Pathway to Japanese Literature

Okui Machiko Manager of Seifū Gakuen

Same: Sakurou Her husband

Hanamaki Shizuko: Mother of a Child Who Died an Unnatural Death
Arita Michiyo: Teacher
Togashi: A man who claims to be Shizuko’s nephew
Ogata: Contract Physician
Sumi-san: Janitor

Tai: His wife
Kazu: Shizuko's maid
Driver
Other numerous male and female students

In a corner of a newly developed garden city near Tokyo.
Carved out from a natural red pine forest stood two scattered single-story wooden buildings—one large and one small—alongside a two-story residential structure: these comprised Okui Machiko’s Seifū Gakuen and its affiliated facilities.

I

An outdoor classroom—four-person shared benches and desks were lined up, with a blackboard propped up at the front. Standing before the blackboard, erasing the chalk letters while speaking to fewer than ten students was the teacher Arita Michiyo. She was a twenty-four- or twenty-five-year-old woman of unremarkable appearance.

“So you’ve understood what ‘failing to distinguish black and white’ means now.”
“Let me say it again—the distinction between black and white refers to what is good and bad in matters.”
“Black represents evil, white represents good…”
“Is that clear?”
“If one’s stomach is black, that would mean they’re a person of bad character.”
“Having no impurity in one’s heart is called innocence.”
“That is innocence.”
“So then, today’s lesson will end here.”
“From now until the lunch bell rings, Mama-sensei will be giving a talk, so please stay as you are for a while.”

The students were boys and girls aged ten to thirteen or fourteen, all bearing what might be called the demeanor of "children from good families," among whom was included the third son of a certain viscount who at first glance appeared to be a feeble-minded child. When the teacher finished speaking, some stood up while others began mischief toward their neighbors, clattering their pencil cases and asking, "Teacher! May I go to the restroom?"—whereupon chaos erupted until Okui Machiko, whom they called Mama-sensei, quietly appeared there.

Machiko (after exchanging a silent nod with Michiyo): “Now then, everyone—let’s quiet down and listen to Mama-sensei’s talk.”
“What’s this, Akira-san—gnawing on your pencil? Are you truly that famished?”
“Very well…”
“Today’s discussion will be rather challenging, so do pay attention lest you lose track.”
“You all belong to this school’s senior group—the ‘big brothers and sisters’—correct?”
“That being so, you must soon grasp various forms of reasoning.”
“However, what Mama-sensei is about to explain might still prove too abstract for our younger ones like Muchi-san and Kurio-san.”
“That’s perfectly acceptable.”
“Understanding will come with time.”
“Now—are you familiar with that rhyme town children chant? ‘A lad and lass roast beans together; roast and roast but never done…’ (Giggles) This isn’t amusing.”
“That’s the verse in question.”
“What meaning do you suppose it holds? It depicts boys and girls playing together.”
“The implication being—‘How peculiar!’”
“Why should boys and girls playing together seem peculiar?”
“Here at our school, male and female pupils share all activities.”
“They study together, play games together, take meals together—only bathing and sleeping occur separately.”
“Thus there’s nothing peculiar about boys and girls playing together.”
“Those who claim otherwise are fundamentally mistaken.”
“However—should a boy prefer playing with girls over boys despite being male himself, that would be absurd.”
“Similarly, should a girl shun other girls to exclusively play with boys despite being female herself—that indicates imbalance.”

“They can’t blame others for laughing at them.”
“Now I want to make this clear to all of you—when boys and girls become close friends, that is to say… when a boy… with a girl…”

At this moment, Machiko's husband, Sakurou, returned from outside while wiping his sweat.
He briskly approached Machiko.

“Are you nearly finished?”
“Yes, very soon...”
“There’s something rather urgent I need to discuss.”

“Well then—given that—everyone must take great care to avoid any mistakes.”

Sumi-san, the janitor, passed by while shaking his bell.

Sakurou: “Hey—shake it quieter.”

Sumi-san pretended not to hear and left.

Machiko: “Ms. Arita—once the doctor arrives, we’ll begin with this group immediately.”

Ms. Arita: “He had been here earlier but…”
“Oh—he has arrived.”

The school physician Dr. Ogata appeared.

“The weather has cleared up nicely,” he said. “Given yesterday’s conditions, I’d thought even if the wind stopped, the rain might linger—but the roads are terrible. My bicycle wheels ended up sinking halfway into the mud. To make matters worse, this morning we’ve had three diarrhea patients come in, which is quite unusual. One is suspected of dysentery and is currently undergoing stool testing. Is everything alright here? Is the child who had a nosebleed yesterday already feeling better?”

“Then let’s begin at once.”
“A cursory examination will suffice…”
“Ms.Arita, bring Takai-san’s temperature chart and show it to me.”

When the doctor began the children’s health checkup, Machiko and Sakurou discussed something in hushed voices over there.

Sakurou: “I don’t want that… Such things…”

Machiko: “But you…”

Dr.Ogata: “Come now, open your mouth.”
“Hmm, this cavity is rather problematic.”

Sakurou: “I absolutely refuse such things.”
“However, today’s the day Madam comes.”
“You can’t exactly go out either.”

Dr.Ogata: (trying to catch what a girl was whispering) “Huh?”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”

Arita Michiyo brought the temperature chart.
She was half-listening to the conversation between Machiko and Sakurou.

Machiko decided to consider matters more carefully.
“Ms. Arita, were you there?”
“Today is the day Madam comes.”
“Do be careful.”
“Since Madam may come to the dining hall, don’t leave things too messy…”

“Yes.”
I wonder how many weeks it’s been now...
I’m gradually tending to forget.
But if I see that face again, I’ll surely end up crying.
(Even as she said this, she was already wiping away her tears.)

Dr.Ogata: (having finished the diagnosis) “In that case, there’s no particular abnormality.”
“However, this little one’s cavity must be treated immediately by returning to Tokyo.”
“And then there’s the boy in the rest room—the one admitted the other day, what’s his name... you know, with the spiky hair...”
(The sound of children’s laughter)

“You mustn’t say such things, Doctor,” said Machiko. “Is this Dr. Ōsumi’s boy? Mr. Muri… Well, what about him…?”

Dr. Ogata responded, “Given his condition, it would still be safer to have him taken home. This isn’t a sanatorium, you know. It seems the parents have misunderstood this place’s purpose.” He straightened his glasses. “Speaking of forest schools—their original aim was to provide the healthiest environment for ordinary healthy children. As for implementing passive treatments for sickly ones, there should be other appropriate facilities elsewhere.”

“Alright, everyone is dismissed now.”
“Please go to the dining hall.”
(The students leave.)

“Ms. Arita, stop crying.”

Dr.Ogata (receiving the temperature chart from Michiyo and glancing through it): “Even for you, serving as both teacher and nurse must be quite a strain.”

Michiyo: “I do enjoy looking after the children, but whenever I see something like that—it’s just terrifying…”

Dr.Ogata: “It’s unreasonable to leave a child here who’d develop pneumonia just from getting a little rain.”
“Although this may go against your principles, Ms.Okui,I want you to absolutely refuse any children who are beyond a certain degree of frailty.”

“Even if you say such things,” Machiko countered, “there likely aren’t people who would willingly release healthy children from their homes to send them out to this countryside.”
“If we were to take them in for free, that would be different…”
“Even missing just one student from our full capacity of thirty makes operations difficult.”
“We can’t afford to be picky about applicants.”

Dr.Ogata nodded. “I see. Well, I’ve no authority to meddle in management matters. I should simply focus on my assigned duties…”
“Let’s examine the other group then…”

Michiyo may have already entered the dining hall.
(He started walking ahead.)

Sakurou (waiting for the two to leave, to Machiko): “What the doctor says makes perfect sense.”
“I’m not suited for minding children either. Whenever I take them on outings, it leads to deaths. Even if I’m not held accountable, it haunts my conscience unbearably.”
“You claim you picked this job thinking of my health from the start, but fresh air alone won’t sustain me.”

“I understand that,” said Machiko. “So you don’t need to worry about anything at all.”

Sakurou………….

Machiko: If this place is too noisy for you, I’ll rent a separate place somewhere just for the daytime.
(She sits down.)

Sakurou: In the current situation, I can’t have you bear such a burden.
“The trouble is you deciding everything unilaterally like that.”
“I’m just becoming more spineless by the day.”

Machiko: But consulting you won’t lead to any resolution.
"And no matter what you say, I am the elder one here."

Sakurou…

“When I say that, you make such a strange face.”
“You must feel like your pride’s being wounded.”
“But there’s no help for it.”
“In our relationship, that’s a significant issue—all sorts of things begin from there…”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘all sorts of things’?”

“Everything... For example, what you might call my duty...”

“Nonsense...”

“It’s not nonsense.”
“Then shall I say it?”
“Your selfishness has gradually become something precious to me.”
“I feel as if it has even become necessary.”
“Do you understand?”

Sakurou…………….

“Why am I becoming drawn to every one of your flaws? I’d hate for you to grow cold toward me because I’ve said this.”

“Enough already,” Sakurou said. “Let’s not have any more of that talk… I can’t bring myself to stir up these cloying emotions now… What I want is work where life hangs in the balance—not this aimless existence I’ve had enough of.”

“Then stay healthy,” Machiko countered. “Stay healthy… Do that and you could accomplish anything. If my presence bothers you, we can live separately for a time. You’re being quite reasonable about this.”

Sakurou: “There’s no need to get so far ahead of yourself. When did I say you were in the way? If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t be able to eat, you know. In this era, any human being must blindfold some part of their conscience to live satisfactorily. I can’t hold a candle to you in that regard.”

Machiko: “Say whatever you like.”

“You look like a practical person, but you’re really living by fantasy. I may lack execution ability myself, but I have this habit of stripping everything bare. You don’t understand what our relationship really is nearly as much as I do. You seem worried about your age, but a few years here or there make no difference. Even if you were ten years younger or I ten years older, you’d still have your dissatisfactions and I’d keep my advantages. Shouldn’t we both stop straining ourselves over each other and ourselves? There should exist couples with neither beginning nor end.”

“When you say there’s no beginning, what do you mean?”

Sakurou: “When we held our wedding ceremony, it meant we were already married.”

Machiko: “And then?”

Sakurou: “That’s all. By the way, during that year before it became official—weren’t we already being watched with special eyes by society? Not just society’s eyes. Even we ourselves had forgotten our respective positions. We’d forgotten since when—we couldn’t even tell anymore.”

Machiko: “Look at that. Doesn’t that very history exist clearly?”

Sakurou: “A history without a beginning.”

Machiko: “Any history is like that.”
“Well—assuming we accept there being no beginning—how should we interpret there being no end?”

Sakurou: “So you’re trying to extract verbal commitments from me.”

“That must be troublesome for you.”

“Not a problem.”

“I dislike endings that just slip away unnoticed. In your heart, as my territory gets gradually narrowed and another woman’s territory keeps expanding—it’s agonizing to watch.”

“Who exactly are you calling ‘another woman’?”

……

“It’s imprudent of you to bring this up now. That’s precisely why you seem practical but are really a dreamer at core. Put me and that woman side by side—who would ever suspect such a thing?”

“For all your thinking about various things,” Machiko said, “when it comes time to speak, you can only manage clumsy words.”
“You may dismiss it as fantasy if you wish, but I wanted to explain that matter more clearly.”
“But let’s end this for today.”

Sakurou leaned back. “Every time a new woman appears before me, you adopt this vaguely uneasy attitude—but have I ever once erred?”
“When Ms. Arita first came here, you grew guarded because I joked around—said it was dangerous.”
“For ten years like a single day, I’ve joked with that person.”
“And where has it led? Nowhere.”
Mrs. Hanamaki addressed him familiarly from across the room, but he found himself increasingly repelled by her presence.
The very fact she came here weekly like this grated on him.
Consoling a mother who’d lost her child through such performative methods struck him as inherently pretentious.
Initially, his sense of responsibility had compelled sympathy, but now he couldn’t even feign courtesy.
“Why you handle this with such delicacy baffles me utterly,” he thought.

“Wealthy and beautiful widows—so-called ones—probably can’t get through the day without doing such things,” said Machiko.
“I want to improve this school’s reputation.”

“I get that,” replied Sakurou.
“I’ve no intention of interfering with your work.”
“In terms of making up for such blunders, I’ve been doing my fair share of appeasing that woman.”
“For you to nitpick about it now is absurd.”

Machiko countered: “I’m not concerned with such superficial matters.”
“I simply wish you’d act more shrewdly.”
“Only…”

“But—what is it!”

“It’s just that… as long as you remain steady, that’s all I ask.”

“That probably isn’t limited to just that woman.”
“I’m not originally the type to be all that steadfast, you know.”
“If I were to get involved now, it wouldn’t be with Ms. Arita or Mrs. Hanamaki.”

“Then who?”

“Tamiko.”

……

“Koiso Tamiko.”

“Thirteen...”
“I won’t tolerate you speaking in jest.”

At this moment, the sound of a car was heard, and it came to a stop at the gate.
Before long, Hanamaki Shizuko appeared, bringing along her attendant maid.
The driver carried a large paper bundle and followed behind.

“Oh Madam, you’ve come after all.”
“We’ve been wondering all day whether you might come today.”

“I hurried so I’d make it in time for lunch, but…”
“If you like, we could have it as a snack or something…”

“Another gift from you?”
“You really don’t need to go to such lengths…”

Shizuko: “This is my sole diversion... Please don’t protest…”
(To the driver) “You—take that somewhere…”

Machiko (to Sakurou): “Since we’re mid-meal... Perhaps inform Ms. Arita... You…”

Sakurou (guiding the driver) Well, please come this way…

Shizuko (to her maid): “Kazu, you go and help too….”

Machiko: “If only everyone were like you, Madam, who understands my work... that would be truly wonderful, but…”
“Having done such an irreparable thing, for a time, everything went completely dark before my eyes.”
“In response to your magnanimous and noble intentions as well, Madam, I am determined to see this project through to completion.”

“When you say such things so graciously, it rather leaves me at a loss,” Shizuko said. “I am merely acting on my own feelings in having been allowed to do such things, so… When I try to remember my deceased child, here, only that child’s lively, cheerful face comes to mind. Moreover, the friends around the same age that child used to play with so amiably—they still don’t feel like other people’s children at all.”

“You haven’t brought your lunch today?”

“Of course, I have brought it.”
“Perhaps somewhere I won’t be a bother…”

“After all, outside would be preferable, I suppose.”

“Yes, we’ll manage on our own. Please don’t trouble yourself…”

“Well then, I too shall take care of something briefly, so please take your time...”
(As she started to leave) “Ah, what about the tea...?”

“There is some.”

Machiko left.
The driver returned.
Shizuko: “Please bring that basket over here, and the magic bottle too, okay?”

Driver: “Yes.”
(He brings it out from the car.)

Shizuko sat on the children’s bench and looked around.
The driver exited.

At that moment, the janitor’s wife Tai appeared.
In her hands, she was holding a child’s hat and shoes.

Tai: “It is indeed hot every day.”

“Truly, you’re quite diligent,” Shizuko remarked.

“Oh no, at my age I’ve no spirit left,” Tai replied humbly. “By the way, might these belong to your child…?”
“Some time ago when drying rain-soaked items together, these alone got mixed up during storage.”
“I meant to inquire when Madam visited, but it remained unresolved.”

“Ah, yes,” Shizuko acknowledged.
“I’ll take them back.”
“Thank you for your trouble.”
(She received them and stared silently.)

The maid returned.

“Everyone is filled with great joy.”
“Shall I open this for you?”

Shizuko: “Ah.”

Tai: “Well then, I must take my leave.”

Shizuko bowed politely.
(After a moment) “To return these now…”

The maid………………

Shizuko had been indulging in her own fantasies…
Now it had become clear that the boy hadn’t been eating jelly in the dining hall……

The clamor of the children's voices drew near.
Then one by one they appeared before Shizuko and, with a demeanor as if having just been instructed by someone, bobbed their heads while saying "Auntie, thank you for the meal," then scurried off.
Shizuko at first responded with a forced smile, but gradually she could no longer endure it and suddenly pressed a handkerchief to her eyes.

Shizuko (waving one hand, her voice trembling): "That's enough now, everyone. That's quite enough."

Two

An office-like room stood hollow and echoing.
At its center was a round table.
Surrounding it were four chairs.
In both corners of the room stood desks—one in each.
Upon them lay scattered documents.
The walls held bookshelves, a map, and framed specimens.

Machiko was facing one of the desks and doing some research when Sakurou pulled a chair close beside her and sat down.

“I don’t know how to respond, so you get out.”

“Then why don’t you simply say you don’t know anything about such matters?”

“I did say that. But then they demand I explain what purpose Madam Hanamaki has in coming here every week. Is it all right if I say a child died at this school? Depending on how I phrase it, things might get messy afterward. Even if I tell the truth, you’d make a calmer impression. The idea that Madam uses this place for secret meetings is, so to speak, an excuse—she might have come to investigate the school’s inner workings.”

“Did you ask what sort of man that Madam is seeing?” Machiko inquired.

“Before I could ask,” Sakurou replied, “he told me himself.”
“Apparently he’s some poor student from her hometown—one her late husband used to support…”

“A poor student…?”
“Huh,” Machiko clicked her tongue. “So they’ve gone and spread another absurd rumor about that.”
“Well then,” she declared, “I’ll handle this myself.”

Sakurou leaned back with a cynical smirk. “Throwing money at them might settle things—but her sniffing around here reeks of miscalculation.”
“Though,” he added, tapping the desk, “if worded right in the papers… might make decent publicity.”

Machiko left.
The students’ song could be heard accompanied by piano.
Sakurou propped his elbows on the desk and sank into thought.
Noticing rain coming through the open window, he got up and closed it.
The janitor entered carrying a teapot.

Sakurou: “Hey Sumi-san—you’re the man who knows things nobody else does. Do you know if Madam Hanamaki goes straight home when she leaves here?”

Sumi-san: “Dunno ’bout that.”
“But t’other day when she came alone—just ’fore leavin’—she told th’ driver in a low voice ‘The usual place,’ or so I heard. Might be wrong though.”

Sakurou: "Last week, huh?"

Sumi-san: "Well now, this be Kaa's tale so take it with a grain o' salt, but week before last, when Kaa was walkin' 'long the embankment, he saw Madam with some young fella tryin' to get on the ferry. Said he thought, 'Well I'll be!' or somethin' like that."

Sakurou: "The day she came here?"

Sumi-san: "Aye, that's right. Heard she said she was in a rush today an' skipped lunch afore leavin'..."

Sakurou: "Hmm. That did happen."

Sumi-san: “Even this current guest went an’ asked ol’ me odd things—you ain’t worried ’bout that Madam somehow?”

Sakurou: “Worried?”
“Nah, not worried.”
“But best not tell folks any unnecessary things.”
“That’s enough. Call Kaa here.”

Sumi-san: “Yessir.”
(Exits)

Sakurou stepped out into the hallway for a moment but soon returned to the seat and began scribbling something on a scrap of paper nearby.
The singing started up again.

Before long, Sumi-san’s wife Tai appeared.

“Is there something you require, Master?”

“Come closer.”

(Since Tai had frozen suspiciously in the middle of the room, he rose and approached her himself.) “You’re the one who saw Madam Hanamaki trying to board the ferry, right?”
“Is that true?”

“If it’s true, what would that mean?”

“You don’t need to be so guarded.”
“There was a young man with her then—do you remember his face?”

“His face—I couldn’t see it well from afar.”

Sakurou: “What did he look like?”

Tai: “He was wearing a white Western suit and glasses… Well, how should I say…”

Sakurou: “Enough!”
(He turned his back to Tai after saying that abruptly.)
But as if remembering something, he turned back again) “You keep quiet about this no matter who asks.
People’s private affairs are meant to stay secret.”

Tai (who had been clearing teacups from the table at that moment let her hand slip, dropping the tray to the floor.)

“Hey, hey—keep it down.”
“My eyes aren’t good...”
“You—how old are you again?”

“I’m sixty-three.”

“Heh—so the old man’s…”

“Was he fifty-nine, I wonder…”

“Right, right—it was the reverse.”

“It’s the same as your situation.”

“Of course that’s right—I know.”
“Does the old man ever fool around?”

“I’ll make sure I don’t find out about such things…”

“You’re fortunate.”

Tai (without responding to this, tried to quickly leave the room).

“Hey, old woman—today’s the day Madam comes again. If she shows up, bring her straight to this room without a word.”
“Just say the reception room’s occupied now.”
“Even if they say they’re outside… try not to let that happen as much as possible…”
“It’s better she doesn’t meet with the current guest.”

As Tai left, before long, the sound of a car could be heard, and Sakurou went to the window and looked outside.
The singing began again.

Before long, Hanamaki Shizuko appeared, guided by Tai.

Shizuko: “About the other day.”

Sakurou: “Please come in.”

Shizuko: “Unfortunately, it started raining—how troublesome.”

Sakurou: “This won’t take long.”

Shizuko: “Today I’ll only impose briefly before leaving. I’ve had that matter taken care of over there.”

“Thank you,” said Sakurou.
“My wife currently has a guest, so…”

“So I hear,” replied Shizuko.
“It’s quite all right.”
“Well then, I’ll be...”
“As long as I could meet even you, that would have sufficed.”
“Otherwise, it would be too much…”

“Are you in such a hurry?”
“But I believe my wife must have something she wishes to discuss…”

“I’ll come by properly next week instead.”
“I’ve been so terribly restless lately, it’s quite unbearable.”
“I don’t wish to say such things to you, but there are days when I can’t sit still or stand still.”
“When sorrow exceeds its limit, does a person’s heart become so desolate… I wonder…”

Sakurou………….

“Right now, I’m simply filled with this desperate need to cling to something,” Shizuko said. “I want some force that can sustain me.” She gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Oh dear—to say such things so boastfully… I must be losing my mind.”

Sakurou………….

“When I see someone like your wife—a person with mental discipline who can exercise such self-control—I feel envious.”

Sakurou………….

Shizuko: “Now, let’s stop this chatter—I must take my leave.”
“But... what on earth could this ‘story’ you speak of be...?”

Sakurou: “At this moment, there happens to be a man making inquiries about you.”
“Should you later choose to investigate this yourself, I believe it might prove... instructive.”

Shizuko: “Is that so.”
“What manner of inquiries brings him here?”
“A newspaper reporter? Or perhaps a private detective?”

Sakurou: “It’s a newspaper. A small evening paper, but they seem to know your household’s circumstances in considerable detail…”

Shizuko: “What more could they want to know? Shall I meet them and tell them everything?”

Sakurou: “There’s no need for that. Why don’t you wait a while longer?”

Shizuko: “Then I shall do so. I have someone with me today, you know. Since I’ve had them wait in the car, could you kindly ask them to come here? Ah, I’ll go myself.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

(He tried to leave, but Shizuko stopped him and went out herself)

The janitor brought in tea.

Sakurou: “You can just leave it there.”
“Sumi-san, how much salary do you receive?”

“It isn’t much at all.”

Sakurou: “Hmm.”
“So that means Granny’s portion is separate, then.”

“What was this? On top of everything else, only Granny was getting an extra.”

Sakurou: “That extra is pretty harsh, isn’t it.”
“Doesn’t Granny complain?”

“I’d been lenient on that point; that guy thought my side was working for free.
So he takes the wages, then acts like he’s doing me a favor by saying ‘Sorry, but let’s leave it at this for now’ and tossing me some pocket change for tobacco.
It’s not exactly fun, but I ain’t particularly angry.”

“It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it.”
“Have Madam’s car moved around to the back of the dining hall.”

As Sumi-san left, Shizuko entered accompanied by a man in a white Western suit.

“He’s my nephew.”
“His name is Togashi.”
“He made quite a name for himself in running during his school days.”
“This is the director’s husband…”
“He’s your senior from school, you…”

“Nice to meet you...”

“Oh…”
“Well, please have a seat.”
(He offered chairs to the two of them.)

“You must have pressing matters to attend to,” Shizuko said to Sakurou. “Please don’t trouble yourself over us…”

“Is that so,” he replied. “Well, I do have some work I’d begun earlier… Ah, what would you prefer regarding lunch?”

“There’s no need yet.”
“I expect that matter over there will be settled shortly...”
(He exits)

Shizuko winked one eye at Togashi.
Togashi sat stiffly.
She pulled a chair close to him and whispered something in his ear.
Togashi turned his face away and smiled.

Shizuko: "Besides, that place doesn’t serve good food. Let’s go somewhere else today."
"Why do you keep facing that way?"

Togashi: "We should put more distance between us."

Shizuko hummed a tune under her breath.

Togashi: "Your absurdity never ceases to amaze me."

Shizuko closed her eyes, focusing on the children’s singing voices.

A long silence.

Machiko entered.
She was startled at the sight of the two figures.

Machiko: “I had no idea…”

“I was supposed to take my leave promptly today, but what is this about having something to discuss with me…”
“Did you hear about it?”
“Well, let’s get straight to it... (hesitating) Is this place all right?”
“I don’t mind.”
“That’s true, but if you prefer, we could have this person step over there for a bit.”
“Oh, this is my nephew, Togashi.”
“I dote on him as a replacement for my dead boy.”

Togashi: (After bowing politely) “Well then, I...”
(He stood up.)

Machiko: “No, we shall go over there. Since there’s coming and going here... You—in that case, please stay here... Excuse us...”
(She led the way out.)

“Why don’t you go look at those specimens? You mustn’t get bored.” (She followed behind Machiko.)

After the two had left, Togashi leaned against the window and looked outside.
Before long, Sakurou entered.

“Are you alone?”

“If it’s not an inconvenience, I would like to see inside the school…”

“That’s easily done.”
“However, there’s nothing worth showing you.”
“In terms of scale or facilities, it’s too pitiful to even mention.”
“It’s astonishing they got Ministry of Education approval with this setup, but then again—Japan’s a country where anything slightly novel lets some nonsense slide. Works out just fine.”
“We’re not exactly putting on airs to peddle shoddy goods, but everything tends to fall short of ideals.”

“Are you also engaged in teaching?”

“I haven’t been given any specific position by the director,” Sakurou said. “I do something that’s not quite an advisor, not quite a dorm supervisor, not quite a secretary. At times I even become a caretaker.”

“I heard about that from your wife as well,” Togashi replied. “She’s deeply grateful to you.”

“That’s strange,” Sakurou said. “I’m the one who should be resented, really…”

“She has that sort of quality about her.”

The two of them had unconsciously taken their seats.

A long silence.

The monotonous march tune of a piano could be heard.

Sakurou: “Oh, class seems to be over.”

“It must be almost lunchtime now.”

A long silence.

Togashi: “I’ve been visiting that person’s house for years now, but lately—the way she’s changed is truly appalling.”
“The cause must certainly be losing her child, but I must say it’s rare to see someone transform in such a manner.”

Sakurou: “You’ve heard her say that about herself too, haven’t you?”
“That too must stem from being in a position where she can afford such self-indulgence.”

Togashi: “No one asked me to do this—but given our longstanding connection and my inability to remain passive, I tried giving what amounted to repeated warnings.”
“They proved utterly ineffective.”
“She treats me exactly like a child—it’s hopeless.”

Sakurou: “That’s probably how it is.”

Togashi: “Earlier, I was introduced as her nephew, but that’s complete nonsense.”

Sakurou: (Wryly smiles)

Togashi: “I’ve been sacrificing myself to a certain extent.”
“Of course, feelings akin to love are also contributing to that.”
“However, in such a state, I don’t feel like seriously confessing my feelings.”
“I want no part of games.”

Sakurou: (wryly smiled again)

Togashi: “In that case, Sensei, I have one request—could you somehow find a way to replace that person’s soul? Could you guide her to undergo this trial with a more earnest attitude?”

Sakurou: (With a wry smile) “That’s really… beyond my capabilities.”
Togashi: “What about religion? Would that not work either?”
Sakurou: “I don’t have that sort of faith.”

“But Sensei, you are a Christian, aren’t you?”
“Does it seem that way?”
“But isn’t that the case?”
“That is not the case.”
“I see. I also… had entirely believed that to be the case. I apologize.”
“No.”

A long silence.

Sakurou: “Are you still doing exercise these days?”

Togashi: “Ah, that’s nonsense too. I only delivered newspapers when I was a student.”

Sakurou nodded silently.

At that moment, Machiko and Shizuko returned laughing.

Shizuko: “Well, since we’ve finished our conversation, I’ll take my leave.”

Machiko: “Are you quite certain you needn’t stay longer? Madam, we’ve received a most generous donation from you.”
(Showed the check)

Shizuko: “Oh, you call that generous...”
“Come on, we’re leaving now.” (to Togashi)
“Well then, until next week…”
“I must apologize for the intrusion…”

“Then, do take care...”
“And your car…?”
Having said this, she went out first.

Shizuko and Togashi followed suit.

Sakurou stopped at the doorway.

Arita Michiyo entered.
She placed what appeared to be a student’s drawing on the desk and immediately tried to leave.

Sakurou blocked the path.
Michiyo laughed and tried to avoid it.
Sakurou pressed down on Michiyo’s shoulders with both hands.

Sakurou: “There’s no need to flee so desperately.”

Michiyo: “Oh, I’m not running away at all.”

Sakurou: “Then stay still.”
(Saying this, he moved his left hand behind and brought his face closer to hers.)

Michiyo widened her eyes in surprise, then gradually arched her back as though being pulled closer, her breath quickening, until she finally flung herself into his arms.

Sakurou stole a quick kiss.

At this moment, hearing footsteps, the two abruptly pulled apart.
But Tai, the janitor’s wife, was already standing there.

Then, for reasons unknown, Michiyo slapped Sakurou’s cheek with her open hand—hard enough to say “Enough!” And then, this time, she left as if fleeing.

Sakurou laughed as if he'd been let down.

Tai—glaring at Sakurou out of the corner of her eye while beginning to walk—said: “Is there anything you need?”

“Nothing,” said Sakurou.
(He cleared away the tea bowls.)

“Lunch is ready…”
(She exited.)

Sakurou remained blankly dazed for a while.

At that moment, Machiko and Michiyo entered.

Michiyo avoided Sakurou’s gaze, and Sakurou tried to read Machiko’s expression.

Michiyo (showing the drawings on the desk to Machiko): “These two seem most suitable. Which shall I put up for display?”

Machiko: “Hmm.”
“Who is this…”
“It must be Ms. Tamiko, I suppose.”
“This one is also quite well done, isn’t it?”
“Well, what should we do?”
“The color balance is rather interesting, isn’t it?”

Sakurou: “Hey, hey...”
“I’ll decide for you.”
(pointing alternately at the two with his finger) “Which one should I pick...”
“This one.”
(Hands it to Michiyo.)

“That won’t do,” Machiko said.
“How absurd…”

Sakurou retorted, “Do you two even understand how to assess artwork?”
“If you’re going to decide with such vague criteria, I might as well choose blindfolded.”

“You’re just spouting logic,” Machiko countered.
“I’ll hear you out, but…”
“Let’s go with this one.”
“This piece has an artless charm that works.”

Sakurou murmured to himself: “Artless charm…”

“If it clears up this afternoon,” Michiyo said deferentially, “it would be good to take them for a walk.”
“Will you be joining us too, Mama-sensei?”

“I will not be going,” Machiko replied.
“I will be making a trip to Tokyo…”

Michiyo bowed and left.

“You really went all out with a thousand yen for hush money,” Sakurou remarked.
“But what exactly are you using that money for?”

“I’ll let you go on a trip for a while,” Machiko stated.
“Go wherever you like.”

“Well now,” Sakurou said, “that’s generous of you.”

The sound of a bell being shaken could be heard.

Machiko: “In return, you must come back when a month has passed.”
“Three hundred yen should suffice.”

Sakurou: “It’s sufficient but not generous enough.”
Machiko: “Then… four hundred yen.”
Sakurou: “Make it five hundred. That way I can send picture postcards every other day.”

“I don’t care about the picture postcards. Just come back saying ‘It was interesting,’ please.”

Sakurou: “Five hundred yen then.”
“Well now, that’s quite the discount you’re giving.”

Machiko: “Speaking of which—that young man Madam brought along.”
“As I thought... he must be the rumored man...”

Sakurou: “Did Madam confess?”

Machiko: “Calling him her nephew is such a farce.”
“It seems they’re going somewhere again today, you know.”

“I see,” said Sakurou.
“Did she state it explicitly?”

“But one can never truly know,” Machiko replied.
“That woman... getting involved with such a man...”

“Did she state it explicitly?” Sakurou repeated.

“Whether it’s explicitly stated or not, anyone who sees them would understand immediately,” said Machiko. “With that situation, there’s no preventing whatever rumors might spread.”

“She doesn’t particularly care about such things anyway,” Sakurou countered. “You don’t even know from which angle to examine these problems. To put it plainly, your perspective isn’t keeping pace with developments.” He tapped his temple. “Like a clock with hands that lag behind.”

Machiko’s lips curved without warmth. “How very thoughtful of you to notice. People have these words they repeat to themselves, you know. If we take your approach, humanity’s true feelings would remain forever unknowable.” She straightened her papers with a sharp snap. “Merely observing from a fixed position and commenting isn’t the height of capability.”

“In that case, I suppose I’ve taken your words out of context,” said Sakurou. “I do have that sort of habit, but this time isn’t like that. I don’t know what you think of her now, but I’ve come to find that Madam rather interesting. Call it self-abandonment if you like. However, there seems to be something inimitable about that self-abandonment.”

“Everyone has parts that can’t be copied.”
“That’s precisely the crudest argument imaginable.”
“In any case, you’re saying you’re interested in that Madam.”
“You must’ve even fantasized about being the rumored partner instead of that man.”

“You hit the mark,” said Sakurou.
“But don’t you think that’s perfectly natural?
“A man who’s both obliged and qualified to sink to the depths with that woman or soar to the heavens with her—such a man isn’t easily found elsewhere.
“No, forget that—it was just a joke.
“I’m confident I can rescue her from despair.”

“Through what method…?” Machiko’s voice trailed off.

“Well now, I won’t know until I give it proper thought.
“A journey would be ideal for producing that solution.
“I’m setting off immediately—bring me the money at once.”

Machiko………………
Sakurou: “Why are you staring at my face like that?”
Machiko………………

Sakurou: “Hurry up.”

“If it’s that sort of trip, I can’t give you the money.”
“Didn’t you say earlier you’d give it?”
“What was then is then, and what is now is now.”
“So you’re not giving it.”
“I won’t give it.”
“Fine—then I’ll leave.”

“Where are you going?”
“Wherever I go is my own affair.”
“You don’t have the money, do you?”
“I’ll get it from Madam.”
“You would actually do that?”
“What choice do I have if you won’t give it to me?”
Machiko decisively held out the checks. “Take these.”
She handed them over. “Take them all.”
“Go wherever you want. Use them however you please.”

“I don’t need them all.”

“Just take them,” said Machiko.
“I’ll let this stand and watch what you do… I’ll be observing.”

Sakurou silently accepted the checks. “Well then, I’ll take these.”
“I can return after a month passes, yes?”

“By all means…”

Sakurou made a show of leaving slowly.

Machiko watched him go with wrath-filled eyes, then quietly faced her desk and began writing.

III

Machiko's living room—it was entirely the interior of an ordinary household.

Around seven o'clock in the evening.

Machiko and Michiyo sat facing each other across the long charcoal brazier.

Michiyo: "This is my first time hearing such things."
"But I'm sure Mr. Sakurou understands Mama-sensei's feelings."
"That lady would never do anything that would make Mama-sensei avoid meeting her."

Machiko: "That doesn't matter either way."
"The only problem is whether he comes back today or not."
"It's a promise that he'd return once a month passes, after all."
"Telling you such things is a matter of utmost gravity for me."
"I wanted to stubbornly keep silent, but you—despite your youth—are too skilled at seeing into people's hearts. That's why I ended up carelessly spilling everything."
"That's right."
"I have a lifelong worry today."

“There are times when things might be delayed by a day due to train schedules or such circumstances,” said Michiyo.

Machiko responded, “Given his nature, he might claim a month needn’t strictly be thirty days.”
“If that’s his stance, so be it.”
“Yet whether he returns tomorrow or not troubles me just as deeply.”
“What would have meant nothing if I’d stayed ignorant now torments me wretchedly—all because careless words reached my ears.”

Michiyo leaned forward. “Did you hear something particular?”

Machiko: “I haven’t mentioned that yet, have I?”
“Actually, that young man who came with Madam some time ago—he came to visit me just two or three days ago, you know.”

Michiyo: “Yes.”

Machiko: According to that account, Madam seems to have gone to a hot spring with that person now.
Of course, no one had actually confirmed their whereabouts—I had merely connected the story of Madam disappearing from home with the picture postcard Mr. Sakurou had sent me and let my imagination run wild. Yet despite lacking the courage to dig deeper and verify whether my assumptions were correct, here I was, burning with anxiety.

“This may be rude to ask,” Michiyo ventured, “but which do you think is preferable—Mr. Sakurou merely chasing after that Madam, or the two of them genuinely loving each other?”

Machiko stared at the brazier’s embers. “Neither would be ideal, of course…” Her voice trailed off before resuming with forced clarity: “Though if pressed—perhaps the latter.”

She straightened her posture, the charcoal’s glow reflecting in her eyes. “If it’s just pursuit, he might eventually return. But a woman like me isn’t cut out for such calculations—watching my husband get manipulated by another feels less humiliating if she’d at least keep him properly tethered.”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Not that I can speak definitively until it happens.” Her gaze sharpened as she turned to Michiyo. “What about you? Suppose there were a husband…”

Michiyo…
“In that case, may I ask one more thing?”
“But this is getting absurd—let’s stop.”

“Go on.”

“In my case—though there’s no need to name Mr. Sakurou specifically—since I’m speaking generally, let’s say ‘husband.’ Now hypothetically: if one’s husband were stolen by a woman superior in every way versus being taken by an inferior woman—which scenario would be easier to resign oneself to?”

“And you—which would you choose?”

“I think it would be easier to accept if he were taken by an inferior woman. If it’s a man who’d cast his eyes on such a woman, I’d swiftly cut all ties.”

“That’s exactly right…”
“So you’ve also been thinking about such matters in various ways.”
“It’s perfectly acceptable for you to have considered it.”
“However, judging the other woman fairly in such situations proves quite difficult.”
“Well, truthfully speaking, there should be no mistake if you judge from that husband’s perspective rather than your own.”
“What does the husband seek?”
“After all, we know his everyday self.”
“Today feels entirely as if you’ve given me the thread of discernment.”
“I really must express my gratitude…”

“Oh no, Mama-sensei! I’ve actually had something I wanted to discuss with you for about a week now… but I couldn’t bring myself to mention it until today. Really, I don’t know what to do at all. If possible, I would like Mama-sensei to give me clear instructions on what to do.”

“Very well—go ahead and say it.”

“I owe Mama-sensei an immense debt of gratitude, I consider you someone I could follow as my mentor for life, and being allowed to remain by your side like this—I can’t even express how happy it makes me. So I had sworn never to do anything improper, yet in the end… things have come to this.” (She burst into tears.)

“Oh dear...”
“Crying already before I’ve said anything?”
“Pull yourself together.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.”
“Now—out with it.”

“This might seem out of order, but I would like you to look at this letter first.”
(She took out the contents from the envelope and handed them over.)

Machiko read silently.

“You mustn’t be surprised.”

Machiko (aghast): “What…?”
“This is... isn’t this Sakurou’s letter?”
“Did Sakurou write this?”
“Did Sakurou send this to you?”

“It’s exactly as you’ve seen.”

Machiko rested both hands on her knees and stared fixedly into Michiyo’s face.

Michiyo gradually lowered her face before finally collapsing in tears onto the tatami mats.

Machiko: “Let us first divide the contents of this letter into two parts and tackle each one step by step.”

Michiyo (still prostrate): “Please do.”

Machiko: “First, this one: ‘The other day, I behaved rudely by doing such a thing.
However, you did not attempt to refuse what I offered at first.
In that regard, I am grateful that my feelings reached you.
However, unfortunately, that old hag came in.
The ironic punishment you suddenly inflicted on me at that time somewhat threw me off guard.
In any case, your superhuman quick thinking saved you from unfortunate disgrace.’
What does this mean?”

Michiyo (tearfully): "Please read the rest..."

Machiko: "The rest can wait until later… First, let us hear your explanation of this section."

Michiyo: "There is no need for explanation."
"That’s exactly how it is."

Machiko: "You mean... exactly as written?"

Michiyo: "That person, to me..."

“What did he give you?”

“His lips.”
“You... accepted that...”
“I couldn’t refuse.”
“Why couldn’t you?”
“Please try to understand.”
“Very well, I’ll consider that.”
“Now about this ‘ironic punishment’...”
“I can’t speak of it.”
“Why?”
“It’s too shameful...”
“Something shameful...”
“What could it be?”

Michiyo: “It was something unladylike.”

Machiko: “Did you kick him somewhere?”

Michiyo: “No—like this—I struck him.”

Machiko: “Where exactly?”

Michiyo: “The face…”

Machiko: “Mr. Sakurou’s…?”
Oh dear, how pitiful…
And so Sakurou was taken aback…
“Very well.
Now then—when he says this saved you from unfortunate disgrace…?”

Michiyo: “Even if it has reached Mama-sensei’s ears, as for me...”
Machiko: “So you mean to settle this by playing the victim?”
That I had remained unaware until today meant Sakurou ultimately took a beating for nothing.

“Now then, I fully understand the first point.”
“Let us move to the second point.—‘I am now continuing my free-spirited journey.’”
“‘Mama-sensei is probably laboring under the misconception that I am currying favor with that Madam and spending my days.’”
“‘On that matter, please provide an explanation yourself.’”
“‘Indeed, I—momentarily stirred by chivalrous impulse—even considered rescuing her from her self-destructive life.’”
“‘However, I realized that it was unnecessary meddling.’”
“‘Rather than that, I have realized that my life’s purpose lies solely in being able to bestow upon you—like a wild chrysanthemum forgotten by the roadside (glancing at Michiyo’s face)—love overflowing from my heart and consolation endowed with strength.’”
“‘Come to me right now.’”
“‘It may be unfortunate for Mama-sensei, but that person has her own work and believes in her own strength.’”
“‘Don’t worry, come to me.’”
“‘Then, let us discuss our future at length.’”

“What am I to do?”

Machiko: “You need not cry.”
“Now then—‘On that matter, please provide an explanation yourself’—I’ve already understood this part.”
“‘Indeed, I...’ and so forth—I’ll accept that phrasing.”
“What about this ‘wild chrysanthemum forgotten by the roadside’?”
“Does your pride accept this adjective?”

Michiyo: “To compare me to a wild chrysanthemum—that’s far too generous.”

“What about ‘forgotten by the roadside’?”

“That matches perfectly. Until reaching this age, I’ve never once had a gentleman speak such kind words to me.”

“‘Love overflowing from the heart and consolation endowed with strength’…”

“Both are essential for me.”

“Then—do you mean to go to that person’s place immediately?”

Michiyo: “If Mama-sensei would permit it... I think I should like to go.”

Machiko: “I—‘It may be unfortunate for me,’ ‘I have my own work’—
“Yes—‘I believe in my own strength’—
“Therefore, that needn’t concern us.”
(Her lips trembling) “There—go ahead.”
(She threw down the letter)

Michiyo: (picking it up) “Is this... truly acceptable?”

Machiko: “Certainly...”

Michiyo: “I’m sorry…”
(puts the letter into her pocket)

Machiko: “There’s no need to apologize.”

Michiyo: “I still have about half of the fair copy points left unmarked.”

“It doesn’t matter.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“Mama-sensei, please take care of yourself…”
“You as well…”

Michiyo shakily stood up.

At that moment, completely unexpectedly, Sakurou abruptly returned.

“I’m back…”

Machiko and Michiyo stood frozen in place, each wearing a tense expression.
Sakurou: “What’s wrong with you two…?”

Machiko………….

Michiyo………….

Sakurou: “Was it wrong of me to come in quietly?”

Machiko: “Oh, do sit down there.”

Sakurou (sitting down): “Ms. Arita—you’ve been crying again?”

Machiko: “Go ahead and ask why she cried.”
(exited.)

Sakurou (with a bewildered look): “Why are you crying? Did she scold you?”

“Forgive me, Michiyo.”
(She buried her face in Sakurou’s lap)

Sakurou (fidgeting): “She found out?”

“I... I told her everything.”

“Then what?”

“She gave permission.”

“It’s too late now.”

“What? Why?”

“Why didn’t you come immediately?”

“But it was too sudden.”

“One day’s consideration should’ve been enough,” Sakurou said.
I waited a week.
After waiting until I was utterly exhausted, I came back.
There’s nowhere else for me to go.

“So you really did want to return to Mama-sensei’s side after all.”

“Well, if you say so,” he replied.
“You’re the one relying on Mama-sensei’s strength more than I ever did.”

“That’s not true,” Michiyo protested.
“I merely received her permission.”

Sakurou: “After a week of wavering...”

Michiyo: “I didn’t waver.”
“I just couldn’t bring myself to say it for quite some time.”

Sakurou: “When you finally said it – did she forgive you right away?”

Michiyo: “Yes.”
“When I showed your letter... she scrutinized every single phrase...”
“Then she said: ‘That won’t be a problem.’”

Sakurou: “‘After she scrutinized every phrase... and said “That won’t be a problem”...’”
“Why would the teacher forgive so easily? Do you understand why?”

“Yes.”
“I understand.”
“Mama-sensei said that if her own husband not only chased after other women but was also loved by them, she felt somewhat more emboldened that way.”
“And then she agreed with the opinion that she would hand over her husband to any woman inferior to herself at any time.”

“Whose opinion is that—?”

“It’s my opinion.”

“Your opinion...”
Then I gradually….
I saw.
So that was how it was.
However—whether that opinion had ever truly been put into practice—wasn’t something you people could possibly grasp.
Very well—I had nothing more to say. As for whether you were a woman inferior to Mama-sensei—that was for me to determine.
You had, first of all, youth.
Secondly, the virtue of reserve.
Thirdly, you didn’t conserve tears.
Fourthly, fifthly… no—in fact, you possessed everything Mama-sensei lacked, everything I’d been starving for.
That alone was more than enough.

“Then… does that mean you really do love me after all?”

“Words like ‘love’ are unnecessary in this situation,” said Sakurou. “I will make Mama-sensei kneel before you. That is my duty.”

“I beg you—please don’t do such things…” Michiyo pleaded. “Mama-sensei is to be pitied.”

Sakurou understood he was pitiable.
I'm a burden to everyone.
I'm making everyone suffer pitiful situations.
I'll offset pity with pity.
I came up with that method—stay still.
Mama-sensei believes in her own power.
She believes I'll ultimately return here.
A strategy of not binding yet seeking to bind.
That too must be acceptable.
In fact,I've returned like this.
In fact,I'm about to be bound again.

“What on earth are you?”
“You’re the doll that monkey handlers make monkeys clutch in their arms.”

“Am I... Michiyo?”

“That’s right.”

“I won’t! I won’t!”
“I refuse to be that kind of doll!”

“Even if you hate it, there’s nothing to be done.”
“However, I do want that doll.”
“That is certain.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yeah, it’s certain.”
“But…”

“Then please make up your mind.”

Sakurou: “No good.”
I wanted anything capable of settling itself through natural means to do just that.
I lacked the power of choice.
If I chose something myself, I’d surely regret it.
Whether I suppressed a certain emotion or not, I had to battle the same measure of suffering.
What’s called good and what’s called evil both held the same degree of allure and terror for me.
Whichever path one took, the same doubts arose, and the same courage was required.

“Then what am I supposed to do?”

“Stay still.”

“Here… like this?”

Sakurou: “Yeah.”

Michiyo: “By Mama-sensei’s side?”

Sakurou: “That’s right.”

“Can you really do such a thing?”
“Even if I cannot do it—I will do it.”

At this moment, Machiko quietly entered.
She silently opened the engawa’s shoji doors.
In the dark garden, all the students were forming a line.

“Everyone,” Machiko announced, “it has been decided that Teacher Sakurou and Teacher Arita—whom you’ve long been under the care of—will now be leaving this school for elsewhere.”
“Let us offer a farewell greeting while praying for your happiness.”

All the students chorused: “Teacher Sakurou, Teacher Arita—we wish you well.”

Sakurou and Michiyo reluctantly stood up at the same time.

Sakurou: “Yes, thank you.”
“Farewell to you all.”

Michiyo: (Suppressing tears) “From now on... please... Ma... Ma... Mama-sensei’s... Mama... Mama...”
(Finally collapsed in tears on the spot.)

“Teacher Sakurou, Teacher Arita, goodbye…” chorused all the students.

“Yes… goodbye…” replied Sakurou.

“Now then, everyone,” said Machiko, “please retire to your bedrooms.”

The students filed out in a line and headed back.

Machiko (after a moment): “Well, both of you—the car is ready.”

Curtain.