Urano pulled out a fair brochure.
"A crowded event. Noise, distractions. Mitch has the authority to seal it—since the doll can't harm him. If he places it inside the box… it'll work."
Evelin raised an eyebrow.
"You think Mitch will just agree? And why exactly are you being so gentle with him? Is that part of the plan… or something else?"
Urano looked away.
"Classes were canceled today because of the murder… so I spent the day with him. We reconciled. I just… wanted him to feel safe."
Evelin's voice softened.
"I didn't ask about CUCU or what happened at school. I asked why you're being so kind to him."
Urano was silent for a long moment.
"There are several reasons," he finally said. "I know this is just a story. Maybe the characters aren't real. Maybe it's not my fault they came to life. But still… I feel responsible.As the creator… I feel like I owe them a little happiness. Especially Mitch."
His voice lowered to a trembling whisper.
"He's based on my younger brother. When I turned twenty-two, I stopped talking to him. I focused on my career—writing, interviews, projects—and I left him behind. It's been four years since I last saw him.Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it."
Evelin listened quietly, then shifted the focus.
"I think I know how to seal CUCU."
Urano looked up.
"You do?"
She lifted the fair brochure.
"The answer is here."
Urano smiled faintly.
"Perfect. I'll adjust a few details as we go."
"Of course."
That evening, Evelin changed clothes and accompanied Urano home. Together, they spoke with the boys' mother and—with patience and insistence—convinced her to take part in the plan.
From the top of the stairs, a small figure watched silently.
Black button eyes.Painted smile.Still.But not absent.
The next morning, Urano sat in the back seat of the car, clutching a backpack. Beside him, another boy played happily with his doll: a perfectly crafted fabric clown.
Evelin drove, checking the rearview mirror every few seconds.
Minutes later, they parked.
Standing before them, above the entrance where everything would be decided, hung a large sign:
"Roswin Fair."
The story would continue there.