But she calmed down somewhat when my father started to question her about Osaka

and her university. She answered him with short formal replies. She in turn

asked me a few questions, but she seemed inhibited by the fear that her

questions might lead to awkward topics. After a while, the conversation had

become even sparser than prior to Kikuko's arrival. Then my father stood up,

saying: 'I must attend to the supper. Please excuse me for being burdened down

by such matters. Kikuko will look after you.'

 

3

 

My sister relaxed quite visibly once he had left the room. Within a few minutes,

she was chatting freely about her friends in Osaka and about her classes at

university. Then quite suddenly she decided we should walk in the garden and

went striding out onto the veranda. We put on some straw sandals that had been

left along the veranda rail and stepped out into the garden. The daylight had

almost gone.

 

'I've been dying for a smoke for the last half-hour,' she said, lighting a

cigarette.

 

'Then why didn't you smoke?'

 

She made a furtive gesture back towards the house, then grinned mischievously.

 

'Oh I see,'I said.