Tamiko and family are now practically our next-door neighbours.

They left Sachi with us during the move, and Kazu ended up being bossed around all day long. What a pair they are! Sachi walking and talking much better than Kazu, treating him as a wonderful plaything, Kazu, for his part, loving the attention and following her around everywhere. At one point, there was a big wail – Sachi grabbing a toy from him. I almost jumped up to Kazu's rescue, but checked myself. Miyo was looking after them after all. Miyo watched, smiling calmly, and it did occur to me that I might be overprotective.

Tamiko and Rokki arrived for dinner – a merry gathering of extended family, with Hiro and I at each end of the table, Kazu in his highchair, Miyo by his side, and Sachi, propped up on cushions next to her. Chokugetsu-ken made something called suzutou – four meat patties arranged over some greens, which turned out to be Tamiko's favourite Shanghai dish. We tucked in and talked, all at the same time, the children making as much noise as the adults. Miyo seemed relaxed for once, surrounded by the happy clatter. I am content.

Sunday, 5 April

Easter Sunday. Ayako Ringhausen, Betty's mother, organized an egg hunt in the courtyard for the children of the compound, and Kazu managed to find an egg, all on his own. He looked so pleased with himself, cuddling the brightly painted blue and yellow egg preciously in both hands. He seems to have developed so much in the month we’ve been here. I suppose it's the stimulation from being with other children.

In the afternoon, I left Kazu with Miyo and accompanied Tamiko and Rokki to a Quaker Meeting. I wanted to be in the solemn surroundings of a church, to pray for Daddy in internment, to express gratitude to God for all the blessings of our comfortable life here in Shanghai. It was a long time since I had set foot in a church, the last time probably being Mummy's funeral. There hadn't been any opportunity in Kobe, the Kishimotos being Buddhists, but I suppose it didn't matter too much as the Kanda family followed the non-church form of Christianity which called for bible readings and hymns within the home.