He felt increasingly uncomfortable. ‘I know. I never promised her anything.’

‘That doesn’t mean she isn’t expecting something. And try not to lie or hide things. You don’t want it to become a habit, or to have to keep on lying to cover up the previous lies.’

‘Uh-huh,’ he mumbled in agreement, but he wasn’t sure if he could ever be fully truthful with anyone. It wasn’t that he tried to be deceitful, but there were things he’d rather not talk about.

‘It’s nice to have dinner together,’ Eri said. ‘When I’m on my own, I usually just make instant noodles.’

‘Why don’t you come over to my place next Friday? My housemate is a great cook,’ Shoji said. But as soon as he said those words, he wondered if it was a good idea. He should have checked with Liyun first.

Eri’s eyes lit up. ‘I’d love to.’

Too late to retract now. He just hoped it wouldn’t be disastrous.

FUKUOKA NEWS

Toddler Drowns in Tragic Accident

26 AUGUST 1980

Fukuoka, Japan. A 23-month-old boy, identified as Ichirou Oda, died when he accidentally fell into a bucket of water at a relatives’ house in Minami ward.

According to a source close to the family, Oda was the only child of a widowed Japan Self-Defense Forces officer. The toddler’s mother passed away during childbirth. The father and son were visiting a relative who lived nearby when the boy was left unsupervised in the backyard for a short moment. He fell headfirst into the bucket. By the time his relatives found him, it was already too late.

The family performed CPR on the child, but they couldn’t revive him. He was subsequently brought to Fukuoka General Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. The boy’s father refused to comment. His son was only one week short of turning two when the incident took place.

Police have ruled out foul play and are treating the case as an accident. They urge parents to be vigilant and not to leave their children unattended.

22 The Persistent Ones

CHAPTER 22

THE PERSISTENT ONES

Shoji reached home, drenched from the rain. He shook his translucent umbrella and rested it against the wall to dry. Taking his shoes off, he mopped droplets of water off the floor with his socks. Usually, Liyun would greet him before he could reach the door handle, but that night, she didn’t. Could it be that she was still cooking? And Eri. He had invited her over but, glancing at his watch, he realised he was more than two hours late.

A fragrant smell greeted Shoji when he opened the door.

‘I’m home,’ he said aloud.