Tumbling through the raging water, there’s a moment when I’m transported back to the lake on Kurai. My life was in danger then, too. The frigid cold water and towing Shintaro to shore stand out against the roaring of this wave. I am fighting for my life again, one more time, what little is left of it. I used to love to swim, and this trip has ruined it for me now.
Aimi and I tumble together, and the only thing saving us from a significant injury is the softness of the butsu and its field. It may be trying to kill us with the tsunami, but it’s just doing its job, propelling objects (and water) along its surface. Still, it handles everything with the gentleness of a down comforter in winter.