“They’re spying on us at night, now.â€ Shiraishi looked shocked as Akiko broke the news to her over breakfast.

“At <em>night?</em> Inside the shrine grounds?â€

“Yes. I saw two of them last night, including the headmaster.â€

Shiraishi hugged herself briefly.

“I don’t like that idea. I don’t want them wandering around while we’re asleep, especially while we don’t know who burned the shrine down.â€

“Can we afford to put gates on the shrine?â€

“No.â€ Shiraishi made a face. “And anyway, we shouldn’t. It should be open for people like you… and Hideo…â€ She paused, blinking rapidly, and then went on. “People who really want to visit the shrine at night should be able to.â€

“So, what do we do?â€

“Keep watch, I suppose.â€

“Just the two of us?â€

“Mm.â€ Shiraishi picked up her rice, and ate a bit while she thought about it. “Well, I don’t think they’re likely to actually attack us. I mean, they don’t seem violent.â€ Akiko nodded, conceding the point. “So I think that one person watching would be enough. We can call the police if something starts to happen.â€ The priest drank a bit of her soup, her face still thoughtful.

“The problem, of course, is that we need to have someone around during the day, as well. And actually do shrine business. No, I don’t think the two of us can do it by ourselves.â€

“So who do we ask?â€

Shiraishi pulled another face, and lifted some flesh from her fish.

“There aren’t many people left. Hideo would have helped.â€ She stopped again, closing her eyes for a moment before continuing. “Hideo would have helped, and maybe Akira will.â€

“Yes, I think so,â€ Akiko agreed, “but he does have the business to look after as well.â€

“True. Well, we’ll just have to do the best we can. Oh, by the way, the first load of wood for the new shrine should be delivered today. We’ll probably have to deal with the protesters when it comes.â€

Shiraishi’s prediction was accurate. Akiko didn’t see either Mr Akiyama or the woman who had been there the previous night, but there were enough people, including Naoyuki, to make it very difficult for the contractors to get the wood up the steps and to the spot where it was being laid out. In the end, they had to pay the contractors extra to work into the night, finally getting the last load up.

Akira arrived as the contractors were tidying up, and immediately came over to Akiko.

“Difficult day?â€

She looked at him, and sighed.

“What do you think? Thanks for coming.â€

“No problem.â€ They started walking up the stairs into the shrine. “It’s odd. I feel somehow close to my father when I’m here.â€ His voice caught a little as he spoke, and Akiko avoided looking at him.

“Well, he is enshrined here.â€

“Ah.â€ Akira sounded surprised. “Yes, I suppose he is. Do you think that’s it?â€

“It could be.â€

Akira walked over to the small shrine where his father was revered, and squatted down in front of it.

“Maybe it is. I don’t feel near him when I go to the grave, not at all. And in the offices… Well, there are a lot of reminders of him, but I don’t feel like he’s there. Home’s the same. Here, though…â€ His voice trailed off, and he stood abruptly to bow and clap.

“Well,â€ he said, turning to Akiko, “what do I do now?â€

“Just walk around and ask protesters to leave.â€

“That’s it?â€

“That’s all that’s necessary.â€

“Well, then. You should get some rest; don’t forget I need to go by one.â€

Akiko nodded, thanked him, and headed inside.