“It makes one count their blessings all the more.” She left it at that. Soon, they had arrived back at the rectory. Father Serra had kept the lights on for her, just as he promised, even though she hadn’t asked. Still, it made Lisa Lisa smile. She opened the door for Hitomi to enter first and she followed in after, carefully peeling off her wide trailing scarf.

In the light of the house, Lisa Lisa saw it - a bruise forming on Hitomi’s wrist. It looked fresh. “That looks painful.”