Summary

In Chapter 3, in May, the narrator was “swamped with work” (45). The manuscript she was proofreading was so complex it made her feel “like everything was hopeless” (45). Hijiri was understanding when she requested an extension. She felt exhausted when she finished. The next morning, after delivering the manuscript to Hijiri’s office, Fuyoko’s “body felt . . . lighter” (47). Finished with work for the month, she decided to enjoy the “perfect day” wandering “the city streets” (48). As soon as she arrived in Shinjuku, she felt overwhelmed by the people and noise. People handed her brochures and pamphlets. One woman convinced her to donate blood. The blood moving from her body “into the donation bag” felt “wholly unrelated” to Fuyuko (49). Afterwards, she caught sight of her reflection, disheartened by how miserable she looked.

Fuyuko began to drink a beer and a cup of sake regularly. Over time, the...