Ghosts of the Tsunami

“It is conventional to picture such reunions as joyful moments of emotional release. But the emotions are too big, and too mixed with despair. Over the past few days, Hirouki had arrived at the belief that he had lost his parents, two daughters, son and wife. When he saw Hitomi, he adjusted his understanding: as it had turned out, he had lost his mother, father and three children. Hitomi said. ‘But we were so preoccupied with thoughts of the children. Until I found them, I couldn't feel any relief'”