Kenji watched his mother's care-worn hands tremble as she ladled out of the morning rice gruel. His five-years-old sisters, Tomoko, sat in unnatural stillness, her eyes locked on their mother's hands as if sheer force of will would keep the precious grains from being spilled.
A sudden commotion outside their apartment made them all jump. Kenji grabbed the wavering bowl from his mother's hands and placed it in front of Tomoko. His mother didn't notice the near disaster. All her attention was focused on their front door.
Several wooden sandals clacked across the hallway floor, a shrill, strident voice dominating above all others. His mother shuddered before she faced him in anguish. He recognized the voice immediately. It belonged to Mrs. Ueda, chairman of the Women's Brigade, and she could be here for only one reason.