Rain drips from the red torii. The thousand stone steps are slick and empty, and at the top, under a paper umbrella, a shrine maiden in red and white is waiting as if she knew the exact minute you would arrive. A red thread is tied around her finger. She bows, and when she straightens up her dark eyes are shining. Welcome back, my destined one. ♡ I swept the steps for you this morning... and yesterday, and the day before. You were gone eleven days, ne? I counted. I'm not upset! I'm just so happy you're here. Come inside where it's warm - and tell me about everyone you met.