"Your fellow guest, Tobi, has asked me to pass the message on to you," the innkeeper repeats.
His tone indicates a fragmented level of irritation behind the very composed, very artificial smile he gives her.
"Wait for instructions. That was all? Nothing else?" Rin pushes.
"Yes. I am sorry but that is all the detail he has given me. My apologies but I need to attend to the next guest."
x
"Rin?"
The voice is familiar, friendly and warm.
As if she is gravitating towards a much needed source of comfort, her gaze turns to the newcomer.
"Akihiro!"
"Wow! You remember my name," he says brightly, and he gives her a grin that heats the very cold emptiness that resides inside her.
He is looking well, perhaps with the colour of life in his face and the liveliness he radiates, Akihiro looks breathtakingly handsome.
"Of course, I remember everyone I treat, like acquaintances," she answers, "Are you here with your siblings?"
"Yes, we travel as a team," Akihiro replies.
"I see, I hope I'm not keeping you," she says sheepishly.
Akihiro is taken aback.
"You're never, ever keeping me," he reassures, "So where are your teammates?"
"They have things they need to do."
Akihiro does not pursue the subject, but he is surveying her with an almost sceptical frown.
"Are you staying nearby?"
She tells him of the palace like inn, and Akihiro grins in surprise.
"So are we, what a coincidence."
The revelation elevates her despondent mood and pushes the unease of uncertainty from her mind.
They sit and speak for a long time, until the apparition of afternoon sun glares into their deep conversation and Akihiro frowns in reluctance as he apologises for leaving.
But Rin is secretly glad for his departure. She is afraid his presence may evoke a new feeling she is already unfamiliar with.
Akihiro lets the comforting silence fill the space before speaking.
"You know, if you are not already aware, the inn has a celebratory dinner tonight for its one hundredth birthday. I'd like it if you could come with me, and only if it is convenient for you. I mean, I still like to repay you for saving my life."
His mannerism is impressively collected. There is a confident and genuine edge to his voice, as if his invitation is the most natural thing.
"Yes, that would be nice," she answers shyly.
For the first time today, the hollow feelings she has been shouldering lifts.
When Akihiro smiles, she turns away in demure. She has never come across anyone so incredibly attractive before.
"Sometimes it is good to let things go, even if for a transient moment," Akihiro says.
He is watching her as if he is speaking to the sorrow that is latching itself to her soul.
She gazes sentimentally at him for several moments before smiling in agreement.
When he makes his departure, a more pressing matter overrides her muse.
What do I wear tonight?
The troubling thought lingers, as if this insignificant matter is now the most significant matter.
x
"I'm not so sure about this," Rin says uncertainly.
Her tone is muffled behind closed curtains.
"Just come on out and let me see. The mirror is quite big out here so you will get a better idea."
Timidly, she steps from the change rooms with her arms across the plunging V of the dress's neckline. The only time she has worn anything so revealing is her nightdress, but that is meant in sole reserve for her and her bed.
"And Tobi…accidentally," her conscience interrupts
She stiffens at the thought, as if Tobi's name brings a wave of austere emotions she has been working to hold back all day.
"It looks incredible on you!" The shopkeeper exclaims.
"I wouldn't know where else to wear this to," Rin says tentatively.
"You're a kunoichi are you not?" The shopkeeper asks.
Rin nods.
"We do rental services as well, but only on certain items. This dress is one of them, but you are welcome to look at what other rental items we have."
The rental idea is good for her, but unfortunately, she cannot find another item that suits.
"That lilac-grey colour suits you," the shopkeeper adds.
She makes Rin stand in front of the mirror in a different lighting.
"What are you self-conscious of?" The shopkeeper continues.
Her watch flicks back and forth between the dress and Rin's arms across her chest.
"Right, I see," she says slowly, and she moves to pry her hands away from the dress, "Come on, you need to love yourself a bit more."
Hesitantly, Rin lets the shopkeeper direct her movements, until her arms are hanging tensely by her side and she is staring at herself in the mirror.
"Answer my question truthfully with a yes or no only," the shopkeeper says, "Do you like this dress on you?"
Rin glances nervously in her direction. The question is difficult. She loves the dress, but the worthiness to parade it in public is something she feels she does not deserve.
The shopkeeper seemingly reads her thoughts, because she suddenly speaks in a soften manner.
"Rin, do you like it on you?"
She nods.
"Take a look at this," the shopkeeper points at the low neckline, "What amazing breasts you have! Not too small, not too big. You see, if you had small breasts, it'll be too loose here," she nudges the bust line, "But if they are too big, well, it'll just spill out everywhere and that would be a bit…awkward. So I'd say, yours is definitely something you should appreciate and be proud of."
Really? She always thought her breasts were too small, but who is she to know what is big or small? She has only ever been aware of them and everything else about her body since her feelings for Tobi transpired. Perhaps there is the possibility he may dislike what he sees.
But not like it matters anymore. Tobi is gone. He does not want me.
"Okay," she utters quietly.
The audible sigh infiltrates the air and Rin is unsure as to whether it is directed at her or her comment.
"Why don't I make you a deal. If you take this dress and wear it proudly tonight, I won't charge you. But if you decide not to and return to exchange the dress, then you pay for the other dress's hire fee. Does that sound fair?"
Bewildered, Rin stares at the shopkeeper.
"Why would you offer such a generous thing for me?"
"Because you deserve to love yourself."