I didn’t go back to the fields during that time. That was her decision. She announced it to me the next morning as we ate our breakfast.“Yesterday you saw your mother, and the meeting upset you. Next time, she might be the one whose heart would suffer for it. Also, if you return, there is the chance that you’ll encounter other members of your family. Who knows what harm such an experience might do to you or them?”Especially if I meet Aki, I thought sadly. That’s who she means, I’m sure of it. She won’t mention his name to spare me pain.I inclined my head slightly. “I’ll do as you say, Lady Yama.”“Good. That will save us from wasting time wrangling over trifles. I can’t keep you here forever, Himiko, and I shouldn’t. Your mother brought you to me to be healed, but I can only do so much to make you well again. The most important part of your healing must come from your own efforts. Unless you put yourself to the test, you’ll never know if you’ve succeeded.”“Or failed,”
