Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

In July, Sadako’s appetite improves, and her pain lessens. As a result, the doctor decides that she can return home for a visit, and Sadako is able to celebrate O Bon with her family, “a special celebration for spirits of the dead who returned to visit those they had loved on earth” (54). Mrs. Sasaki hangs a lantern outside their house to guide the spirits home, and the family places sweets on the altar for the ghosts of their ancestors. Over several days, many relatives and friends visit the Sasaki family, and Sadako grows wan and weary. Mr. Sasaki upsets his wife by calling Sadako’s new quiet state good manners. Sadako wishes she could return to her old energetic self and ease her mother’s worries.

The next day, Sadako returns to the hospital, and her parents stay at her bedside for hours. She asks them if they’ll put her favorite sweets on the family altar for her spirit when she dies. Her father urges her to hold onto hope and finish her cranes. Sadako tells her Kokeshi doll she’ll get better and “race like the wind” (55).

Sadako’s condition deteriorates, requiring shots and blood transfusions nearly daily.