EIGHT

The living one is coming, Anmā. I can feel the one the kami are sending approaching.

I feel it too. An urgency beats through me that reminds me of how women had described childbirth, when the wisdom of the body seizes control and what must be done is done whether they are prepared or not.

Who will it be?

I don’t know.

Your sister, Hatsuko!

No, it won’t be anyone from our clan.

A stranger.

Of course, it will have to be a stranger.

Do you know what to do?

We don’t need to understand the plans of the kami. Only to be ready to act as the instruments of their will.

But the stranger is coming, right? The one we will use to free ourselves?

No more questions. All that remains is for us to be ready.

Ready for what? To kill the one they send?

Ready to do whatever the kami set before us.

Anmā, do you feel that?! The water is lifting us up! I’m frightened! Help me!

There is nothing to fear. Let it move you; it is what the kami want.

We are being swept away! Anmā, save me!

I am with you! I am with you! Be happy! The kami are delivering us!