The changing season and the memory of Keiko’s kiss have brought warmth and lightness to both the garden and Stephen’s psyche. He returns from a swim to a letter from Pie, who explains that she hasn’t written for some time due to volunteering at the Red Cross refugee center in Wan Chai, where refugees are crowded into shantytowns, suffering hunger and heavy rains. She begs Stephen not to tell their mother, who has been in a bad mood, absorbed in her mah-jongg and charities. Mah-mee would be horrified that Pie, who she assumes is at an Errol Flynn movie or shopping, is mixing with the poor refugees.

Pie closes with her and her mother’s fear that Stephen may not be safe in Japan and their hope that he will be home soon. Stephen wishes he could tell Pie that he feels safe with Matsu and Sachi, and that he is just coming to know Keiko.

Stephen decides to visit Sachi, but he gets out of bed to find Matsu gone. The radio informs him that there has been a setback for the Japanese – the Chinese have prevailed in the battle of Taierchwang.