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 and went to the office, relishing the freedom from history class. She gathered up her backpack, which held most of her things for the day anyway. The principle had her sit done in front of his desk and delivered the news as gently as he could. Her parents had passed away in a subway accident and explained how he was trying to get ahold of her aunt in Sarayashiki, a town a few hours away.

"I've never met her," Nanashi managed to whimper out.

The principle sighed, shifting his weight. "Well, she's your closest relative. You have to go to her. At least for now anyway." Just then an older looking policeman walked in the room and the principle looked a bit more relaxed. "Nanashi, 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. He took her to her locker first to grab the rest of her things. Nanashi was thankful the classes were still in session as she did not want to look like a puffy eyed convict following a police man.

As they reached the exit, Nanashi heard someone call her name. She looked up and saw her recently ex-boyfriend, Taiki. He was the last person she wanted to see in the moment. He half hugged her, invading her personal space in a way that made her skin crawl. He kissed her cheek, whispering, "I'm sorry." She pushed at him, but could not get him to let go. Annoyed, she waited for him to let her go. She ran after Office Yosho, glad to get away from Taiki.

Officer Yosho waited for her to catchup and guided her to the front seat of the police car. He opened the door for her. She climbed in and put her seatbelt on. She held her backpack close to her chest. He closed the door, walked around the car, and got into the driver's seat. Nanashi felt the tears start again unbeckoned.

"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."

Officer Yosho awkwardly shifted. "The back seat is for criminals. Want to talk about it?"

Nanashi shook her head. After that, they drove in heavy silence. When they got to the police station, Officer Yosho was quick to open the door for her once more. She mumbled a thank you, but doubted he heard her.

Because it ended up taking four days for this Aunt Atsuko to be tracked down, Nanashi was put up by her friend Umi's family. It was a little awkward considering Umi was the one who found out Nanashi's ex boyfriend had been cheating on her with another girl.

Once Aunt Atsuko sorted everything, including the funerals and estate sale from the old apartment, Nanashi stayed on last night in Umi's apartment before leaving with Aunt Atsuko.

As they walked towards the train station, Aunt Atsuko kept talking, half sounding frustrated with the whole situation. When they stopped at the train station, waiting in line to buy tickets, Aunt Atsuko. "You look way too much like my son. And father..."

Nanashi blinked over at her, not sure what to make of that. "I'm sorry," she whispered, not sure what else to say.

"It's not something to apologize for," Aunt Atsuko grumbled.

Once they got their tickets, Aunt Atsuko lead her to the platform. At the sight of the train, Nanashi felt quite panicked to be on a train. Aunt Atsuko had to pull her by hand onto the train. Nanashi felt on the verge of a panic attack. Aunt Atsuko made an effort at least to distract her by telling her the plans she managed to put into place. With a new person under the roof, Aunt Atsuko had to find a new apartment with three bedroom instead of one. It took a little persuading of the landlord and promise of an evening with him, he agreed to let Atsuko move to another apartment with bedrooms for the cost of a two bedroom one.

Aunt Atsuko also told Nanashi about her son, Yusuke. He had been sick awhile back to the point where she had been told he was dead. Then one day, he woke up and was fine. Still as big a nuisance as ever. Skipping school to the point where he was sent to a six month long camp. He was to return home in just four weeks. Aunt Atsuko handed her a picture of him. He looked like a cocky little ruffian. Nanashi was surprised at how much they looked alike. Black hair slicked back, rounded face meeting at point chin. Brown eyes with a stubborn look. Nanashi touched her long black hair. It was the same color, same sheen. Nanashi looked at the train window and got a hint at a reflection in it. They had similar faces, same eyes and nose. They could have twins if not for the gender difference.

Nanashi handed her back the photo. Aunt Atsuko commented, "you're a lot quieter than your mother ever was."

Nanashi gave her a small smile, and then began an awkward conversation about themselves and their family. Aunt Atsuko had run off at a young age. Her brother, Nanashi's father, had gotten married and had a two year old daughter, Nanashi, by the time Aunt Atsuko was tracked down. She had her newborn son, Yusuke, with not husband or boyfriend to speak of and a life of her own. When Nanashi's father failed to convince Aunt Atsuko to return home with him, they never saw each other again.

That sharing led to Nanashi sharing about her own life. She talked about breaking up with her boyfriend. She admitted wanting to be in love with him, but him taking advantage of that. How Umi proved with a photo she took that he was cheating on her, so Nanashi broke up with him over it. Taiki however seemed rather interested in getting her back. On the bright side, having to move away from her hometown allowed her to get away from him and her residual attraction to him.

When they finally arrived at their stop, Aunt Atsuko and Nanashi caught a cab and arrived at Nanashi's new home.