‘I know.’ She crossed her legs. ‘My superiors offered me a good position there. It’s a two-year assignment, with a possibility of an extension. I wanted to take it, but I wasn’t sure because of my father. I didn’t even tell him.’ She gazed into the distance. ‘But I can’t hide things from him. Somehow, he just sensed it. And when I told him what was bothering me, he chided me for being stupid. “Of course you should take it. What are you hesitating for? Don’t be silly.” I wasn’t sure what to say, so I just laughed and cried.’

He looked at her gently. ‘Your old man is a good man.’

‘I know,’ she said. ‘I couldn’t ask for any better.’

Shoji took a deep breath. ‘Well. If this is what you’ve decided, I wish you all the best in New York.’

‘Thank you.’ She leaned towards him. ‘I’m going to miss my little brother.’

‘It’s not as if we’ll never see each other. As long as we’re both alive, we’re bound to meet again.’

The corners of her mouth curled up a little. ‘That’s true.’

‘Let me know when you’re back in town.’

‘I will,’ she promised. ‘And please contact me if you’re coming to New York.’

‘Unlikely, but if that happens, you’ll be the first to know.’ And then a thought came into his mind. ‘By any chance, if you ever came across someone named Takeshi Goda, could you let me know?’

‘Takeshi Goda?’ She paused. ‘Is he another politician?’

‘No, I think he’s a teacher. Not a public figure or anything. But please contact me if you happen to hear anything about him.’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘When are you going to leave?’

Eri shrugged. ‘As soon as possible. Maybe in a few weeks.’

‘Let me know when you have the date,’ he said. ‘I’d like to see you off.’

‘Please don’t. If you do that, I might cry.’ She crossed her ankles. ‘I’d prefer to go alone.’

‘I understand.’ He glanced at the clock. It was almost midnight. ‘Shall we walk to the station?’

Eri stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. ‘Thanks for accompanying me.’

‘I’m glad I insisted,’ Shoji said, leading her out of the park. ‘I still can’t believe you almost left Japan without telling me. A nice older sister you are.’

She laughed at his teasing. ‘Come on, don’t you think it sounds romantic? To suddenly disappear into thin air, as if everything had been a dream.’

Shoji thought of Yoko. ‘Not to me.’

They returned to the alley and walked towards the station. The street was empty and quiet.

‘Also, about Liyun,’ Eri said. ‘She’s a sweet girl, but she has feelings for you. I don’t think you should let her stay unless you plan to develop a romantic relationship with her.’