no, no, don't rescue me

Michiru's exhibition opened three days ago. "The Night Sky Reflected in the Ocean Waves", she called it. Oil on canvas, the pieces varying in size, but with the same theme running through them. A misty, sparkling indigo-blue, coming to life in dozens of shapes and forms.

Today, she was asked to make an appearance before a group of grade school students on a tour. She gladly agreed, of course. She's happy to discuss her work with anyone who's interested, and she's always gotten along well with children.

Michiru takes great pride in her work; her mother always said it was worthy of museums. Perhaps it's for that reason that she's never ventured beyond hidden little galleries like this one. It's incredibly pleasant, though; the gallery owner was thrilled to meet with her, and gave her a warm, hearty welcome. "It's an honor to be holding your exhibit here," he had said, and Michiru had bowed her head and responded "No, it's all mine".

It's no Louvre, to be sure, but she likes it just the way it is. Simple, comfortable. The glamor, she keeps to her night life.

"Kids," she hears the teacher call out as she approaches, hoping to quiet the large, chattering group with limited success. It's only once Michiru is standing in front of them, smiling warmly, that the children fall into silence. "This is Miss Kaioh Michiru, the artist behind the exhibition we're seeing today. Why don't we give her a nice, friendly hello?"

"Hello!" the children's voices resound in unison, those at the circle's edges drawing closer.

"Hello," she answers back, humbly tucking a lock of hair behind her ear before offering the teacher a small, polite bow. "Thank you for coming today, everyone. I can only hope you enjoy the exhibition. Before we start, why don't I tell you a bit about myself?"

The response is far more positive than the question would normally call for, but Michiru's used to it. "Yeah!" "Yes, please!"

She laughs a little, fondly. "Well, then..."