Day thirteen.
Sunlight woke Shuo.
The curtains weren't fully closed, and a shaft of light fell right across his eyes.
He lay still.
He squinted for two seconds, adjusting.
Then he turned his head.
On the bed opposite, the quilt had been folded.
No one was by the window.
He sat up.
Lightspeed Thinking was active, and information poured in-
Room temperature: twenty degrees. Humidity: sixty-five percent. The smell of rice balls drifted from the paper bag on the table. Beside the bag sat two cups of tea, still steaming.
He got out of bed.
Washed up.
When he came out, Sai pushed the door open and entered.
He wasn't carrying a paper bag.
"You bought some." Shuo pointed at the table.
"Yeah," Sai said. "Just went out for them."
Shuo sat down and opened the paper bag.
Today it was salmon rice balls and fried eggs.
He took a bite.
Sai sat opposite him and took a bite too.
They ate without speaking.
Sunlight streamed through the window onto the table.
When he finished eating, Shuo picked up his teacup and took a sip.
Hot.
He squinted, looking out the window.
"What day is it today?" he asked.
"Day thirteen," Sai said.
Shuo nodded.
"Let's go," he said.
They went downstairs.
Headed toward the Shopping District.
As they passed the general store, the owner was basking in the sun by the door.
She waved when she saw them.
"Back again?"
"Yeah," Shuo said.
He stopped.
He fished a piece of candy from his pocket and handed it to her.
She took it, smiling.
"Buying plates today?" she asked.
Shuo paused.
"How did you know?"
"You mentioned it yesterday," she said. "I heard you from the doorway."
Shuo said nothing.
She stood up and patted her clothes.
"Come in," she