Masaya has taken to his bed. ‘Sayako didn't say in so many words, but it's a nervous breakdown, Eiko,’ Tamiko said. ‘The final straw for Masaya was learning about Laura Margolis’ internment.’ It took me a moment to remember that Laura was the petite but dynamic American lady who coordinated refugee relief efforts.

Tamiko said that Laura was in the Chapei Camp, a derelict old school building, squeezed in one room with forty other women. ‘Masaya feels betrayed by the military he serves. For all he's done believing it was for the refugees’ benefit, and now this,’ she said, with a big sigh, her eyes cast downwards with her arms draped around her large belly. I rushed to hug her, never having seen Tamiko so forlorn.

Monday, 8 March

And now the Leighs are interned.

At Tamiko's urging, we joined a group including Irma to see them off to their camp – which turned out to be the old British Public School on Yu Yuen Road, within walking distance, and right next to where the Japanese grocery van comes. Given the bright spring day and the Leighs’ positive attitude, it seemed like a picnic outing at first.

But as soon as the buildings came into sight, reality set in. There was barbed wire around the whole block, and the main building and scattered huts looked ill-maintained and desolate. ‘Poor little Mädchen Anna May growing up in such a prison-like place!’ wailed Irma.

Pressing her handkerchief on her eyes, she said, ‘They are gone. Only an occasional twenty-five-word Red Cross message will be allowed.’

The proximity of the camp now seemed a cruel irony – being physically so close and yet totally isolated.

Monday, 15 March

As soon as Hiro came home from the office today, he led me to the bedroom, and closed the door behind us. I instinctively knew it had to do with the military man who approached Hiro during our anniversary dinner. That was two months ago, and although nothing was mentioned, I could never believe the matter had disappeared.