The Samurai's Garden

Stephen rises early, excited for the trip to Yamaguchi, to find Matsu in the kitchen making bacon and eggs. This breakfast, uncommon in Japan, reminds Stephen of going to Western hotels for brunch with his parents and siblings. Matsu tells Stephen that his grandfather loved three eggs over-easy and black coffee every morning. The two discuss the beginning of Matsu’s long employment with Stephen’s grandfather, who died before Stephen really knew him. Matsu describes him as good-looking, smart, and generous, a man who sometimes flaunted his talents but was not offensive. Stephen and Matsu eat together in the kitchen, a new occurrence. Stephen asks if he can bring a gift (he’s made a sketch of the ocean) for Sachi. Matsu says it will embarrass her but acquiesces.

When they arrive at Sachi’s home in Yamaguchi, she doesn’t answer the door. They look for her in her kare sansui, a dry garden landscape made of stones that impresses Stephen with its intricacy. Sachi is not there. As they go to look for her, they meet her hurrying up the road from an errand. Inside the house, Stephen gives her his sketch. She is moved by the gift and its subject.