"Father... Mother..." Sosuke bowed politely to his parents, stepping in from the veranda, rain trickling down outside, ringing the rain bells, splashing the various koi ponds like soft drums...

"Ah, Sosuke, you've returned..." Drawled his father, "On time, just as I forsaw..."

"Enough," His mother said softly, pressing out her fine silk kimono with her palms, "Come in, Sosuke. The tea is ready and we have much to discuss..."