Tokyo

When an exhausted Michiko and her grieving Aunt Noriko arrived back in Tokyo, they were met by Noriko's distinguished cousin, the head of Taiyo Bank, and his kind-hearted wife, who insisted that the women come and stay at their home.

As both Michiko and her aunt dreaded returning to their apartment with its memories of Ichiro and where, in any event, it would be weeks before their possessions arrived by boat from America, they gratefully accepted the Matsumotos' invitation.

Between sorrow and jet lag, it was several days before either lady left the Matsumotos' house except to attend Ichiro's funeral. As Mrs. Matsumoto was compassionate and easy going, and her husband had departed on a business trip the morning after the funeral, she wisely let Michiko and Noriko know she was available if they needed her, but otherwise left them to rest and mourn.