Matsumoto reached over to the side, picked up a notepad, and started reading:
—I’m writing to let you know that Jay was in one of the Twin Towers that collapsed on September 11 four years ago. He was attending a business meeting with a company that had its office on one of the higher floors. His remains were never found. You already know about the enclosed pendant. Jay wanted to go to Okinawa some day and throw it into the ocean near the island where his grandfather fought in the war. He said that he told you all about it. He usually wore it, but on that day, for some reason, he left it on the dresser at home. I cheered myself up by thinking that he’d be coming back home to pick it up, so I left it in the same spot all this time. But eventually, I realized I couldn’t just leave it on the dresser forever. He greatly valued that pendant and always kept it close, so it’s been an important keepsake for me, too. However, I think it would be best to make Jay’s wish come true. I spoke with Jay’s parents and they agree. I’d like to go to Okinawa myself and do as Jay wished, but I don’t know if that will ever be possible. So I’d like to ask you to do it for me. I know it’s rude to ask after being out of touch for so long, but you’re the only person I know in Japan, so you’re the only one I can turn to. Any time that’s convenient for you is fine. If you ever have an opportunity to go to Okinawa, would you please fulfill Jay’s wishes? I would greatly appreciate your help.
With the notepad still in his hands, Matsumoto continued:
—Well, that’s my own translation, but I’m sure you get the gist. You remember those endlessly repeated images on TV, don’t you? You know, the planes plunging into the towers, one after another, and the moment of each building’s collapse. Yeah, I’m sure they’re burned into your memory, too. Honestly, I can’t say the thought never crossed my mind, but I never really imagined that Jay was in there. I mean, really in there.... So when I read this letter, I got really, really depressed. Up until then, all my memories of Jay had been fond ones. And I’m sure he felt the same way. Admittedly, we weren’t close friends who shared all our darkest secrets or anything. But still, having someone you know in one of the towers, somehow changes how you see it. Of course, I’d always felt bad for the people that died, but a part of me kind of felt that the US had it coming. But when I heard about Jay, that feeling completely vanished.... To tell the truth, though, and I know I’m contradicting myself, Jay’s death wasn’t all that much of a shock to me. And I apologize to Jay and Kate for saying this. What depressed me was my bad health. I guess hearing about Jay’s death made my own death really vivid. I couldn’t help thinking, In a flash, you’re gone. And then gradually you’re forgotten. I know, I know. I’m thinking too much.... When was it? Oh, about a year and two months ago, I guess. They found a malignant tumor in my lungs. They operated right away, but the results weren’t too good. You see, the cancer has spread through my entire body. Now I’m at home taking anticancer drugs. Yeah, I’m trying to stay positive. So anyway, about Jay and Kate. I’d like to fulfill their request myself, but I don’t think I can get on a plane. Way too exhausting for me. You know I’d love to go on a nice trip to Okinawa, if it were possible. But it’s not. And that’s why I’m sending you this video, to ask you to do this favor for me. I’ve got a few other acquaintances in Okinawa, but none that I could ask.... I know I should’ve gotten your approval first. I also know that I’m not really giving you much of a choice. Still, I hope you’ll accept....
The video stopped and started again. As Matsumoto was sitting down, he put the notepad with his translation on the table.
—I should point out that, uh, when I first heard about the pendant, in that bar in New York, I immediately thought of you. And then when Jay mentioned a peninsula in the north, I remembered your hometown was up there. I also remembered that first story of yours. I mean, nobody from our generation still writes about the war. So I thought maybe you, only you, would understand how Jay feels. I know I’m being extremely pushy. But I really need you to take care of this for me. Take the pendant and throw it in the ocean. You know which island, don’t you? One you can swim across to, from a peninsula on the mainland? I guess this final request of mine sounds like a threat. But, uh, it really will be my final request, so I hope I can count on you....
At that point, Matsumoto tried to smile but fell into a coughing fit. When he recovered, he nodded and grinned as if he’d accomplished some formidable task. I thought he looked awfully old for his age. But then I felt guilty for thinking so. Matsumoto took another sip from his bottle and put it back on the table. Then he gave a self-deprecating smile and continued:
—I’d also like to ask that you not reply to this video. Not by mail, and not by phone. I know it’s rude just sending you this video and Jay’s memento, and telling you not to reply. But, uh, that’s exactly what I’m asking. This is just too much for me to handle right now. No matter
