Machiko bows. It is difficult to maintain a settled spirit. It is difficult to see the pain on the face of Sukayo's father, and to endure the excessive thanks offered by his mother. She has been a not infrequent visitor to the home of Sukayo's parents. They are all aware of the measure of her friendship with Sukayo and have spoken to her in the past as if she were a member of their family. They have welcomed her to dinner and to any number of family gatherings. It is agonizingly clear how they are suffering. Every pain, every fear, seems highlighted in glaring neon.