As the car sputters and lurches, Rokuro follows suit. So surprised by the sensation of the vehicle rumbling around and beneath him that he clutches at the armrest and whatever else is within grabbing reach.

The truck is supposedly machinery, entirely man-made and without will of its own, but it feels alive. His seat is vibrating, the engine is loud, and Rokuro is suddenly aware of how small and soft he is in comparison to this giant metal beast, which may as well be a mechanical dragon.

"How does one know if it is 'good' or a 'girl'?" Do the trucks have personalities of their own after all? Should Rokuro have made some kind of offering or apology before climbing inside?