The Memory Police

by Yōko Ogawa

When the water in the kettle boiled, I made tea, which I drank sweetened with honey.

‘Men who start by burning books end by burning other men,’” I said. “Who said that?” asked the old man, speaking softly and bringing his hand to his chin. “I’ve forgotten, though I’m sure it was someone important. But I wonder if that’s where we’re headed.”