The next morning, as promised, Scarlett got on the tramp to head over to the slums. 

Mr Powell took out the route map and replaced it with a paper with the words ‘Moving Vehicle with Charity Items’ written. 

The tram took off promptly once the bags were loaded. Though they may or may not have been of help, Susan and Charlie came along with them. Thankfully, they got along with Andrei better than expected, and Scarlett was able to fall asleep soundly on the way there. 

Susan carefully tiptoed her way over to the back of the train after she noticed Scarlett dozing off. She whispered to Charlie, gazing at Scarlett. 

“You know, even when Scarlett isn’t particularly dolled up, she still looks so pretty.”

“Really? I can’t tell, though.”

"You're a freaking dunce; you know that?"

"Hey! Not true!"

"Be quiet, or else Scarlett might wake up."

"Oh, you're right."

Charlie immediately slapped his hands over his mouth, covering it. He then sat across from the sleeping Scarlett and stared at her. Andrei must have felt dumbfounded. He approached Charlie and began telling him off. 

“Kids, it’s improper to stare at a sleeping person that intensely.”

“But it’s fun!”

At Susan’s retort, Charlie also dipped his head in agreement. In any case, since children were much blunter regarding their opinions on a person’s appearance, there were times one might think they were cruel. 

However, Scarlett, deeply asleep, was indeed a sight worth seeing. She was gorgeous to make him want to gape at her like the kids. 

Sometimes, Andrei would wonder if it was her unearthly beauty that lured the ever-rational and inhuman Viktor Dumfelt back into her  grasp. Viktor Dumfelt knew of the drug she took. Though, Andrei didn’t know that Viktor wanted to cling onto Scarlett to the point of hiding this fact. 

He did not mind that Viktor put his life on the line to keep this secret. To Andrei, Viktor was a person who seemed normal at a glance but was crazy. 

The tram had already left the premises of the capital, and from the last stop, they moved the luggage over to the carriage they borrowed near that area.

They arrived at the slums after a full day of travelling. 

Most of the locals lived together in the village’s largest building to avoid the cold. The colours returned to their faces as they perked up at the sight of food rations and blankets. The people rushed out. 

“Oh dear, we owe you everything again this year, Mr Powell.” 

“I’m only a mere driver.” 

While Mr Powell was feeling bashful, the people unloaded the bags. 

Scarlett took a head count to the side and checked the items to ensure no one person would take more than their share. Susan and Charlie took that time to pass the toys they brought to the town’s children. The kids were already unboxing the toys together, fighting while playing and throwing tantrums. That didn’t last long, though; they quickly settled down, acted as if nothing had happened, and returned to running around. 

It happened when they more or less finished handing out the goods. A lady with dishevelled hair was seen running off somewhere barefoot, screaming. 

It shocked Scarlett, and while Andrei protected her by blocking any contact with her, none of the local people seemed surprised. 

“It’s Shirley again, huh.” 

“When will that thing feel better, huh… It’s…” 

Everyone did nothing but offer a few utterances. At that moment, an elderly person who received their items earlier spoke. 

“I can take that kid’s items for her. I’ll pass it on to her later.” 

“Pardon? Ah.” 

After glancing at her jotter, Scarlett looked at Shirley. The elderly person urged. 

“Give it to me.” 

“Yes, but after I ask that person.” 

“What difference will asking them, make? You know you won’t be able to get through to them.” 

The elderly person tried to take things by force after. Scarlett stopped her before insisting. 

“Please wait till we ask her, ma’am.” 

“What does a young lady like you know, huh? I already told you, you won’t get through.”

Still, Scarlett stood in front of the items, and the elderly person left, cursing. 

“Charlie, Susan. I’ll be right back, so could you make sure no one takes these things?” Scarlett told Charlie and Susan. 

“Of course. Trust us!” 

“They’ll never be able to take it away, not when we’re the ones protecting it. You’ll protect it with us, right?” 

The two kids asked their friends whom they had already fought and made up with five times, and they all nodded. They were dependable children. 

Once she left the items to the children, Scarlett picked up the pace as she went after Shirley, who had run off earlier whilst screaming. Scarlett found Shirley, trembling with her head cradled in her hands. It didn’t take long; she was in the corner of an abandoned home. 

“Ms Shirley?” 

Shirley raised her head at Scarlett’s call, shaking like a leaf. 

Scarlett took her jotter out and asked. 

“So… An elderly man by the name of Wicks claimed that it would be fine for him to take the items on your behalf, Shirley. Are you okay with me giving it to him? The items include food and a blanket.” 

“No, please! If you give it to that bastard, he’d never give it to me even if his stomach burst open!”  

“Ah, I see.” 

Scarlett nodded as she stood up before noting. 

“Then I’ll put it aside for you. Remember to come by later to pick it up.” 

“Remember?” 

Shirley scoffed. 

“I remember everything.” 

“Pardon?” 

At Scarlett’s gaze, Shirley jumped upwards. She grasped and clenched Scarlett’s arm, the glint of insanity in her eyes suggested a deeper madness.

“One day, I lost the ability to forget things. Everything! I remember everything! I’m going crazy!”