Of course you can’t express everything about tuning in words. Not even one-hundredth, or one-thousandth of it. I know that, so I don’t rely on words alone. But the process of translating the techniques of tuning into words has allowed me to tether the music that would otherwise flow right on by, pinning my body to each and every technique I was trying to master.

‘So what’s with the big discussion?’ Mr Yanagi said as he cheerily swept into the room.

‘Nothing special. We were just talking about how terrible the weather is,’ Mr Akino said brusquely.

‘It really is terrible weather. A good rainstorm like this will completely mess up a tuning—Oh!’

At this Oh, everyone turned to look at Mr Yanagi.

‘I – I have something to announce.’ Mr Yanagi lightly cleared his throat. ‘I’m, er – getting married soon.’

‘Really? For sure this time?’ I asked.

‘Yep, this time for sure.’ Mr Yanagi was beaming with joy. He’d been saying for ever that he was going to get married. Miss Hamano had kept delaying, saying she had some big work project she had to attend to. She apparently did translations – maybe the book she was working on was finally getting published.

‘Congrats.’

‘Congratulations!’

‘Thank you, thank you.’

Mr Yanagi was all smiles, not even trying to hide his happiness.

I don’t know if marriage is such a great thing or not, but it did feel good to see him looking this ecstatic. I didn’t think to add something like I wish you all the best, and ended up just gazing at him in silence.

Bag of tuning tools in hand, I headed out on my way. The rain had let up, and the wind, which had been cold enough to sting my cheeks, had dropped. Patches of blue were appearing in the sky. Spring was just around the corner.

Mr Yanagi was climbing out of his car. ‘Thought it was about time to put on regular tyres.’

‘I suppose so.’

‘Oh, by the way, I meant to say: keep the second Sunday in May free.’

‘OK.’

‘We’re holding the reception at a restaurant after the wedding ceremony that day.’

‘Lovely! I’ve never been to a wedding before.’

‘I guess you’re too young to have had many friends you know get married yet.’

I couldn’t think of anybody, even a few years down the road, who would be likely to invite me to a wedding reception. Maybe my younger brother.

‘One other thing – do you have a minute?’

I nodded and placed my heavy bag on the ground. I’d started out early so I still had plenty of time.

‘I was thinking of having some entertainment at the party.’

‘I see.’

‘I was going to invite my band, but punk rock and a wedding reception aren’t exactly a good fit, so we’re going to have a piano instead.’

‘That’s a great idea!’