ABSTRACT
That evening, after we had finished our typically meager supper, I turned to Osaki and told her that I planned to go to Oe tomorrow to take care of some business. “So, if you have anything you’d like to say to Ofumi, I’d be happy to stop by her place,” I added. As usual, Osaki did not question me at all about my motives for going to Oe, but simply responded, “I haven’t seen Ofumi in a very long time. ... Have you ever been to Oe before?” she asked.
