Midori finished the last ghost story and lit the 100th candle.
“It’s just a pretend right,” Kanna said. The tremble in her voice gave away that she was worried it wasn’t.
“Of course,” Tomo said. Buff stupid Tomo wouldn’t believe in ghosts.
100 spooky stories, 100 candles. They had completed the ritual. The participants didn’t have to believe; only their actions counted. I stepped into the light. My hundred eyes blazed for each story told. My arms. Legs and face were covered with them, and each looked for danger or valuables.
There was a shriek, and Kanna collapsed. As if I would harm them. My eyes were a reward for a life of theft. What would I steal today? My hoard seemed so small. What would it be?
this vase? I have better, but I suppose it has some value. I'll take it. These paintings, dull as they are, are assessed beyond their true worth. Along they come. The silver, of course, and the jewels. All very boring, but so it goes. Ahh, now what's this ...
As I grasped the mystery bucket, it upended onto me. I realized my mistake as soon the chlorinated water got into my eyes, all my eyes, stinging every part of me. This is why I never went swimming in pools. I collapsed.
"You put that there deliberately?" Tomo mused.
Midori shrugged. "Doesn't hurt to be prepared in case some things aren't pretend."