As Erika watched them go, she wondered if she would have gotten such a reaction had her hair been black like theirs instead of pale brown but she suspected she already knew the answer. Best to move on as well, she decided.

She had yet to settle on an activity for the day, after all. Perhaps she should go for a walk or pick up some treats for the stray cats behind the school. Playing with them always made her feel better. Animals didn't care if you were Japanese enough the way people did. Mind made up, she headed for the main gates instead.

Her smile did not reappear.