BOOOM! Another fork of lightning lit up the sky. The rain was coming down in buckets now, and I had just taken shelter one of the awnings in the town's marketplace. I heaved a sigh, "Well, I guess I can forget keeping this rice dry." I found a dry patch and sat down, forced to wait out the downpour.

The streets were empty now, except for those, who like me, were scrambling to find shelter. I hope Taro and Aiko made it home okay. God knows we'd be doomed if one of them caught a cold. Or worse... I thought. They'd left that morning, saying they had a job cleaning house at a neighbor's; it was almost 5:30 now. I was already late, and given I hadn't seen them nearly all day, I knew the twins would start worrying soon.

I held the bag of rice to my chest and drew up my knees. It wasn't even half full, but it was all I could afford, and it would have to last for a few days. We had some leftover nira chive soup back home, but I wasn't sure I could make it go as far as I needed it to.

As I continued to worry and the street had completely emptied, a sleek black sedan rolled slowly around the corner. I paid it no attention, that kind of thing happened every now and again here. Probably just some rich person passing through, needing a place to spend the night, or a foreign tourist wanting to see a small town. The car pulled to a stop at the end of the street.

I was paying attention now. With the pouring rain, and the vendors no longer out, why would anyone come here now? The door opened, and an umbrella popped open as a foot emerged. A handsome man gracefully stepped over a puddle in the street, and not missing a beat, began to approach.

"What in the...?" I whispered to myself. His eyes found my face through the rain and his strides lengthened. I rose, not sure of anything. Who was this guy? What did he want with me? I can't run, can I? I couldn't go home and lead him straight to Taro and Aiko.

My skin tightened and the hair on my arms stood up. My teeth chattered, and I wasn't sure if it was from the cold or the fear. I clutched the bag of rice, prepared to use it as a weapon. I steeled myself, and planted my feet at shoulder's distance apart. Oh God, what if he's from Social Services? With that thought my bravery blinked out like a light. My arms turned to jelly and I heard a soft "thump" as the bag of rice hit the ground. Did I let go? I stood there, frozen like a rabbit. It didn't matter if I ran or not, he would probably take me with our without the twins.

Trying to think of something, anything, he came to a stop in front of me. And I was taken aback by his appearance. A warm smile and young green eyes told me he was way too young to be working for them. He lowered his umbrella and ducked under the awning. He stooped and picked the bag of rice that had nearly spilled. "Hello. Um, could I take you somewhere to eat? You look like you're hungry." He held out the rice.

I took the rice and bowed awkwardly. He was strangely beautiful, especially for his age... "Thank you, sir, but I can't ask you to do that for me." I rose, wanting to walk away, but with nowhere to go.

"No, I insist. I'll buy you enough so you'll have leftovers. Please, if anything just speak with me for a few moments." His big green eyes were so hopeful, it was just sad.

I looked at him and asked slowly, "So if I talk to you for a while, you would buy me dinner?" I had to admit, I'd had worse offers. Unstop the toilet and I'll give you half a bag of rice... Yuck, I shuddered inwardly.

He smiled sweetly and said, "Yes, I want to hear your story."

"My story," I pointed to myself, "for a big dinner?" I held my arms wide to show how big, and he agreed, nodding vigorously. "Why should I trust you?"

He shrugged, "Have you trusted anyone else so far?"

"No," I said cautiously, "but that still doesn't give me a reason to trust a random stranger." I didn't mean to be harsh, but it sounded that way. "Oh, I apologize," I bowed again, "I didn't mean to be rude."

"It's alright, but," he began with a tint of mystery to his voice, "if what I hear is true, I believe I know someone who can help you."

"Wait, you've been asking about me?" I asked, shocked.

He answered, unabashed, "Yes, and honestly no one in particular knows much about you. So," he held out his hand to me, "last chance."

I hesitated, but what did he want to know about me? Seeing that I didn't have too much to lose I took his hand, "But you have to tell me your name before I go anywhere with you."

He grinned like a child, "Ichijo, my name is Takuma Ichijo. You can just call me Takuma."

"Okay," I felt better now that I had a good idea of who he was, "I'm Aneko Tamutso." He held out his umbrella for us, and I remembered just how long it had been since my story began.