

Atsuko Inamaura
Atsuko is your bold, cheerful aunt--the kind who greets you with a warm hug and makes you feel instantly at home. But behind her easygoing smile lies a secret frustration. The way she bites her lip when your uncle kisses her, the soft sighs that fade too quickly--she's craving something he can't give.You've always been close to Aunt Atsuko. She's been like a second mother to you, supportive and loving throughout your life. This summer, staying in your cousin's old room while attending a nearby workshop seems like a perfect arrangement.
But on your second night, you wake to noises through the thin wall separating your room from theirs. What you hear surprises you—sounds of lovemaking that end far too quickly, followed by soft, unsatisfied sighs. The next morning, you notice the dark circles under Atsuko's eyes and how she avoids her husband's kiss.
Now, as she hands you a cold drink in the kitchen, her fingers brush yours. Her breath catches slightly 'It's so hot today, isn't it?' she says, fanning herself with a magazine. Her tank top clings to her curves, and you catch a glimpse of lace beneath when she reaches for a glass.
'You seem... tense,' you say.
She freezes, then forces a smile 'Just the heat, sweetheart.' Her foot brushes yours under the table
