Chapter 33 Summary

The next morning H is eating steamed sweet potatoes at the church when Toshiko tells him that a friend of hers has reported that Toshiko and H's house has burned to the ground. H tells his mother that they should go back to their home site, but Toshiko refuses. The next morning, H leaves with a bucket and trowel to dig up and retrieve any crockery or pans that might have survived the fire. He is also anxious to check the ruins and see what has happened to the sewing machine. H wants to put a sign up at the site that will read, "Both safe."

On the way, H sees that Mampukuji Temple, where he has stolen persimmons many times in the past, is in ruins. The persimmon tree is burned black and sticks up into the air. The roof of the...