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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Kimiko's response to Kiyoshi before she recognizes him demonstrate about her character?
(a) She is a snob.
(b) She is flirtatious.
(c) She is kind.
(d) She is determined.

2. Prior to Kiyoshi's trip into the past, how many people have used the café to travel back in time to meet someone who has died?
(a) 17.
(b) 7.
(c) 4.
(d) 41.

3. Why is Kiyoshi initially unsure whether he will be welcomed into the café?
(a) Kazu dislikes him.
(b) It is the anniversary of Kaname's death.
(c) He is a police officer.
(d) It is almost closing time.

4. What qualities of Kiyoshi's personality does the narrator's description of him emphasize?
(a) Kiyoshi is curious and observant.
(b) Kiyoshi is shy and quiet.
(c) Kiyoshi is analytical and detached.
(d) Kiyoshi is warm and friendly.

5. When the narrator says that Yukio "felt like he had fallen into a deep crevasse," which is the best definition of "crevasse" (66)?
(a) Swamp.
(b) Dilemma.
(c) Depression.
(d) Hole.

6. Why is Nagare confused by Kiyoshi's desire to return to the past?
(a) Nagare is surprised that a detective would believe in time travel.
(b) Kiyoshi has never wanted to give his wife a gift before.
(c) Kiyoshi's religion explicitly forbids anything related to magic.
(d) Nagare does not know that Kiyoshi's wife is deceased.

7. What happens immediately after Yukio leaves the café to make a phone call?
(a) He realizes that he has left his phone inside.
(b) Nagare bumps into him on the stairs.
(c) Kazu locks the outer door.
(d) The ghost gets up from her seat.

8. How long has Yukio been deep in debt?
(a) Five years.
(b) Seven years.
(c) Three years.
(d) Nine years.

9. What is implied when the narrator says that, upon hearing of his mother's death, Yukio "heard a tautly stretched string snapping inside his head" (66)?
(a) He felt deep shame at having stayed away from his mother for so long.
(b) He realized that nothing more prevented him from committing suicide.
(c) He was enraged at Kyoko's duplicity and wanted revenge.
(d) He decided that there was no longer any reason to strive to repay his debt.

10. Which of the story's motifs is introduced by the Christmas tree and the extra item that Nagare adds to Kyoko's order?
(a) Bereavement.
(b) Generosity.
(c) Analytical thinking.
(d) Missed chances.

11. What beverage does Kurata ask Nagare for at the beginning of the story?
(a) Orange juice.
(b) Matcha.
(c) Eggnog.
(d) Cold water.

12. What is Miki's deceased mother's name?
(a) Aiko.
(b) Ikuyo.
(c) Kinuyo.
(d) Kei.

13. When "Husband and Wife" opens, about how long has it been since the events of "Best Friend" took place?
(a) 2 months.
(b) 1 month.
(c) 2 years.
(d) 1 year.

14. Whom does Yukio call when he goes outside?
(a) Kyoko.
(b) His bank.
(c) His landlord.
(d) Yamagishi.

15. In the opening of "Husband and Wife," what shape is Nagare folding napkins into?
(a) Turtles.
(b) Cranes.
(c) Tigers.
(d) Frogs.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which is the best description of how Yukio feels when he returns to the present?

2. What is Kurata's attitude after he speaks with Asami and finally drinks the last of his coffee?

3. On page 71, how does Nagare react to Yukio's sudden appearance in the past?

4. How is Miki's expression when she pours the coffee different from Kazu's?

5. Why does Yukio regret it immediately after he blurts out that it looks as if Kinuyo has lost weight?

(see the answer keys)

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