Kagome stands outside, her face to the woods.
She can't explain it. But even as prudent concern churns in her gut, the footprints embedded where the concrete meets the earth do not alarm her as she expected, and she stares at them, her thoughts creasing her brow as the sun sets.
There's a moment, brief and fleeting, when she considers going back to get Inuyasha. It would be good for him to stay the night—be extra eyes. But as she continues to stare, the urge disappears.
"Kagome?" Mama calls.
"Coming!" She turns toward the house.
Still…
She glances back.
