Chapter Seven, Goddesses Summary

Isobe sits in his hotel room and wonders about whether he loved his wife, who he thought of during life as a helpmate and supporter, more than a woman. He had two or three affairs during his marriage, including one with a restaurant owner who was Keiko's opposite. He never expected to be so devastated by Keiko's death.

Numada showers and goes down to the restaurant. It is early, and only Enami is there. Numada says that he has sensed the voices of trees in India, and his next children's story will be about trees. Enami says that in the forest they traveled through, British soldiers hung Indians. The others start coming in to the restaurant, and Numada goes out to the garden, where Kiguchi joins him. The Sanjōs ask Numada to take their photo, and Kiguchi complains...