KEIKO: I’m glad you were able to come, Yuna.
YUNA: Thank you for the invitation, Keiko.
KEIKO: Thank you for coming. Follow me to the tea room. I’ve prepared tea for us.
YUNA: Ah! You really shouldn’t have gone through the trouble. I haven’t much time to
visit.
KEIKO: It’s no trouble at all. Please . . . have a seat. I really need the company now.
YUNA: I feel obliged.
KEIKO: And I as well.
(The women sit, and KEIKO makes a few blunders in the preparation of the
tea. YUNA observes patiently.)
YUNA: What burdens you, Kieko?
KEIKO: Is it that obvious? (Pause) It’s . . . It’s Tadashi.
YUNA: Oh?
KEIKO: Do you know what they say about me in the market?
YUNA: Mmm . . . (YUNA looks down and takes over the preparation of the tea.) Allow me
help.
KEIKO: You don’t have to pretend anymore. You’ve been a good friend to me, even though
I’m nothing more than a . . . a mistress.
YUNA: You didn’t know, did you?
KEIKO: That Tadashi’s married? No! I found out after I sent Mitsu to the market for fish
and the fishmonger’s wife refused to sell her any. She told Mitsu that I’m a money lender’s
mistress. Me! . . . a money lender’s mistress! I’ve been living a lie, Yuna! You know he told
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