Shiraishi spent the next day in her room, refusing to come out, refusing even to see Akiko when she brought food, although she did eat the dinner. There was a call from Akira Takenaka, apologising for being out of town on a job and promising to come and see them as soon as he came back. That reminded Akiko about Hideo Takenaka, and she performed the ceremonies and offerings at his shrine as best she could. That, in turn, made her think of the current location of Tamao’s go-shintai, and she made offerings there as well.

The next day, Shiraishi emerged from her room and took a bath, but carefully avoided Akiko, who let her have her privacy. She still wasn’t sure what to say, even though she’d made her decision. She didn’t understand her own reasons, so how could she explain them to anyone else?

The following evening there was a visitor at the shrine. Akiko was a bit surprised, because she thought she’d talked to all the press and police officers now, but she went to see who it was.

It was an older man, but not someone she recognised.

“Can I help you?â€

“Are you Revd Shiraishi?â€ He looked a bit surprised.

“Oh, no. I’m afraid she’s a bit busy at the moment. Who should I say came to see her?â€

“I’m Masayuki Akiyama, the headmaster of Tamao Elementary School.â€

“Thank you for coming.â€ Akiko bowed again. That was the local public elementary school; it had no direct connection to the shrine, but the shrine and immediate area had the same name.

“I really think it would be a good idea for me to speak to Revd Shiraishi. It won’t take long.â€

“As I said, I’m afraid…â€

“It’s all right, Ms Tanahata. I’ll speak to him.â€ Akiko looked round to see Shiraishi approaching up the corridor, looking calm and smartly dressed. “How can I help you, Mr Akiyama?â€

“I see that the reports of the fire were true.â€

“I’m afraid that they were, yes.â€

“Have you considered leaving the shrine now?â€

“What?â€ Shiraishi sounded simply surprised.

“Well, now that the buildings have been destroyed, it’s hardly worth continuing to cling to an outmoded superstition, is it? This land must be quite valuable, so I’m sure you could do something else.â€

“Are you suggesting that I abandon the shrine?â€ Akiko was as incredulous as Shiraishi sounded. How could anyone think that this was a good time to make that sort of suggestion?

“Yes. I think it would be better for the area if there were no longer such an establishment, and this seems like the perfect opportunity. Don’t you agree?â€

“No, I do not.â€ Akiko could tell Shiraishi was angry. “We take care of the kami, and that is very important for the health of the area.â€ Mr Akiyama shook his head dismissively.

“That’s just superstition. Superstition irretrievably tainted with militarism and imperialism, I might add. Really, I’d expect an intelligent woman like you to be better able to move with the times.â€

“You are just ignorant. The kami must be served.â€ Mr Akiyama flushed then, apparently getting angry.

“Well, then. You haven’t heard the last of this. This area does not need your influence.â€

Without saying any farewell, he turned on his heel and marched from the grounds.