Obasan Chapter 38 Summary

  • Naomi learns that a maple tree grows on Naomi's mother's burial site. She doesn't take any pictures after the bombing. She doesn't want them to see her like that.
  • Naomi imagines her mother's skin bubbling off of her bones. She thinks about the silence of her suffering. About how Grandma sends letters to Grandpa, who gives them to Aunt Emily, who tells Uncle Sam and Obasan, who tell no one. All Naomi remembers of her mom is an old picture...
  • Nakayama-sensei is still praying. He prays for love. Obasan prays too, for soothing and comfort. Maybe it works, because even though her mother isn't there, Naomi feels her presence. She feels her love.