Chapter 23 Summary

With Kabuo's case suspended until tomorrow, Ishmael goes to the coast guard lighthouse in order to research the history of storms on the island. However, once Ishmael finds himself sitting there in front of a pile of weather records and radio transcripts, the story flashes back to the time shortly after the end of World War II.

Ishmael and Hatsue have both returned to San Piedro, though Ishmael has lost an arm and Hatsue is married to Kabuo. However, Ishmael still misses Hatsue and a chance encounter with her on the beach where they used to meet gives him a chance to talk to her. Unfortunately for Ishmael, Hatsue wants no part of Ishmael and refuses to so much as give him a much-needed hug. Then, once again, she walks away from him.

Returning the story to the coast guard station, Ishmael looks...