The next morning…
The sky had only just begun to brighten with soft gold when Kyouko stirred from her futon.
She sat up in silence, careful not to wake anyone, and gathered her exercise outfit from her small travel bag.
She made her way to the bathroom, washed her face with cool water, brushed her teeth, and changed from her pale pajamas into a fitted, clean athletic set. The soft fabric hugged her toned frame, outlining every curve she had so delicately maintained through the years.
Not for vanity.
But to preserve herself.
To calm her mind.
To stay… beautiful.
Stepping barefoot onto the tatami, she slid open the back door and stepped into the open backyard, wide, green, and still glistening with morning dew.
The sea breeze carried faintly across the land, brushing strands of her hair across her cheek.
