The Whittaker Saga

  As Anna returns to her childhood home, the first time in many years, she finds it just as it was - and quite different. At home, she is greeted by her happy parents and younger brother William, and is soon caught up with all the latest gossip of the family, some of which she knew (such as Frank's arrest, conviction and return home) and some things that had not yet reached her in Japan before she left.  Frank's eldest, John, has returned from university a doctor and married one of the Rowley girls. Melanie has left for college. There had been more birthdays than Anna thinks she can keep track of as her mother rattles them all of. Frank's Beatrice and Ida's Madison are both about to age up to a young women soon and might go off to college, as will William and Edward who also have their birthdays just around the corner, and Harold has turned 15 and the twins (who were not even born when Anna left) are apparently adorable toddlers. As her mother finish rattling of everyth...

  Alice is thrilled to receive Anna's telegram, but not nearly as thrilled as when she finally sees her sister again. The two reunite in great happiness as Anna gets settled for her stay in the extra bedroom. "See, I told you it would come in handy!" Anna beams at Cora, who just laughs. She too is happy to see Anna again. It's nice to have someone you can be completely honest with. They stay in that night, sitting up and talking until late in the evening, until Anna cannot stay awake any longer. After all, it has been a long trip home, with weeks on the sea. It's nice to sleep in a proper bed again. The next day, Alice and Cora take Anna all over downtown. They visit the museum, where Cora works on her handiness for her next part, and Alice and Cora show off their acting skills on the performer stage even if Anna is the only one watching. Then they head shopping, having lunch outside on the streets and before heading home, Alice takes Anna to see their father...

In Mt Komorebi, summer has arrived, and while the mountain is as cold and snow-covered as ever, the countryside where Anna lives is getting warmer. For Anna this is a welcome change, as she enjoys the opportunities the warm weather offers. Right on her doorstep, she and Omisco has found a little beach, where she can swim in the lake on particularly hot days (or on cold days just because she likes it). The nearby waterfalls is a beautiful backdrop when you're swimming around. By now, Anna has gotten to know most of her neighbors and started to master, some, basic Japanese. Enough to be understood, and to understand, the people around her. She spends a lot of her time in the evening at the Onsen, enjoying the hot springs after days of hard climbing, and has found that it's a great way to get to know the locals better. And then, finally, the moment has arrived. Through years of hard work, of lessons and climbing practise, she is ready to tackle the mountain itself. She canno...