The apartment was quiet the next morning. Everyone had left for school: Akira, Mia, Rina, Aoi, and Ayaka, leaving Mrs. Mei Kasai alone in her apartment with her thoughts and an empty schedule.
She stood in her kitchen, sipping tea and staring at the clock. Nine-thirty. The realtor business was slow today, no showings scheduled until late afternoon.
"Might as well do something productive," she muttered, setting down her cup.
Laundry. That would kill some time.
She changed into something comfortable: a long, flowing skirt and a simple shirt. No bra or panties underneath; she was alone after all, and comfort was key. She grabbed the laundry basket and began her rounds through the shared apartment.
Mia's room first. Clothes everywhere, as expected. "That girl," Mei sighed, picking up scattered shirts and shorts. "Just like her mother at that age."
Rina's room was surprisingly tidy. There was just a small pile of clothes beside the hamper. It was an easy fix.
