Sublime

inscrutability

arcana

tryst.

‘Winter, fifty-five years ago. I imagine it was a chilly day just like today. I believe you and this gentleman would have arranged to meet at Sanjo station on the Keihan line. He probably wanted to show you Shimogamo Shrine. These days, the train runs all the way to Demachiyanagi, but back then you had to walk north along the banks of the Kamogawa.

nosegay

Amy was Rina’s roommate in college. She was the only person Rina ever pitied. Amy’s soul was a pack of cigarettes.

A white suitcase stood in the corner of the room. My heart beat a little faster. I hadn’t brought that suitcase here. That must be where it was. Kozuka’s body. Trees danced outside the window, as if to tell me of the sinister nature of this place. But I had understood immediately what to do. Bury that suitcase in the forest, and this would all be o

‘Can I ask you something?’ said Asuka, looking Nagare in the eye as she stood up. ‘Of course,’ said Nagare, returning her gaze. ‘Why do you think I remember that spaghetti in particular, out of all the other dishes I ate with Grandad?’ ‘Well, this is just a guess, but . . .’ Nagare paused and took a breath. ‘I wonder if this trip was the first time