Akiko leaned against the door frame, breathing hard, swallowing as she tried to get herself under control. Slowly, she became aware of the water soaked through her clothes, now chill against her skin, and she began to shiver. She was sure people were staring, as well, but she didn’t dare look at the street to confirm that. Instead, she pushed the door open and went into the office.

“Can I help you?â€ The receptionist’s tone was a mix of concern and scepticism.

“I’m Akiko Tanahata. I’m here for the interview, but someone tried to mug me on the way here.â€

“Really? That’s terrible. Come through; we’ll get you some tea. Are you hurt? Did they get anything?â€ Concern now won out.

“I’m fine, I think. They only got my jacket.â€ The receptionist nodded sympathetically, and guided her through to a waiting room.

“I’ll let the manager know you’re here. Do sit down; someone will come with the tea soon.â€ Akiko just nodded, and sank into a chair. She realised that she wasn’t shaking entirely from the cold; the shock was only just sinking in.

<em>I’m all right,</em> she told herself. <em>The jacket wasn’t that expensive anyway.</em> She started taking deep breaths, but she found that she couldn’t settle down. There was a knock at the door, and she almost jumped out of her chair. The door was pushed open, and a young woman, with a tray of tea things and a pile of towels, came in.

“Here’s a hot drink, and some towels to dry off a bit. I’m afraid we don’t have any spare clothes, though.â€ Akiko found she had to force a smile, as she suddenly remembered the last interview.

“That’s fine. It’s very kind of you, thank you.â€ The woman bowed slightly, and left, and Akiko began patting herself down with the towels, the attempted mugging playing over and over in her mind.

The door pushed open again, and an older man popped his head round the side.

“Ms Tanahata? I’m Kenji Sugimoto, the manager here. I heard what happened. Please feel free to take some time to recover; we can do the interview later. Or tomorrow, if you’d like to go home first. Or to the police?â€ Akiko shook her head.

“That’s very kind. I would like a few minutes, but I think I can do the interview today.â€

“What about the police?â€

Akiko hadn’t thought about that. They did get the jacket, but she didn’t see them well. She shook her head.

“I’d rather not.â€ It wasn’t worth the attention, she decided. Mr Sugimoto just nodded.

“Well then, in about half an hour?â€

“Yes, thank you. That’s very kind.â€

“It’s nothing.â€

Akiko settled back, patting herself with the towels and sipping the tea, but her mood did not settle. The weather outside the window remained equally violent, rain pouring down as a thunderstorm started. She frowned, thinking about how she was going to get home, wondering whether she could get home safely… <em>Stop it,</em> she told herself sharply. <em>There is virtually no chance that you will be mugged again.</em>

A few minutes before the time set for the interview, there was a bright flash of lightning, accompanied by a deafening crash of thunder that shook the windows and the tea cup.

All the lights went out.

Akiko could hear the voices of the staff as they checked with each other as to what was going on, and she just remained seated, waiting. She didn’t imagine that she was going to be interviewed now; she was seeing a pattern.

Sure enough, Mr Sugimoto came back in a couple of minutes.

“I’m sorry, we seem to have had a power cut. I’m afraid we won’t be able to do the interview today. Can you come back tomorrow?â€

“Yes, certainly,â€ Akiko nodded. <em>I’ll get a taxi back to the shrine,</em> she decided.