Saitama

At the foot of the exit was a gas station. Michiko pulled in and turned off the engine.

The manager of the station and his assistant came running out of the office when they saw the badly battered automobile and Michiko, sitting behind the wheel and shaking uncontrollably. The manager opened the door and, when Michiko's fingers refused to work, unfastened the seat belt for her and helped her out.

At a sharp command from his boss, the assistant ran off and returned with a cup of tea. Tears streaming down her cheeks, Michiko grasped the cup in both hands and sipped the hot beverage. After a few sips, she sniffed and managed to stop crying.