

"What?" Kuri exploded.

The doctor was still calm, but something uneven was surfacing in his voice and demeanor. Not fear or nervousness, but some kind of uncertainty, a tinge of anxiety. "You see, Mr. Akahoshi, you're not the first person to tell me this type of tale this week.

"A girl, calling herself Gushiken Arata," Chesterfield reviewed his special notebook, "also claims that she is hurting, just like you."

"Probably not just like me," explained Kuri quickly, but Chesterfield was too fast.

"Exactly like you," he said. "YOU ARE THE SAME!"