Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [200]
She had stolen another woman’s husband, the mayor explained. “That woman you saw in the hospital, Satami—her husband, a merchant named Yacom, fell in love with Lili, and she became pregnant. Together, they planned to elope.”
Suddenly, Wataru’s world went red. He heard a sound like a tidal wave crashing against his inner ears, and for moment he was deaf to everything. He could only watch Mayor Mag’s sad face and moving, soundless lips…
She is Rikako Tanaka.
She did the same thing as Rikako Tanaka.
She’s an invader, just like Rikako Tanaka.
A parasite feeding on the happiness of others.
“When we discovered the truth, I banished Lili Yannu at once,” the Mayor was saying. “Satami forgave her husband, and he returned to her. I was hoping that they could put the past behind them no matter how long it took. But Yacom’s heart was captive. Claiming business, he fled town, and went back to Lili. He lives elsewhere now, and I believe, still visits her.”
The mayor explained that it was Yacom who built the hut in which Lili Yannu lived. “Poor, poor Sara,” the mayor said, wiping his eyes.
“What sadness brought Satami and her family to this town in the first place?” Wataru asked, finally regaining his voice.
“They hail from Bog. There was a plague there, and Satami lost both her parents, and a child—younger than Sara. They came here only a year ago.”
“And the woman Lili Yannu?”
“I heard she lost her betrothed to illness. Her father is a starseer in Sasaya, a very important man. The one whom she was to marry was also a starseer in training.”
Wataru broke out in a cold sweat. The back of his shirt felt damp. His heart was racing as though he had been running at full speed.
Sara’s dark eyes floated in his mind. Those eyes—they’re mine. When Rikako Tanaka was saying those things to Mom, when she told her she was pregnant, when she said she would take me away, when I hid under the bed. I had those eyes too. If Lili Yannu is Rikako Tanaka, then Sara is me. And Satami, lying pale and worn on the bed, is Mom.
“How could she?” Wataru said quietly. He hadn’t thought to say it—it was as though his mouth had formed the words of its own accord.
Mayor Mag tilted his head and looked at Wataru. “What was that?”
Wataru wiped his face with a hand. “How can Yacom be convinced he’s done wrong?”
The mayor looked at him with wide eyes. “How, indeed.”
“If Yacom is still visiting Lili Yannu at her hut, then it might be possible to meet him, to talk to him directly.”
“It might, but we who live in Tearsheaven are not permitted to go near the Swamp of Grief. The pollution there would cling to us.”
“Then I’ll go,” Wataru said crisply. “I don’t live here, I’ll be fine.”
Mayor Mag seemed flustered. “But you’re just a child…”
“And a Highlander.”
“That is true, but…”
“Mayor, I have much in common with Sara. My father left my mother for another woman. He made up all sorts of reasons, pretending that what he was doing was somehow right. I know what it’s like to be abandoned. Please, let me try to bring Yacom back. For Sara’s sake!”
Mayor Mag’s mouth opened and closed, his red fin wobbled from side to side, he clasped his hands and shook them, and for a while was unable to speak. Finally, he gave a short sigh. “Very well. This is not something I would be able to do myself in any case. To you who understands Sara’s sorrow, I entrust this task.”
Chapter 23
Dark Water
Mayor Mag insisted that Wataru stay clear of the Swamp of Grief until his wounds healed. He was assured that the curative properties of Tearsheaven would have him back on the road in ten days or less.
While he recuperated, Wataru walked around town and toured the facilities where they made the tears. He even learned a bit of the craft himself. It rained in Tearsheaven every day—for about an hour in the mornings and evenings. This kept the town reservoirs full, and there was always