He turned around and saw Yoko.

She was frowning. ‘You’ve been gone for an hour. I was worried, thinking something might have happened.’

‘I’m fine.’ Shoji forced himself to smile. ‘Sorry, it’s silly, but I forgot what I came here to buy.’

‘We’ve run out of instant noodles, and I asked you to get me some shampoo,’ she said, ‘but since I’m here, let’s get some other stuff too.’

Yoko went to the entrance to fetch a shopping basket. Shoji followed, but he wasn’t paying attention to her. He was busy thinking about Mizuki. Someone had to help her. She had to get out of that marriage, away from that dangerous man.

Later that evening, the memory Shoji had been trying to suppress slipped into his sleep again.

In his dream, he was a small boy, crouching in his family’s shed. He was crying and shivering, hoping someone would come to help him. The night was slow and cold, and the darkness knew no end.

•

Shoji woke up, drenched in sweat. His breathing was rapid. His fingers and toes were cold and numb. His own piercing cry still rang in his ears, echoing. He closed his eyes, desperately trying to calm himself. Everything was all right. He clenched his fists.

You’re safe now, he whispered silently, over and over.

Focus on the moment. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.

Slowly, his breathing returned to normal. He opened his palms, feeling the chill dissipate. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.

In the past, he had been too frightened to retaliate. He had said and done nothing, and he had ended up hating himself. But this time, he didn’t want to make the same mistake. Nothing would change if everyone continued to turn a blind eye. He had to be brave. He would not keep silent. For Mizuki, but also for himself. This was his chance to redeem himself.

In the dark, Shoji reached for the business card in his wallet.

CHAPTER 9

ATONEMENT AND FORGIVENESS

Mizuki didn’t come the next day or the day after. She didn’t come for an entire week, as autumn made way for winter. The following week, Mr Odagiri stopped Shoji again while he was on his way to the convenience store.

‘I did say I would try to help,’ Shoji said, pulling his knitted hat lower, ‘but there’s not much I can do if she’s not turning up. I’ve no idea when I’m going to see her again. Maybe she’ll never return. You should consider it a lost cause.’

Rather than be disappointed, Mr Odagiri smirked. ‘We’re getting close. Just stick to the plan we discussed.’

Shoji was worried about Mizuki — had her husband somehow found out what they were planning and so was keeping her away? He had started to question whether working with Mr Odagiri was a good idea.

‘Don’t believe me? You should, Mr Arai.’ Odagiri tapped the side of his nose with his gloved fingers. ‘I can always sense it when a big scoop is about to come, the same way sharks can smell a drop of blood in the ocean. Mark my words. You’ll see her soon. Maybe as early as tomorrow. And I’ll be there, waiting.’