The cheerful heart

It had been almost three years since Mrs Tamaki and the two children had fled Tokyo to live in Uncle Saburo’s big old farmhouse far from the desolation of war. But now they were back in the city. All day eleven-year-old Tomi had been singing to herself, “We’re going home! We’re going home!” It wouldn’t be the same house: That beautiful and spacious one had been leveled in the dreadful bombing. It would be a very small one because of government restrictons on lumber; but they would be there together-Grandfather, Father, Mother; Tomi, Younger Brother Ken- the whole family except for Elder Brother who had been reported dead- and it would be home. Perhaps, Tomi thought, Father would soon be allowed more lumber and she might even have a room of her own. But the new house, set on their old plot, looked even more insignificant than she had imagined possible. Mother was bitterly disappointed and said so frankly.They would have to use the public baths! Tomi privately thought that this might be rather fun, and noticing her shining eyes, Grandfather told her, “you’re a good girl. You have a cheerful heart.” And Mother surprised them all by saying softly, “Yes. And it’s a great comfort. We’re