Summary

This section concerns pages 580-681 of the novel. Trapped in the pit, the artist spends many hours ringing the bell he finds there. Eventually Menshiki hears and rescues him, and reveals that Mariye has returned to her house. He also reveals that both Mariye and the artist have been missing for four days (590). Tomohiko, meanwhile, has fallen into a coma.

The next day, the artist's girlfriend calls and breaks up with him, saying she is worried about her family (600). He also calls Masahiko, who is angry at his lack of explanations, and worried about his father's health. Finally, he calls Yuzu and arranges to meet with her soon, resolved to making things up with her. Shoko then phones and asks if he will speak to Mariye, who will not say anything to her about where she has been. Shoko drops Mariye off at his...