During the brief phase of people's talking to themselves, Hanako had downed her tea--and was regretting it due to the resultant burning sensation--and headed for the stairs to get some more clothes to put on. It would be a really bad idea to go outside without any shoes on, and she wanted to get her coat because of the weather. "Aunt Toshiko, please wait until I get back!"

With that, the child ran up the stairs, coming back down a minute later,coat hanging off of one shoulder and shoelaces still undone, ready to be drenched and trodden on if she didn't do them up in time--which was quite likely, she still wasn't that good at this whole 'tying knots' thing.