Aiko recalled it like it was yesterday. Though it was a rainy day, a warm light streamed through the clouds and pierced the spot in front of her store. A baby was wrapped in the stream that seemed to defy all reason. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale.
There was a small wicker basket, and the baby was wrapped in a small white blanket. Aiko reached down for a letter hanging on the rim of the basket, but that was the moment the baby had grabbed her finger.
Aiko's heart thumped, and she felt a protective urge come over her. "Come, let me get you inside."
The woman picked up the wicker basket and closed the shop. She carried the baby to the back of her store, and sat the girl next to her on the couch.
Aiko was surprised to find that the letter was addressed to her specifically. Even though this woman was certain that she didn't have any friends with a baby like this, there was the unmistakable kana of her name. And the letter was pressed with a purple wax seal.
