23.02.2018

Antonio's funeral was quite an affair. Even while it was happening it felt as if most of the townsfolk still felt as if he was going to show up and that everything was going to be alright. Everyone was at the funeral. Erin, Klaudia (who looked devasted by the way), José, Yusuf and even Sariah. Harry wasn't there, of course, he had chosen the day of the funeral to make his 'heroic' voyage to the mainland. I didn't know it was possible for me to hate him more than I already did, but here we are. June and Mocair also showed up, funnily enough June never left Klaudia's side through the entire ordeal. I always thought that the two had a bit of a torrid relationship but I guess time heals everything. Looking back, of course, Akira wasn't there too. Something that I realized only after the ceremony was done and dusted.

I decided then to go check on her, it was unlike her to miss out on something as big as this. I had hoped that Yusuf would come with me but he felt a bit sick so I dropped him home. He's been looking a bit pale since a couple of days. I wonder what's up with him. José's taking Antonio's death badly too. He's been bawling his eyes out when people aren't looking and sometimes even when they are and it absolutely breaks me to see him like this. He's always been a friendly face and seeing his smile disappear like this kills me every time I see him. Klaudia's the same too. Though she might not show it as openly as José, it's clear that she's hard-pressed about it as well. Though she didn't smile a whole lot before as well so the difference isn't as jarring I suppose.

While we were leaving I overheard Klaudia having a private moment with Erin. She spoke about solving the case and finishing what Antonio had begun. The look that she had in her eyes, I do not doubt her one bit. And with Erin by her side, it's exactly what the town needs.

My visit to Akira's house was quite insightful too. She refused to open the door for quite some time and just as I was about to leave I heard to door open behind me and Akira stood there with a baseball bat in her hands. Honestly, she looked quite shaken and for some reason, she insisted that I speak to her from the front porch itself even though it was pouring rain. When I told her that I'd simply come to check on her she paused for a second and burst out crying and finally invited me in. Even after we were inside though she did not let go of the bat and was wary of me and every little shadow that flickered on the wall. I found it odd at first but when she told me why she had suddenly turned into a shut-in, a chill went down my spine.

It turns out that the night of George's murder, not too after the time of George's death Akira was making her way home and happened to pass by the same street near which George's dead body was found and happened to see a figure coming toward her from that direction. Even though she dismissed it as just another one of the townsfolk then, she realized later on when the body was found that it was most likely the murderer. And ever since then, she has been afraid that the killer might come after her since it could very well be the case that she was spotted as well. No wonder Akira hadn't stepped out of the house in so long and was carrying around a bat in self-defence. I think I would do the same if I were her. I consoled her a bit and told her I'll be back with some fresh groceries for her which she was thankful for. However, she insisted that I leave them on the front porch itself. I suppose she didn't trust me fully yet and who could blame her? Anyways after that, I quickly made my way back home, didn't want to be outside anymore in this gloomy weather. I'm sorry if I haven't been my usual enthusiastic self it's been a tough few days and with Antonio gone and José sad, there's very little cheer around.