“A messenger came,” Makoto said as he stepped into the small room.
Ikasu was kneeling on a small red rug and staring out the narrow window. He was praying; whispering quietly to himself. He continued a moment before he turned to Makoto and took the small envelope from him. Ikasu held it in his hands a while and then laid it down on the rug in front of him.
“Aren’t you going to read it?” Makoto asked.
“No, I already know what it says.”
“It’s from Onna,” Makoto said.
“Yes.” Ikasu bowed his head and closed his eyes. “Ototo-shi is dying.”
“We can’t go back. The Guntai will kill you.” Makoto knelt next to Ikasu.
Ikasu covered his face with his hands and wept. Makoto awkwardly laid his hand on Ikasu’s shoulder. He wasn’t sure what to say that would ease Ikasu’s suffering.
“You’re going to go see him, aren’t you?” Makoto asked.
“Yes, but not yet,” Ikasu answered.
“Why wait?” Makoto asked.
“It is the will of God.” Ikasu turned his haunted eyes to Makoto and laid his own hand on top of Makoto’s. “Ototo-shi must die. I will go to him then.”
“Surely something can be done.”
“I can do nothing until he is dead,” Ikasu whispered.
