Hammers made from sheep’s wool, striking strings of steel. And that becomes music. Those white hammers that Mr Yanagi had pierced – small and old though they might be – fulfilled an extraordinary and wonderful purpose.

‘I heard that in one of the countries in the Middle East sheep are a symbol of wealth.’

Mr Yanagi cradled his fingers behind his head. ‘That just means that the wealthy can afford to have lots of sheep, doesn’t it?’

‘Yep.’

Having been raised next to a sheep farm, a part of me thought of livestock purely in terms of monetary value. But what came to mind in that moment, thinking of sheep, was a scene of those serene animals in a green, open pasture, chewing lazily on their grass. Good sheep make for a good sound – to me that felt like a richness in itself. But there are people who picture wealth more in terms of a city packed with high-rise buildings.

Kazune Is Extraordinary

The twins would on occasion stop by the shop on their way home from school. Sometimes together, sometimes individually. They’d come and peruse sheet music, or piano books in our book corner.

Ever since I’d messed up trying to tune their piano they seemed to feel closer to me. They’d stop by for no particular reason to say hello, chat about the piano or trivial things that had happened at school, then flash me a smile and leave, apologizing for having bothered me at work.

Miss Kitagawa thought it adorable how the girls would always bob their heads at the same time in a little bow. ‘That’s one perk of being a tuner for a home with girls in the sixth form.’

Actually Mr Yanagi was their tuner. I just tagged along. And besides, I was the one who’d botched the tuning.

Today, unusually, I was called downstairs by the receptionist and found one of the twins awaiting me – I couldn’t tell which – a solemn look on her face. When she saw me she bowed.

‘Hello. Sorry to bother you at work.’

‘No problem.’

It was Kazune. Kazune was the one who always looked this serious.

‘I’m really sorry,’ she said suddenly, and bowed again. ‘I’m really sorry to always impose on you.’

‘No, it’s absolutely fine! No trouble at all. What’s up?’

Kazune’s lips tightened. ‘I thought maybe I could talk to you about something, Mr Tomura. I’m sorry.’ Apologizing once more, she continued, ‘There’s a recital on soon.’

‘I see.’

‘Didn’t Yuni mention it?’

Yuni had dropped by a few days earlier but hadn’t said anything.