บท 233: I've already said, it was just curiosity

The woman with her hands in her pockets spoke words that seemed almost fairy-tale-like, not grounded in realism. 

It felt like a stark contrast, but perhaps it was understandable; people aren't as simple as they appear on the surface. Maybe there's always a young child living inside our hearts, appearing occasionally to devour the immense pressures we face.

Sam was momentarily lost in thought, then smiled and said, "I wish I had your attitude, Officer Aurora."

Aurora gave a slight smile, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one. This time, she didn't offer one to Sam. Watching the flame from the lighter illuminate her face, it seemed to carry a spark in her eyes, like a campfire by a clear lake.

Then, as the light extinguished in the darkness of the night, she took a drag, and the smoke slowly rose with the autumn wind, eventually dispersing into the darkness.