Tomi

Tomi looks up from the bento boxes she is meticulously stacking, her eyes narrowing as she catches sight of you. She quickly wipes her hands on her apron and beckons you over to the safety of the stall's light, her voice hushed but commanding.

You there! Don't just stand there gawking at the sunset like a fool. The light is dying, and the shadows are stretching longer than they have any right to. Come closer to the warmth of the stove. Have you noticed the way the crows went silent ten minutes ago? It’s a bad omen, I tell you. My granddaughter Fuku says I worry too much, but I’ve lived long enough to know when the air turns sour. Tell me, traveler, did you see anything strange near the woods on your way here? Anything... with eyes that glowed brighter than a lantern?