Snow, which had been coming down in sprinkles since sunset, danced and fluttered, even in this narrow side street. Even an umbrella held to the sky collected only a tiny amount of snow.

She pulled her sleeve back from her glove, far enough to check her watch. It was already a little later than when she had agreed to meet Kurata.

But Asami had not shown up.

Her train might have been delayed because of the snow, which was also causing congestion on the roads as it settled. Normally, she would have rejoiced at such a romantic white Christmas. But tonight, this snow was a nuisance, causing her brow to furrow.

“Asami...where are you?”

Fumiko tried phoning her a third time, but there was still no answer.

They’re not going to meet. She’s probably decided not to come.

She felt a little despondent at Asami’s decision, but it was her choice to make.

I should have used a bit more coercion to get her to come. She was feeling a little apologetic and a little put-out. What can I say to Kurata?

She was right outside the café, but she couldn’t face going in. She decided to talk to Kurata on the phone instead.

“Er, Kurata, is that you? It’s Fumiko Kiyokawa. Uh-huh... About Asami... It’s all a little complicated. I told her that you’re coming today... I only told her a week ago... Right... Yeah, I’m so sorry. I overthought it...

“Anyway, it sounded like she was coming. Yeah... Uh-huh...

“Hu-hum, but she’s well. She was really sad for about six months, I guess. But she seems over it now... Yes, I’m really sorry. I’m thinking now I should have tried harder. I’m regretting it now... Huh?... Oh, yes. Thank you. Oh, you have to go soon? Goodness me. Anyway, I’m truly sorry... Yes, okay then...”

After she ended the call, she couldn’t help a nagging feeling of regret. The snow was cold and falling a little heavier now.

I may as well go home.

She had dragged her heavy foot one step, when...

“Fumiko!” said a woman’s voice behind her. Fumiko turned around to see a very out-of-breath Asami standing there.

“Asami!”

“Fumiko, is Kurata still here?”

“I’m not sure, but...”

She looked at her watch. He had said he would come at seven and it was now eight minutes past. Even if by good luck his coffee had not gone cold, he might have drunk it after ending the phone call. There wasn’t a second to lose.

“Let’s go!” urged Fumiko as she put her hand on Asami’s back and guided her down the stairs.

In front of the café door, Asami turned to her.

“I need to borrow your wedding ring,” she requested.

The ring was very special to Fumiko, and she had only received it last year.

I’ll ask later.

Not hesitating, she quickly pulled the ring from her finger and presented it to Asami.

“Okay, hurry!”

“Thank you!” Asami nodded her head in thanks and entered the café as the doorbell rang.