I returned a little later than usual. On top of the writing pad on my desk was something that looked like a letter. With heart throbbing as I flipped the switch on the lamp, I found it was from Chieko Tachibana in Sapporo! I had yet to send a reply to her postcard informing me of her release from the hospital.
She wrote, "Though I saw you only briefly in Hakodate, I am happy... from your letter that you have not forgotten me." And she wrote, "I have become well enough to go out for walks lately." And also, "I remember the old days." And then, "If you have time, at least a postcard...."