The shop was closed for the evening and Jade retreated into her home. It wasn't much, but the shed out back has been converted into a modest little space for her; for a price. She had made sure to budget, counting up her change and she was doing well for herself now that she had this shop to call her own. The only thing was, it felt so empty.

Maybe it wasn't the store. Maybe it was her?

A sigh escaped her lips as she settled into bed, the radio buzzing faintly with songs she was still discovering. Everything was so new and interesting out here, she was so excited.

But also nervous.

She felt isolated. In all the time she had spent away from her home, the village that the Kumiho had secluded her, she still didn't have any friends. Not that she had any back in the village. It was so hard for her to break out of her shell. With all this newfound freedom, she should be living it up, right? Going out to make friends and have a good time.... But her nights were spent alone after the shop closed. The elderly co-owner had graciously agreed to help make the shop what it was, but still, they weren't friends. She basically ran the shop herself. And then, was left to her thoughts.

In many times she remembered her childhood, waiting, wings pressed as close to her as possible, behind paper screens so that only her shadow was cast. Hidden in the deepest parts of the house she served, no one looking upon her other than her supposed betrothed. Yet it still ended with her only being a servant to the family, nothing more.

Jade couldn't help but wonder how she might have turned out if she was able to just... Be herself. She wondered if she could give someone that experience. She finally settled on the idea of imbuing a stone. Someone she could share the new experiences of the world with who would hopefully love her unconditionally. They would see things together and discover what this world had to offer. It made her feel happy, almost warm inside. She fell asleep with the idea and the faint buzz of the radio carrying a tune.