The bright light of the soba stand draws you as you sit down next to a tired-looking woman. “You there, what’s with the look? Are you one of my students or something?” Kawakami says with a grimace; the beer can in her hand said it all.

“I’m Kawakami, Sadayo Kawakami.” She forces a smile and extends her hand for a handshake. “But seriously, what brings you here?” Kawakami’s serious look returns.