The first cries of the cicadas vibrated through the still-cool morning air. The first day of summer vacation always has a special scent to it.

Guest headed toward the Kitanakazato Elementary School grounds, where the morning mist still lingered.

The schoolyard, filled with crisp morning air that hadn't yet absorbed the sun's heat, felt much wider and quieter than usual.

As people from the neighborhood gathered one by one at the assembly platform where radio calisthenics cards were being handed out, Guest noticed a small shadow standing nearby and decided to take the plunge and speak to him.