Akiko opened her eyes. Her mind was clear, her body comfortable, but she lay still for some time, staring at the ceiling. She could remember the dreams, visions, whatever, very clearly. She remembered Mr Takenaka’s threat against the Sugiyamas. She remembered the scenes in the shrine grounds, which even she could interpret as instructions to become a miko.

<em>But how much of it was just the fever?</em> she wondered. As she watched the light reflected fro the pool playing over the ceiling in complex patterns, she sighed. <em>Probably none of it.</em>

She tried to sit up, and was astonished at how weak she was. She finally managed to push herself to a sitting position, but then had to stop there for some time, catching her breath. As her breathing returned to normal, there was a knock on the door, and moments later Shiraishi pushed it open and came in. Seeing Akiko sitting up, she came hurrying over, concern on her face, but by the time she had reached the side of the futon, her expression had settled into relief.

“Are you feeling better, Ms Tanahata?â€ Akiko nodded.

“Yes, thank you. I feel fine, just very weak.â€ The priest sat down by the bed.

“I’m not surprised. You hardly ate while you were ill.â€ As she said that, Akiko suddenly noticed how hungry she was.

“How long was I ill?â€

“Four days. It’s Tuesday today.â€

“Four days?â€ Akiko was shocked. It really didn’t seem that long. Shiraishi nodded.

“The doctor said it wasn’t unusual for this fever, and I should keep you warm and make sure you drank.â€

“A doctor came?â€ The priest shook her head.

“Too busy; there are a lot of cases of this fever. No, I just phoned him and got advice.â€

Akiko let herself sink back into the futon, coming to terms with how long she’d been ill.

“Would you like something to eat?â€

“Mm.â€ Akiko suddenly turned her head to look at the priest. “I remember saying something to you and Akira Takenaka while I was ill. Did that really happen?â€ Shiraishi nodded, looking a little embarrassed. Akiko looked back at the ceiling, thinking over what she had to do.

“Revd Shiraishi, I think I have to become a miko.â€

“Have to?â€ The priest sounded slightly… offended. Akiko looked back at her, searching her expression.

“Yes. I had a vision while I was ill. Tamao wants me to become a miko, so I really have no choice.â€

“Being a miko isn’t like working at McDonalds, you know. You should have a bit more enthusiasm for the job. A bit more enthusiasm for the shrine.â€ Akiko shook her head impatiently; why couldn’t Shiraishi see?

“I don’t <em>want</em> to be a miko. I want a normal job, in an office. I want to marry a man on the career track, leave work, have children, maybe study flower arranging and work part-time in Takashimaya.â€ With a start, Akiko realised that she was on the verge of crying. “I want a normal life. I just want to be happy.â€ She took a deep breath, getting herself back under control, and turned back to the priest.

“But I don’t think Tamao is going to let me do that. So I have to become a miko.â€