Year of the Boar, Twelfth Month, Day 22

 The snow stopped falling over night and Atsuko decided it would do us all good to get some fresh air. I did not disagree; being confined to only a few rooms all day and all night has not been good for any of us. I regret not insisting we bring a larger retinue. I can see that Atsuko is exhausted and Riko is miserable without the other maids for company; the twins at least, have each other but even they are struggling. I do not know what to do. I have half a mind to return to the House but I know we cannot.

It was surprisingly bright outside. The sun was high and pale and there were no clouds in the sky. We walked in the grounds for a while, enjoying the crispness of the air. The twins chased some squirrels and Riko entertained herself by fashioning a small house from the fallen snow. I took the opportunity to speak to Atsuko about the situation. I told her of my concern for her and for the girls and she agreed that they were miserable but that they would cope for a while. She would not be drawn any further on the subject so I said nothing more. I suppose she is right; the situation will be resolved in one way or another and we must wait to see if Shigeru makes good on his threat to march upon my House. I shall ask the Deputy Master at Arms what his superior has planned in the case of an invasion.