Chapter 12 Summary

As Genji falls farther and farther out of favor at court, he considers going out to the Suma coast to get away from life. However, he is held back by thoughts of Murasaki. Although he knows that he needs to go some place to escape the impermanent ties of life, he also knows that he is very tied to Murasaki and she is very tied to him. In fact, the thought of Murasaki's grieving is more than he dares to think about.

In addition, he is concerned about his other commitments, such as Reikeiden's sister. She is dependent upon him for support, as well as infrequent visits, and leaving would be a severe blow to her.

Despite these commitments to the world, Genji decides that he must exile himself to the Suma coast and he announces his intentions to his friends and family...