‘Missy, Kazu sad no Sachi. I takey him ousai,’ Amah announced, helping him put on his shoes. Despite her attachment to Taka, she's also devoted to Kazu, and I was impressed how she read his feelings. Had he mentioned Sachi to her? Was my missing Tamiko so obvious, too?

Just as Taka was waking from his nap, the two of them returned, Kazu holding something preciously in his hand. Panting as he flew into my lap, he looked up gleefully and proceeded to put on a pair of sunglasses made of hideous bright green plastic. I was about to scold him for picking up such a cheap-looking toy, when Amah, who had finally caught up with him, said, ‘Missy, Kazu choose, my gift make big boy happy!’

Kazu hovered over Taka's pram, sticking out his face to his brother. Now completely awake, Taka reached out to grab the sunglasses off Kazu's face. Kazu jumped back, face still stuck out, just out of Taka's reach. Taka squeaked and reached over, only to make Kazu take a tiny step backwards. It became a wonderful game for Kazu to taunt his little brother.

I envied Kazu for so easily being distracted from missing Sachi. I felt I should wash his hands and the sunglasses – thinking of all the germs from the pedlar's cart. But I let it pass. Watching the two little ones squabble was a welcome distraction for me, too.

Tuesday, 11 April 1944

At a loss for company without Tamiko, I phoned Cheeko, who suggested I come over straight away. ‘The grocery van is here today,’ she said. I cycled over as fast I could.

She was waiting for me by the van, dressed in a non-descript grey frock and wearing rubber-soled Chinese cloth shoes, making her indistinguishable from the Chinese women rushing about. As soon as she spotted me, she said, ‘Eiko-san, hurry, hurry, not many things left!’ Taking my hand and pulling me closer, she whispered, ‘There's a tin of Rowntree's chocolates if you are willing to pay.’ I couldn't resist the opportunity to obtain Hiro's favourites, although the black market prices made my eyes water.