Autumn: October, 1938 Summary

On October 5, Stephen says he wakes up ready for a swim. He says that it's as if Keiko's "shadow had been lifted". He swims until he's numb with cold, then goes back to the house for a hot bath. When Matsu returns from the village, he has a letter from King. King has news of the war and says it seems funny to be writing his friend in Japan since the Japanese are the "ones we curse every morning and every evening". Stephen also has newspapers filled with news of the war. He realizes it's been more than a year since he saw family and friends, but says he feels removed from that life. Stephen also receives a letter from his father, asking Stephen to join him on a trip to Tokyo. Stephen accepts.

On October 19, Stephen makes a final trip...