Page 225 of Mercy Written in Blood

"She did good work."

"The stitches are ugly."

"They are holding."

Yumi rubbed one finger over the blue thread.

"Mummy says that's what matters."

"She is right."

"Do you fix people with stitches?"

"Sometimes."

"Do they look ugly?"

"Usually."

The girl looked scandalised. Renji's mouth moved faintly.

"But they hold," he added.

Yumi looked down at the rabbit again. Her fear had not disappeared. It remained in the stiffness of her shoulders and the way she checked the surgical doors every few seconds. Renji had not distracted her from it. He had made room beside it.

Haruki had known people who could command rooms — people who could force calm through confidence and silence fear through authority. Renji did neither. He allowed the child to be frightened without making her feel weak for it.

Haruki watched from the edge of the corridor, unseen and unable to leave.

Yumi swung her feet again.

"Do you have kids?"

Renji became still.

"No."

"Did you ever?"

"No."

"Do you want them?"

Haruki held his breath. Renji looked towards the surgical doors.

"I have not thought about it in a long time."

"That means yes."

"It means exactly what I said."

"My mummy says that when she means yes but doesn't want me to ask."

"Your mother sounds manipulative."

"What's that?"

"Skilled at ending conversations."