The University of Northern South Carolina had a thriving exchange program. Students traveled around the world for semester-long research, service, or internship projects. It was greatly encouraged for students to take part in the program at least once to gain new world experiences.

Tom and Lucy were on their third exchange trip.

This time they were in Japan. Lucy had always wanted to go, so when the opportunity came they jumped at signing up together. Much to their collective chagrin, the fact that they had already gone on two different trips made them the de facto "chaperones" to the others who were experiencing the exchange program for the first time.

"How much longer until we get there?" the one with wavy hair – Ash, if Tom remembered right - asked for the third time.

Tom did his best not to groan. "It's a thirty minute ferry ride," he grumbled. "You can't be that bored already."

Ash crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not bored," he said defensively. "I just want to know what's happening."

Lucy put a hand on Tom's shoulder. With a flurry of hand motions she signed, Be patient.

He ducked his head, embarrassed. "Sorry," he finally got out to Ash. "We'll be there soon. Anyone know a good way to pass the time?"

They all stared back at him, the whole group mute. Finally, a boy with reddish hair – Roland, maybe - raised his hand. "Could Lucy teach us some sign language?"

Tom raised his eyebrows and turned to his girlfriend. A blush colored her cheeks, but she slowly nodded. "What do you want to learn?" Tom asked the group.

Suddenly, everyone started to get interested. Hands came up all over, asking Lucy to show them how to sign everything from 'ferry' to 'aircraft carrier.' A few of the more adventurous ones asked how to sign full phrases, but that was quickly abandoned when they realized how difficult it was. As the ferry drew close to its destination, the girl cuddled up next to Ash asked the all-important question: "How do you ask for the bathroom?"

There was a bout of chuckles through the crowd, but they all watched with rapt attention as Lucy showed her how to do it. Then everyone was filing off the ferry and Tom was busy reminding everyone that the ferry left at 4:30 and if anyone missed it they were on their own for the night. Finally, after Ash and his friends wandered off the ferry and down the street, they were left to their own devices.

"So," Tom asked as he reached out to grab Lucy's hand, "we're stuck on this island for the next eight hours. What do you want to do?"

Lucy looked at him like he was an idiot. She reached up with one hand to the side of her face and pinched her thumb and index finger together, leaving the other three fingers extended straight up and pulling the hand away from her face.

Cat.

Tom smiled. There was no secret why they had organized this whole trip to Aoshima island. Lucy loved cats, and on the island cats outnumbered people at a ratio of thirty-six to one. He felt something rub up against his leg and looked down to see an immensely fluffy creature that looked up at him and loudly meowed.

Lucy practically melted into a puddle. She dropped to the ground and began petting and cuddling the cat, finding herself positively delighted when a second cat joined the first.

Tom watched her, a wide smile spreading across his face. "We're not going to make it back to the ferry in time, are we?"

Lucy didn't even look up at him. She just lifted one hand and tapped her first two fingers against her thumb.

No.