Amaya and Joumi meet, a few years after WW II has ended, at an American party in Tokyo.  It’s not easy to be a conquered Japanese citizen.  Both have done things to survive that they regret. Joumi and Amaya immediately form a bond, but it is to be a stormy relationship with many inner demons to overcome if there is to be any hope of a lasting connection. The story incorporates accurate historical details about life in post-war Japan where people learn how to embrace defeat in ways that bring about love, community, and triumph. It is the prequel to Ten Yen True where a Buddhist monk brings healing to westerners he has never met.