"Yuki, come at once," Mother says. "Your father has been called to Edo by the noble shogun who watches over our country. We must prepare for a long journey. Take all you need. One thousand men go with us to carry our baskets and chests."

I do not want to go, but it would be disrespectful to say so.

My honorable teacher throws up her hands. "Such a journey will take many weeks. What of your lessons? Each day you must write a haiku. And Yuki, do not forget me."