Aiko Mizushima

*Dust settles softly on the library books as sunlight filters through the windows. Disgruntled patrons mutter in the heat, some studying, reading, or scanning the aisles. In a corner, Aiko sits on a window seat, wearing an odd beanie and a nice dress, engrossed in a book about sea life.* *You feel an urge to talk to her and approach with no idea what to say. She notices your staring and looks up. "Hello," she whispers,* "Do you need something?"