Kemuri cracked her eye open. She had a devious headache. It felt like her occasional hangovers but more furious. She tried to get her bearing, scanning the area. She gave a sigh of relief. She was in her apartment. There was the same cataphoric feeling she got just being in the room. On the left corner lay her same messy bed, the pillow torn and the blanket stained, giving the bed a slimy glow. On the other corner was her makeshift desk.

It was attached together with superglue and bubble gum when she ran out of money. Papers are planted sporadically over the desk and floor like snow on a house. They were sketches and notes about the project.

Right beside the desk was a bin equally overflown with paper. Kemuri drew near her broken window, then rested her arms on the frame. She inhaled gently, staring mist-eyed at the morning sky and then at the distance.

Even though the fog stood tall— stretching to the heaves — she still winced at its sight. It always made her uneasy, yet she couldn't help but stare at it. It reminded her that she was still alive. That she was still a human. She still has an ending.

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She sometimes tries to dust off those thoughts. Before she left her family, her mom would tell her to smile. That a kid must focus on the now while they still can. She snorted at the memory. She had to grow up. Fast. She had to move. But she sometimes wishes she stayed longer. Maybe to make more friends. Or at least meet some that can give her tips about tidying.

Her smile returned. She decided to clean up. Grabbing a broom, she swept the dust away. Then she moved to her bed. As she folded her blanket. A note with a stain fell from it. Dusting it up, she read:

Good morning Kemuri

I took the liberty of my position to track down your apartment. You made quite the scene in the park. I got a good scolding from the higher-ups. But thanks to you, I got off with a warning. For our next rendezvous, let's meet at the London Bridge in 2 days. I'll help you control your powers then. Just don't be seen using it. I won't get a warning for that!

From your gentleman

Zorion Edwards

P.S. Starting your infiltration now would be advantageous.

She crumpled the paper and threw it into the bin, adding to the accumulation of snow.