Summary

In Chapter 21, Izumi finds Yoshi waiting for her back at the palace. They hug. Yoshi invites her out to dinner and flirts with Mariko. That evening, they dine in Gion, the geisha district. Yoshi compliments Izumi on how well she is doing in Kyoto. Afterwards, Akio tells Izumi his mother is now being treated in the imperial hospital. He tells Izumi, “I’m in your debt” (118).

The road near the palace is blocked by people waiting to welcome Izumi. She walks through the crowd and waves at people.

Izumi has trouble sleeping in Chapter 22. She finds Akio in the kitchen. They eat together. Izumi tells him about Mount Shasta and how she is the only Japanese person there. Akio says that he is sorry for any pain shy experienced there.

Akio and Izumi head out for a walk. Akio says that he wanted...