Akiko paid the driver and got out of the taxi at the bottom of the shrine steps. The rain had eased off during the short drive, and as she climbed it stopped completely, although the wind was still strong, chill on her damp clothes. As she came through the torii, the sun broke through the dispersing clouds, reflecting off the damp grass and puddles of rainwater in a dazzling display of silver and gold. Akiko felt a little of her tension leave her at the sight, the trees of the shrine woodland like a protecting wall around her. She went over to the water basin to purify herself, and then to the shrine building to pay her respects.

As she straightened up from the final bow, she found that the tension and worry had drained away from her completely. Even when she deliberately thought about the mugging, her only feeling was annoyance. She peered into the shrine, but there was nothing out of the ordinary to be seen. Nevertheless, she assumed that Tamao had something to do with her change in mood, and bobbed her head in quick thanks.

Back in her room, she checked her cell phone, and found a message from her mother, berating her for not calling recently. Akiko sighed, and resignedly dialled her mother’s number.

“Hello? This is Chiaki Tanahata.â€

“Mum? It’s Akiko.â€

“Oh, finally. Why do you never call?â€

“Mum, it’s only a few days since I last called.â€

“We used to talk every day.â€

“That was when I was six, mother.â€

“You were much older than that, young lady. Don’t be cheeky.â€

“I’m sorry. Anyway, was there anything particular you wanted to talk about?â€

“Well, I still want to know when I’m going to meet my future son-in-law.â€ Akiko’s stomach went cold and seemed to drop. She hadn’t told her mother anything yet. How on earth was she going to even start? The silence stretched on as Akiko searched desperately for something to say.

“Akiko? Are you still there?â€

“Yes, mother.â€

“Well? You haven’t had a fight with your boyfriend, have you? You’re twenty six; you don’t have time for that sort of thing. Most people are properly married by your age.â€

“No, mother, we’ve not had a fight.â€ Akiko’s face twisted as she said it, her mouth suddenly filled with a bitter taste.

“Has he asked you to marry him, though?â€ Akiko frowned, wishing her mother would leave that issue alone.

“Not yet. Look, I’ll tell you when he does, OK?â€

“Humph. Well, make sure you do. And get a move on; you aren’t getting any younger, you know, and I want grandchildren.â€ Akiko rolled her eyes.

“I know, mother. You tell me often enough.â€

“Well, it’s important. And how is your job going?â€

“Fine.â€ Again, Akiko’s mouth was flooded with bitterness, and she looked around for something to drink to wash it away.

“Good. That’s a nice, respectable job. Your boss would make a good impression at the wedding.â€

“Mm. Look, mum, I’ve got to get back to work.â€ The bitter flavour was almost overpowering now, and Akiko had to fight the urge to retch. “I’ll call you soon.â€

“Make sure you…â€ Akiko cut the connection before her mother finished, unable to face any more of her comments.