One can not die.

AOYAGI

Hai!

THE GAKI

Where have you been?

AOYAGI

So far--so far!--I am weary.--When I awoke, I was on the mountain-top--alone.

THE GAKI

Were there no stars?

AOYAGI

Oh--the stars, the lonely, lonely stars! I tried to touch them--they seemed so near.--I found the path--the glade--our footprints--strange people--I am here. Let me back! Let me back!

THE GAKI

And what of Riki?

AOYAGI

He does not care.

THE GAKI

And what of Obaa-San?

AOYAGI

What can I give to Obaa-San now--but misery? Am I never to be free?

THE GAKI

What would you do if you were free--climb to the mountain top to see the lonely stars?

AOYAGI

Hai!--Riki!--Obaa-San!

[_Obaa-San enters. The Gaki disappears._

OBAA-SAN

Was my name spoken in the dawn?

AOYAGI

Mother!

[_With a cry of joy, Obaa-San enfolds Aoyagi in her arms._

OBAA-SAN

Nadeshiko! My little girl!

AOYAGI

Where is Riki?

OBAA-SAN

He has gone to search for you.

AOYAGI

Was he alone?

OBAA-SAN

Alone?

AOYAGI

Yes. Was there no woman with him--a lady from Ishiyama?

OBAA-SAN

A lady from--

AOYAGI

Yes--tall--fair--singing--

OBAA-SAN

He was alone. A lady from Ishiyama--(_Aoyagi shudders with dread_) brought me a message in the early night--

AOYAGI

It was she--young?

OBAA-SAN