There was something off-balance about his sibling, a detail missed without knowing exactly what it was, but he brushed it from his mind. She recognized him. Called him brother in turn. And he would be thankful for that. Michio smiled at her, then moved to the chair opposite. It wasn't until he sat down that he brought his hand up, revealing the solitary flower that he held.

It was a perfectly bloomed camellia, and if not for the faint scent, one could have been forgiven for assuming it was silk. He held it out to her, then asked the least of what was churning within his mind. "How are you?"