In the following days, little happened, I would often briefly see Ryo and Mr. Edokawa. But neither stayed longer than necessary; Mr. Edokawa had to work, and Ryo disappeared in his room. I contented myself by exploring the rest of the house.
Today, however, I wanted to walk around in the gardens. I had only had a glimpse of them when we arrived, and seen a little of them from my bedroom window.
I went out and walked on the gravel paths that led between patches of various flowers including lillies, capucines, peonies, amaryllis, even daisies and, of course, roses.
All afternoon, I kept on walking through the garden, looking at the flowers in wonder. Further in the garden, I saw trees aligned beautifully. Each of the trees had fruits hanging from its branches. This must be the small orchard.
I felt drops of water on my skin. I looked up, and sure enough, the sky had gotten darker. It started raining.
I didn't have anything to cover myself. The house stood quite a distance away; I would be soaked by the time I got there. I looked around for a covered place but didn't see any, so I started running back to the house. It was pouring.
Then, a little distance away I spotted a medium-sized tree. I ran to it for cover.

I stood under the tree for a long time. Of course, I hadn't taken my phone with me. But surely, someone would soon notice I wasn't back yet. Miki knew I that I'd gone out to the gardens...
I sat waiting for something to happen. For the rain to stop, or someone to help me out.
After some time, to my relief, I distinguished a figure heading in my direction.
As the person approached, I recognized who it was. My heart started beating fast. Of all people...
Running towards me, was Ryo. He ran until he waswith me under tree which was only a slight protection from the rain.
He took off the rain jacket he'd been wearing.
"I didn't know where your rain jacket was--or if you'd even brough one--and I couldn't find any umbrellas around. So, we'll have to share this." Ryo motioned to the rain jacket. I nodded, not knowing what to say.
He held the jacket above both of us.
"Alright, ready?" he asked, "Let's go." he said, and we both started running.
We ran, weaving between the patched of flowers.
"Let's go this way, it's shorter." Ryo motioned as we ran. I didn't question him and followed each one of his directions.

When finally we neared the house, I noticed Miki was waiting at the entrance holding the door open for us. We quickly ran inside, and instantly Miki along with two other maids came to us with towels. The two maids ushered us to the sitting room, as Miki went to the kitchen.
"How did you find me?" I asked as I sank into one of the big sofa's.
Ryo looked up, as if he were surprised I was talking to him.
"I briefly saw someone running through the garden when the rain started. I didn't know it was you until I heard Miki mention you'd gone out." he replied.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Miki quickly came back with two cups of tea. I curled my hands around the cup Miki handed to me.
For the next fifteen minutes Miki was talking to us, but I wasn't listening to a word she was saying. I was looking out the window, thinking of how Ryo had once again come to my rescue.
I sneezed.
Miki interrupted herself immediately, and Ryo looked at me.
"Oh, no! Miss, you should go to your room and rest. We don't want you catching a cold now, do we?" she said, as she came to help me up.

While I took a warm shower and put on my pajamas, Miki went to get some cold medicine.
"Here," she said putting down a glass of water and the medicine on the nightstand, "Just in case you need it and I'm not around."
I climbed into the bed.
"I'm sorry Miki, you don't have to go through all that trouble."
"No, no, it's fine. That's what I'm here for." she replied, "Now, you should rest."
She left the room and closed the door behind her. It didn't take long before I fell asleep.