Book III, Chapters 31-37 Summary

The day after the meeting with Mimaki, Sachiko and Yukiko go to see Tsuruko during the day when they know Tatsuo and the children will be away. Taeko stays behind, saying she is very tired. They are also unsure whether Tsuruko, who they have not told about the reason for their trip to Tokyo, may not wish to see Taeko.

Tsuruko is pleased to see Sachiko and Yukiko and wishes that Taeko had indeed come. Sachiko tells her about Mimaki. Yukiko is afraid Tsuruko will insist that she remain with them in Tokyo, but she says nothing about it. When the sisters leave, Tsuruko cries. She is sad that she has been left out of the picture.

Upon returning to their hotel room, Sachiko remarks on Taeko's constant fatigue and wonders aloud if she is still recovering...