Mother!--This is Riki.

OBAA-SAN

Riki!--See that you bring her happiness.

RIKI

I could not fail. I have searched for her always.

OBAA-SAN

We always search for someone--we humans.--Sometimes we find--sometimes we wait always.

AOYAGI

Riki, I must not go. Obaa-San is my mother--and I am all she has.

OBAA-SAN

Yes, Aoyagi, you are all I have and that is why I can let you go. Be happy--

AOYAGI

But you, my mother.

OBAA-SAN

For my sake, be happy. Some day I shall be Obaa-San no more--and what of you then? Go, my little darling, go with Riki.--Some day, you will return.

RIKI

We shall return some day, Obaa-San.

AOYAGI

Farewell.

[_Very simply she steps into Obaa-San's outstretched arms and then, as though they had been forever empty, Obaa-San stands gazing into s.p.a.ce with her arms outstretched. Aoyagi and Riki go out._

OBAA-SAN

Hai!--Hai!

[_She lays her hand upon her heart and, looking into s.p.a.ce, turns to the house. There is the empty tree--her empty heart! The Gaki comes in._

THE GAKI

Oi! Obaa-San!

[_Obaa-San turns mechanically._

OBAA-SAN

Did you not find your way?

THE GAKI

I found my way.--But why this unhappiness in your eyes?

OBAA-SAN

I am very lonely. I have lived my lifelong dream of spring and b.u.t.terflies a single instant--and it is gone.

[_She turns to go._

THE GAKI

I feed! I feed!

[_The voices of O-Sode and O-Katsu are heard calling Obaa-San._

Here are your friends again.

[_O-Sode and O-Katsu come in._

O-SODE-SAN

Hai! Obaa-San, a little lady pa.s.sed and told us you were lonely.

OBAA-SAN

I am lonely.--But I have always been lonely.

O-SODE-SAN

What has happened?

[_The Gaki, hidden, has been triumphant. Suddenly he seems to shrivel as if drawn with rage._

OBAA-SAN

I waited, oh so long--you know.--I opened my arms.--My dream came true.--I sang my lullaby--to my child.--A lover came;--they have gone.

O-KATSU-SAN

She is a-wander in her mind.

OBAA-SAN