IT HAPPENED SOMETIME AT the beginning of the month.
Kokoro was preparing as always to leave the castle just before it closed at five o’clock, when Aki asked, ‘Are you planning to come over tomorrow?’
It was unusual for Aki to ask. ‘Sure, but what’s up?’ Kokoro replied.
Aki said meaningfully, ‘I have something I want to say. Something I want to tell everyone. If I do it when one of us is missing, it won’t be fair.’
Her manner left Kokoro uneasy. Is it about me? she wondered. Did I do something? Worrying would only make her feel ill, but Aki said, ‘OK then, see you tomorrow,’ and slipped through the mirror for home.