Nanashi was sitting in her high school history class. Bored and doodling on her notebook when she was called to the principle's office at her school. She gathered her things noisily and went to the office, relishing the freedom of history class. The principle had her sit down in front of his desk and delivered the news heartlessly. Her parents had passed away in a subway train accident two hours beforehand. While crying into her hands, the principle explained that efforts were underway to get a hold of her Aunt Atsuko; her late father's sister. She and her son lived three hours after from here.
"I've never met her," Nanashi stuttered.
The principle sighed, looking extremely uncomfortable, "well, she's your closest relative. You have to go to her. For now anyway."
Just then an old policeman walked in the room and the principle looked a bit more relaxed.
"Nanashi," the principle said. "Go get your things and go with Officer Yosho. He'll take care of you."
Numbly, Nanashi wiped her eyes with her sleeves and followed Officer Yosho out of the office and slowly out of the building. Nanashi decided to hold back her tears until she reached the police car. She did not want to be seen puffy eyed and following a policeman like some convict. Thankfully classes were still in session.
As they reached the front door, Nanashi heard someone call her name. She looked up and saw her recently ex-boyfriend, Taiki. The last person she wanted to see at that moment. He half hugged, half tackled her and whispered, "I'm sorry." He kissed her on the cheek, which made her skin crawl. She pushed him away and stormed out the door.
Officer Yosho caught up with her and guided her to the police car; his hand gently on her forearm. When they got to the car, he opened the front passenger side door for her. She climbed in and put her seat belt on. He closed the door, walked around the car, and got in the driver's seat. Nanashi felt the tears start again.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Pardon?" he asked. The car started and Nanashi left her high school for the last time.
"Thank you," she spoke a little louder. "I didn't want to end up in the back seat... It would, it would look...bad." The tears were flowing easier now.
Officer Yosho awkwardly dug into his right hand pocket. He fetched out a waded up, but clean tissue. "Here. The back seat's for criminals," he half growled.
Nanashi layed her head against the window and dabbed her eyes with the tissue. They drove in silence.
"Want to talk about it?" Officer Yosho asked, finally breaking the silence. Nanashi made no reply. Officer Yosho went to say something again, but changed his mind. When they arrived at the police station, once again, Officer Yosho opened the door for her. Nanashi murmured thank you, but doubted he heard her.