Shouko sat on the bed while hugging her legs. With her chin propped on top of her knees, she was lost in deep thoughts. Her gaze landed on the carpeted floor under the bed but it was out of focus as if she was not here at this moment.
Her mind went back to when she had lunch with Director Shinohara and Teacher Shoda a few hours earlier.
During lunch, Shouko sat at the same table with the two old ladies. Now and then, her eyes would occasionally sneak a peek at the little girl who attracted her attention during the storytelling session. The girl sat on the farthest dining table together with her circle of friends.
As Shouko's curiosity about the girl reached its peak, she glanced at Director Shinohara before quietly asked about the girl's identity.
Director Shinohara was kind enough to not point out the uneasy look on her face. She calmly answered Shouko's inquiry.
