Chapter one: A meeting

A tea-pot whistled quietly. Sakamoto Chiyo poured the hot tea to teacup and raised the cup to her lips. Hot tea flowed down and warm feeling occupied her. Chiyo enjoyed being in silence, alone. But unfortunately it didn't last long. A doorbell rang. Chiyo sighed and went to the door.

At the door was an old lady. She had got white hair and her face was full of wrinkles. Her clothes were too big and the lady smelt very bad.

Yes. Can I help you? Chiyo asked.

I was just thinking… are you Mrs. Sakamoto Chiyo? The lady said.

Yes, I am. Is something wrong?

Can you please let me in? It's cold out here.

Chiyo opened the door and let lady inside.

Do you want to drink a cup of tea? Chiyo asked.

No, thank you. But I can take a cup of whiskey, please.

Chiyo didn't say anything. She gave a cup of whiskey to lady and sat down.

Well Mrs… what was your name?

Armstrong. Louise Armstrong. Is Sakamoto Satsu your sister?

Yes she is. Is she ok?

I'm really sorry that I have to tell this to you, Chiyo, but your sister is missing.

Chiyo looked to Louise. She has to be joking, right?

But… when? And how did it happen? Chiyo asked frightened.

I don't know. But now we'll get to the point. I found this from your sister's home.

Louise gave a letter to Chiyo. Chiyo looked the letter. Louise smiled to her friendly.

I'll go away than you can read the letter in peace. And otherwise I need more whiskey.

Louise staggered to kitchen and Chiyo stayed alone. With shaking fingers she opened the letter and started to read:

"DEAR CHIYO

AT FIRST, I'M OK. DON'T BE WORRIED ABOUT ME. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO TELL THIS TO YOU LIKE FACE TO FACE; SO I'LL TELL THIS TO YOU IN THIS LETTER.

I HAVE TO LEAVE TO JAPAN. MR. TANAKA ICHIROLLE DID TAKE CONNECTION TO ME. HE NEEDS US, CHIYO. I'LL LEAVE TO JAPAN ON WEDNESDAY. I'LL GO BY AIRPLANE. CHIYO, COME TO THE AIRPLANE LOCATION AT 9.00 ON WEDNESDAY MORNING. COME TO FLY NUMBER FOUR. CHIYO, YOU HAVE TO TRUST ME. THIS ISN'T EASY TO SAY FOR YOU. BUT… THE REASON, WHY WE NEED TO BE IN JAPAN, IS THAT WE HAVE TO BE GEISHAS. DON'T BE LATE. COME THERE. I'LL WAITING FOR YOU.

LOVE; SATSU

PS: DON'T TELL TO ANYONE. I MEAN IT, CHIYO. YOU'RE DEAR TO ME.

Chiyo read the letter, twice. She will go to Japan. She will be a geisha. Chiyo started to cry.

Louise came to living room. Chiyo noticed that she was drunk.

Is everything ok, my dear? Louise bringed her face near at Chiyo.

No, actually, no. Our mother is dead I have to go to funeral. Tomorrow.

Chiyo conducted Louise to the door.

I think it's better, if you leave now, Mrs. Armstrong.

But where is my whiskey…?

Chiyo gave a bottle of whiskey to Louise and closed the door.

What I can do now, Chiyo thought.