The Samurai's Garden

Matsu tells Stephen a story of a village where the plum rains never cease. The villagers there feel blessed by the rains’ presence and fear that if the mist ever stopped, bad luck would find them. Stephen imagines spirits in the beach house garden and wishes for the sun.

Stephen gets his wish: blue sky has come to Tarumi. Tourists descend.

Matsu brings Stephen a letter from Pie. She is upset that another visit has been cancelled – it’s been nearly a year since Stephen left. She has continued her secret volunteer work. She wonders how Stephen has changed and tells him that girls have come to the house asking after her handsome brother. Henry and Anne are still in Macao, and Pie and Mah-mee may visit them there.

In the afternoon heat, Stephen stops painting and goes to the cool woods where young Sachi once hid. He happens on Keiko, who has also fled there for the shade. They walk and speak, holding hands.