Year of the Boar, Twelfth Month, Day 14.

 Snow fell during the night and since I have been sleeping in with Atsuko anyway, we have decided that it is sensible to keep to as few rooms as possible. The Summer House is cold even in the height of summer and the Deputy Master at Arms pointed out that if we have heat and light in every room, it will not be long before the level of activity is noticed and people realise we are here. Whether the people in the remote mountain dwellings would concern themselves with my presence here or not, I do not know. I do know that until the Master at Arms has assessed the threat from Fallen Sakura at the House, I would prefer it if no one realised where I was. Whatever Shigeru decides to do, he will not be able to make the journey here once the blizzards start in earnest and that gives me a brief respite. 

Atsuko is better today although I can still hear the remnants of the sore throat when she speaks. Her voice is slightly deeper than usual and there is the faintest rasp but I believe we can thank the gods for delivering her from the jaws of death, at least. I have not allowed her to resume her duties and she is annoyed by that. I have told Riko and the twins that they are to take direction from me. No one is happy about that but they can hardly argue and I will not have Atsuko risk her health. I cannot. She is not a good patient at all but neither am I, I suppose. 

Kie, the older twin, has been sulking about missing the solstice celebrations. Given the circumstances, I had not given much thought to that. I do not think I have even bothered to attend for the past few years. I remember enjoying the dried fruits and the festive lanterns when I was small but the best part was always the elaborate show of fire flowers which lit the icy, winter skies and reminded everyone that lighter evenings are on their way. Perhaps Kie would be more understanding if she understood the reason we are here and not at the House. The girls have been told that there is a threat to my safety from Fallen Sakura but none of the details. If they knew what I have endured at his hands, perhaps they would not mind missing the solstice so much but I can already feel shame heating my cheeks as I think about telling them anything more. Maybe Atsuko would speak to them about it.