“Tsukiko, how much longer do you think I’ll live?” Sensei asked abruptly. I met Sensei’s gaze. His eyes were placid. “A very, very long time,” I cried out reflexively. The young couple sitting on the next bench turned around in surprise. Several pigeons took flight. “You know that’s not the case.” “But, still, a long time.” Sensei took my left hand in his right hand, his dry palm enveloping mine. “And would you not be satisfied, if it weren’t a long time?”
