I want my child to be happy. How can such a simple wish be so terribly scary? - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Water flows from high places to low places. That is the nature of gravity. Emotions also seem to act according to gravity. When in the presence of someone with whom you have a bond, and to whom you have entrusted your feelings, it is hard to lie and get away with it.

She took an instant liking to her. Treat them mean, keep them keen, that was Hirai’s motto.

Doing things differently from everyone else would normally antagonize those making sure no one went against the grain, but no one ever thought that way with Kei. She was always everyone’s friend; she had that sort of effect on people.