Returning home, Ray treated the wound on his shoulder, gathered everything he needed, and headed to the cemetery. He intended to spend this night in the company of people dear to him. Over the years, this had happened quite often, so the guards let him through without question. If it weren't for his obligations to many people and the necessity of caring for Deya and Yuno, Ray could very well have taken up residence here while still alive.
Deftly setting up a tent, Ray took out his guitar. Music had become one of his ways of surviving the tragedy. He had lost his voice, so he didn't even try to sing.
Ray had always loved learning, and after what had happened, he needed something to occupy his mind to push away thoughts of blowing his brains out. Besides playing the guitar, he studied various languages. The latter came very easily to him.
His favorite language turned out to be Russian. One of the reasons was Sergei and the song by the band "Aria" that he had heard thanks to him. Ray was surprised to learn that the old man was a fan of this group.
Knowing multiple languages was also useful in his work. The occasions when he had to meet others under the persona of Skatos were very rare, but they did happen. The fact that he spoke different languages could confuse anyone trying to figure out who was beneath the mask.
Ray had no doubt that sooner or later, people would start digging intensely into him — especially when the political elites, who cling to power with their teeth, grasped the full design of the "Devils."
Ray began to play "Paradise Lost" on the guitar. Finishing, he said quietly:
"I always believed I was a man of strong spirit. But it turns out that's not the case. With each day, it's harder for me to hold myself back from suicide. I think the girls would be very disappointed in their father. I'm sorry you have to see me like this."
Ray's voice was full of self-flagellation and self-loathing.
From the whirlpool of such thoughts, he was torn by an unexpectedly beautiful voice, accompanied by the strumming of guitar strings. It seemed that this lovely voice muted his mental anguish, granting his wounded soul a long-forgotten peace.
The long-forgotten feeling yanked Ray out of reality, to which he returned only as the music faded. Reluctantly coming back to the present, Ray continued his concert. Finishing another song, he unexpectedly heard a voice:
"Not bad. But I didn't expect we'd meet again. I think this is a good opportunity to properly thank you."
Turning around, Ray saw the girl he had met at the club entrance.
"Girls with your looks shouldn't walk alone to places like this so late at night."
"I could say the same about you. I know it's not the most appropriate time, but I really wanted to visit my mother," the girl replied.
"I'm visiting my family too," Ray said.
Hearing his words, the girl looked skeptically at the tent and asked:
"If I understand correctly, you're planning to sleep here?"
"You understood correctly. I belong among the dead. I know that might sound pretentious, but it's truly the case," Ray said bitterly.
"Considering the portraits… I think I can understand you," she replied.
"This is my mother, my wife, and my two children. The greater part of me died with them. But I have to say that, even if only for a brief moment, your singing managed to restore a long-forgotten peace to me. So we're even, and you don't need to thank me. But may I give you one piece of advice?"
"My talent for music came from my mother. I took it up after her death. It felt like it strengthened our connection. As for advice — I'll listen. You've already helped me; I think your advice won't be out of place. But first, let's introduce ourselves. My name is Hatsune Miku," the girl said, extending her hand.
"Ray Johnson. Pleased to make your unusual acquaintance."
"I don't know your story, but I can say one thing for certain: you need to dump your boyfriend."
Ray wanted to continue, but Miku unexpectedly laughed and interrupted him:
"Why? Are you aiming for his spot?"
After her impulsive words, she immediately regretted them. But her interlocutor, instead of growing furious, merely smiled tenderly and looked at her like a child — which only intensified her shame.
"You are very beautiful, but, in my opinion, far too self-assured. My mother had a similar experience. I simply don't want you to repeat her mistake — one she regretted her whole life, as I know. If in my concern and worry you see an attempt to get into your panties — while we are sitting at the grave of my family — I pity you."
After these words, the shame Miku felt multiplied several times over. Barely pulling herself together, she said sincerely:
"I'm sorry…"
Sighing heavily, the girl continued with difficulty:
"After my mom died, my father completely immersed himself in work. I was raised by nannies. I understand that in this way he tried to escape the pain of losing his beloved. But at some point, the company he built came first for him. Sometimes it feels to me like he loves it more than his own daughter."
Pausing, she sighed again and went on:
"Dave wasn't always like this. His father also lost his wife early, so our fathers were friends for many years. If mine gave me almost no attention, Shane's father spoiled him too much. As a result, the friend I fell in love with gradually turned into one of those typical 'golden youth' representatives that I despise. Our fathers — one in business, the other in politics — want to create their own elite clan. And our marriage would be an excellent foundation for them."
"If once this idea seemed good to me, and I was even happy, then watching Dave gradually change, I started having doubts. But for my father, this company is everything. And I don't want to let him down. Honestly, I don't like being told what to do. That's the main reason for my reaction to your words."
"I don't think I'll ever be able to understand your father," Ray said, having listened to the girl attentively. "I lost the people dearest to me. But I still have a sister. Only she keeps me in this world. I also have work. People rely on me. I understand that I'm not suited for raising children. But I'm doing everything I can. And if need be — for my sister, I would go to any lengths."
"So I will never understand your father, who placed his company above the daughter his beloved left him. If we ever happen to meet — I don't think we'll get along. But I heard what your father wants. What you want, however — I still haven't heard," Ray asked, looking into the sky-blue eyes of his beautiful companion.
"I really love to sing. When I sing, it feels like my mother is near."
"My life has never been simple. But even in it, there were moments of happiness. Over the years I've lived, I've understood a few very simple but important things. One of them is that you have to fight for your happiness. You can't tell from looking at me now, but once I was a short, chubby nerd."
"To win the heart of a beauty like my late wife, I had to sell a kidney. Perhaps I could have taken a place in her heart without that step. But I don't regret anything. She stayed by my side, no matter what. If I had to give my life to bring her back — I would do it. Yes, I regret how it all ended. But the truth is, by her side, I was truly happy."
Listening to her new acquaintance's words, Miku could barely hold back her tears:
"I can't imagine how much pain you're in. I hope I never face such an experience. But I still don't think your wife would be happy if you gave your life for her. Besides… I don't want to be rude, but don't you think that's hypocritical?"
"You're right. But Lily was far stronger than me. I'm certain she could have moved on — even without me. Unlike me."
Looking into the girl's eyes again, Ray said:
"You have only two paths. There will be forks in the road, but globally, there are only two. The first: marry this guy, fulfilling your parents' plans. He'll make you the mother of a couple of kids, then continue carousing until he runs into trouble or meets death — under the influence of alcohol or various chemicals."
"Watching his constant infidelities, you might throw yourself into all sorts of reckless behavior. In the end, you'll both abandon your children to fate, and they will become orphans with living parents."
"Perhaps you'll come to love those children and do everything for them. With the right approach, you could inherit everything your parents built. Maybe you'll even get lucky — and find a man who will love not only you but your children as well."
Pausing and realizing he was being listened to attentively, Ray continued:
"Or you can go against your father and start following your dream. You have the talent, so I think you can do it. But this path will be very difficult and quite dangerous."
"Any mistake could cost you your future. Whichever of these paths you choose — we're not in a game, and there will be no way back. Think carefully and decide which path you want to take. But decide for yourself."
"So that if on one of these roads you encounter failure, you won't have the chance to blame someone else. Whichever path you choose — take my number. If you need help, just call."
"Either I'll help you personally, or whoever is on the other end of the line will. And in case you think this is my attempt to get into your panties — you can just throw this card away."
"You're going to use the moment of my disgrace until the end of my days," Miku said, pouting.
"You understood that perfectly," Ray smirked.
"But seriously… why would you help me?" the girl asked.
For a moment, Ray considered answering with another joke. But seeing the girl's gaze, he answered seriously:
"As I already said, my life has never been simple. But on my difficult path to happiness, there were people who helped me. Have you seen the movie 'Pay It Forward'?"
"I try to live by that principle. Even if just a little, I still want to believe that such an approach to life can make the world a slightly better place."
With these words, Ray took out a substantial sum of money and handed it to the girl:
"I don't know which path you'll choose. But here's five thousand. It definitely won't be superfluous in the early stages. And now, let me walk you out and help you catch a taxi."
At first, Miku wanted to refuse the money, but after thinking over their recent conversation, she accepted it.
Having paid for the taxi, Ray said:
"I've memorized your plate number. The young lady is to be delivered in pristine condition — straight to the gates of her home. If I find out something happened to her, you'll be the first person I come to with questions."
The taxi driver wanted to protest, but after sizing up Ray's bulk and noting the double payment, he said:
"Don't worry, buddy. Your beauty will be delivered in the best condition. Though I never thought girls like that went on dates at the cemetery."
Ray didn't correct the young driver — to avoid giving him strange ideas. After what had happened to Lily, he had become overly protective toward women. Over the years, he had helped many. Ray understood: it was his subconscious attempt to rid himself of the guilt for not being able to protect Lily and their children.
"From what I've heard about your father, if you decide to go the second path, he'll most certainly try to pressure you."
"Don't worry about me. Do what you think is right. Many have broken their teeth on me. And your old man won't be an exception."