After a weekend of practising walking, kneeling, bowing, and carrying things, Akiko was very glad to see Akira on Monday morning and more than happy to go with him to visit former clients of his father’s business. As he drove them to the first office, Akira quickly explained what he wanted Akiko to do: stand in the background and look secretarial, essentially. Akiko guessed that he didn’t want to just turn up alone, but that he also didn’t want one of the long-standing employees with him, in case the old contacts preferred to talk to the people they knew. It was fine with her; anything to get away from miko practice for a while.

The streets were quiet, with only a handful of people visible, and all of them wearing masks.

“The fever is getting worse, isn’t it.â€

“Yes,â€ Akira replied. “Although it doesn’t seem to be spreading outside this area.â€ He parked the car outside an office, pulling his mask on before getting out. “It’s strange. Almost everyone seems to be going down with it around here, but even in south Kawasaki, or just across the river, no-one is catching it at all.â€ His voice was slightly muffled by the mask, but his eyes were fixed on Akiko. She caught the hint; it didn’t sound natural. She really hoped that Akira’s father wasn’t responsible for the disease as well as the lightning strikes.

She followed Akira to the office entrance, and waited while he buzzed the intercom. There was quite a delay before anyone answered.

“Yes?â€

“I’d like to talk to Mr Kondo.â€

“I’m sorry, he’s off with the fever.â€

“Oh, well, is there anyone I can talk to? This is Akira Takenaka.â€

“No, I’m afraid there’s no-one here to talk to you. I hope they’ll be better by next week.â€

“I see. Thank you anyway.â€ Akira pulled a face, just visible around the mask, as he turned away. “I hadn’t allowed for this. It’s going to be hard if there’s no-one to talk to us.â€ Akiko nodded, and followed him back to the car.

The next office was more successful. At first, they didn’t want to talk, but when Akira gave his name, the boss, Mr Takei, agreed to come down. He opened the door, but, wearing his mask, kept his distance.

“Mr Takenaka. I was very sorry to hear about your father. My condolences.â€ Akira bowed in acknowledgement.

“Thank you. It was a terrible shock. However, I intend to keep his business running, and I hope that you will continue to think of us in the future.â€ He bowed, holding out his business card, and there was an odd paused before Mr Takei took it, bowing in return.

“Ah, yes.â€

“I was wondering whether you might have any jobs for us at the moment?â€

“Ah…â€

“I know that you are involved in several projects.â€

“Yes, but it’s a bit difficult.â€

“I hope that there were no problems with the quality of our work.â€

“No, no.â€ The denial was quick, and sounded sincere to Akiko. “Your company always did good work, on time. I have no complaints.â€

“We are still available for work.â€ Mr Takei looked around quickly, and then stepped forward, speaking quietly.

“Look, don’t say I said this. It was made clear to me that I only have these jobs as long as I don’t hire your company. It might be different now your father’s dead, but I’ve not heard anything. I’m really sorry, but I’ve got to think of my employees.â€

Akira just bowed.

“Thank you for your time,â€ he said as he straightened up, turning quickly away. Akiko thought she caught a glimpse of tears in his eyes.