Sanuki no Suke’s Diary (7)

 

     "I'm in unbearable pain, so let me try this.  I wonder if it will help," the Emperor said, and placed the sacred box which seals the Yasakani no Magatama, or the sacred curved, comma-shaped bead, by his pillow on his chest.  The violent heaving of his chest was truly unusual, and I wondered how much he must be holding on.  Even the sound of his breathing sounded labored.

     "My face must look haggard and pathetic," I thought, “but I should at least help him eat something, at least when he is awake."  So, hiding my face in my hand, I spooned a bite of the porridge and garlic into his mouth.  He ate a little and went back to sleeping.