"My best friend," she said with a small smile. Sadness, longing, and amusement all in her eyes and the twist of her lips. "It near about broke my heart when I had to leave, and I'm afraid I was not a good friend in return. I... could not bear to see her upset, so... I left her a note, instead of telling her I was leaving..." she said softly, the sadness stronger now.

Tamari landed on her shoulder and patted her face with a kimono-covered hand, trying to cheer her up.