"'This is a repeat of the news bulletin,' a newscaster said harshly, his voice trembling with urgency. 'Japanese planes have attacked Pearl Harbor ... The United States Fleet has been heavily damages ... Fires are raging over the waterfront ...'

"Father put down his chopsticks and listened intently. Mother brushed away a piece of hair that has strayed from her bun and pinned it back into place. A frown swept across her pleasant face and she didn't even attempt to eat her lunch. Only Yuki had a mouthful of chicken and sat chewing silently, looking first at Father and then at Mother, trying to understand what had happened.

"'It's a terrible mistake, of course,' Father said at last. 'It must be the work of a fanatic. That is, if it really happened.'

"Mother agreed. 'Of course,' she said, 'It must be a mistake. Why would Japan...