Hikari stretches her back on an airport bench in relief after her seemingly endless flight reaches the airport. Her head and knees ache from the cramping environment of a middle seat between two obnoxiously loud people. Hikari gathers her luggage and makes her way to the security checkpoint.

The security guard searches her backpack, coming across a small satchel of green matcha tea. He looks at Hikari with disdain.

“What’s wrong? It’s only tea.”

“No, it’s not.” He sternly replies. He throws Hikari’s backpack behind him and starts towards her with a pair of handcuffs. Hikari backs away.

“Sir, it’s tea. Please listen, I’m telling you the truth!”

“Look, pothead,” the security guard yells, startling several passengers. “Cut the crap and come with me before I use my gun.”

He reaches for his pocket, but two larger and nicer guards grab him and push him to the ground.

“Stop that right now, you idiot!” One of them says and pulls a taser out to subdue him.

While the local police escort the unruly guard outside, while the other two guards clear the area and calm everyone down, Hikari walks away to the bathroom, attempting to hold back her tears.

Hikari lets her tears silently flow from her eyes, dotting them with thin toilet paper. She tries to think of happier times.                                                                       .                                                           .

Mr. Cash sits on his knees, meditating beside Hikari and a gentle stream in a ditch. The wind picks up speed and tosses dirt and leaves everywhere, including their faces.

Hikari tries to keep her composure, but her numb feet create a dreaded “pins and needles” sensation, making her groan. She nearly let out a yell before Mr. Cash beat her to the punch.

“Yeesh,” He pants, “My feet don’t like that one bit!”

Hikari giggles and says, “I know the feeling. It amazes me how some people can do that with no problems.”

Mr. Cash grunts, crosses his legs, then pulls out a deck of cards and asks, “Do you want to play a quick round?”

Hikari nods and picks out her hand.

“Do you ever notice that a genuine diamond doesn’t have the same shape as the ones in the cards?” Mr. Cash asks while they concentrate on the game.

“Not really,” Hikari says. “I focus on other aspects, such as getting a good hand and seeing if I need to fold.”

“Is that so?” Mr. Cash cheekily replies. “Well, that’s a good thing to remember. Focus on what’s at hand and your goal instead of ruminating on a problem. You’re a diamond with rock surrounding you. Once the mind is focusing on bringing out the best, you can begin shining with your true self. You’re beginning to find that out.”

“How is that?” Hikari asks.

“We’ve been playing one hour straight, and your legs are still in position.”

Hikari looks down at her posture, then smiles at Mr. Cash.

“Are you okay?” One of the security guards asks after questioning her and inspecting her matcha tea.

“I’m better now, thank you.” Hikari shyly bows.

“Don’t worry about that imbecile. He’s always interested in finding drugs.”

“Right,” another security guard chimes in. “He fantasizes about drug busts all the time. He’s taking them himself, I bet.”

“Exactly, we’ll take care of him. Do you need any other assistance?”

“No, thank you. I’ll call a cab and go to my destination.”

“Okay then. We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you.”

The security guard leaves, and Hikari makes her way to the exit.

“I’m going to be more careful now.” Hikari mutters to herself.