"I swear we've been walking for hours, Shizuka-san. Maybe we should try again tomorrow?" Arida sighed. Her hands were becoming tired of holding the compass and she wanted to go home. Even if she had to go back to that strange shop and that strange man, she swore would find Yotsuka. A year was much too long.

"I have a feeling we're almost there. Recognize this place?"

Arida looked around to find herself in her own front yard. She was confused, but Dōmeki had an idea of why.

"What's the meaning of this, Shizuka-san?"

"For you to remember."

. . .

It was June. Arida stood on the balcony waving down to her mother.

"Behave, okay, you two?"

"Mom!" Arida cried, turning pink.

"I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mom." Arida smiled and waved once more, then turned and went inside. "I can't believe she got us a house! And we're not even married yet."

"We will be, by this time tomorrow."

"I know, I know. But still, a house! Isn't Mom so nice?"

"Your whole family is so kind to me," Yotsuka said, "And that's why I can't marry you."

Not a word was spoken by either of them until Arida finally broke the silence.

"What?"

"You're too kind, Arida-chan. Much too kind. I don't deserve someone like you."

Yotsuka unclasped his necklace and put it around Arida's neck. He kissed her on the cheek, then stepped out onto the balcony.

Arida realized a split second too late what he was doing.

"Yotsu. No."

"I'm sorry." Yotsuka hoisted himself onto the parapet.

"Yotsuka!"

"Thank you for being so kind to someone like me, Arida."

Yotsuka fell forward gracefully in stark contrast with the splattering noise he made when he hit the flagstones below. Arida dropped to her knees, clutching his necklace to her throat. She couldn't even cry out—her whole body felt numb.

. . .

"Kadō-san."

"I... found Yotsuka."

"Where?"

"He died."

Arida's voice was completely devoid of emotion. She spoke quietly and without inflection.

"Watanuki did warn you that you might not like the results."

"I... want to be alone. Please." Arida handed Dōmeki the compass, and he turned to leave. "Thank you, Shizuka-san, but please leave now."

Dōmeki walked.