I leaned against that old tree. Stray sunlight peeked through the leaves, pleasantly 

warming my skin. The bark of that tree was smooth and cool to the touch.

Ishikawa-san continued to nap quietly, her soft breathing barely audible over the 

summer breeze. The winds have begun to pick up.

Her sleeping under the tree, it was so... natural. Despite her otherworldly looks, it seemed as if 

the tree and grass welcomed her presence like another piece of nature. 

A flash of white interrupted my thoughts. Ishikawa's hat had come loose from her hands, and 

had escaped, fluttering into the rushing river. I took off my shoes and slowly waded in.

The water was cold. It was crystal clear, distorted by the rapid movement of the current. 

I reached for the hat. Almost there. As I grabbed the edge of the hat, I lost my footing.