Early springtime means that the weather will be gradually growing warmer as the seasons change. In March, the air still retains a cool chill to it. There is currently a light layer of rain drifting down from the overcast sky; a fine film of feather-soft droplets that brushes a gentle caress upon the skin.

' Or at least it

would,

were it allowed to make contact with her skin instead of being blocked by the expanse of oiled paper that stretches above her.

Shiki readjusts her grip on the thin bamboo handle of the umbrella in her hand.

There is a certain sense of serenity and relaxation, walking alone beneath a quiet spring rain like this. Sedately making her way up the well-worn stone stairway with even, unhurried steps, the girl actually finds herself enjoying the tranquil stroll to the school gates against the backdrop of rainy mountain scenery.