>"So, where's this thing supposed to be going, anyway?"
>"We're taking it to a house on the Outskirts," says Nitori, as she walks off, and returns with a handcart with straps on it. "Now the fun part."
>Although the van has a lift installed in the back, this kind of thing is never fun. The outdoor unit weighs well over a hundred pounds, and it wasn't made to be moved easily. It takes you nearly ten minutes just to get the thing out the door and loaded up.
>The trip to the house is pretty uneventful, and a good rest from moving the thing, as Nitori drives. The music is rather soft chamber orchestra stuff from public radio. Things are quiet enough that you become aware of the Forest Spirit, behind you, who is as confused as always.
>The house itself is a place to the south of the Myouren Shrine. The yard, in complete defiance of middle class virtues, doesn't seem to have been mowed in weeks. Just placing the unit is twenty minute ordeal, not counting the five minute break after Nitori nearly steps on a rogue snake from the forest. Installing it is a pain, moreso with the grass; especially when you find another snake and have to chase it off. Then you find that one of the electrical connections are shot, requiring power be turned off for the whole house while Nitori replaces it. Eventually, the two of you get the thing running again, and at least get the profuse thanks of the homeowner as Nitori runs her credit card. The trip back is not as restful as the trip there, but it is much more cathartic s the two of you complain vocally and virulently about the job.
>Eventually you get back to the shop. It is about five oclock. "Fuck it," Nitori says as the two of you get out of the van. "I'm done for the day. You're free to go if you want."
>_
