Shigematsu and Shigeko hire a nurse to take care of Yasuko at the hospital. Yasuko's condition seems to be “almost hopeless” (151). Her teeth fall out and her abscesses will not heal. Shigematsu feels “very much to blame” (152) for her radiation sickness on his decision to lead the family through Hiroshima in the aftermath of the bombing. He contacts a doctor who is renowned for having treated a severe case of radiation poisoning. The doctor sends his notes. In the notes, the patient describes his experiences in the direct aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing. He is part of a group of middle-aged military recruits whose training base was near the epicenter of the blast. After the bomb exploded, the patient and two other survivors walked across the ruined city to a temporary medical center. 

Shigematsu continues to provide details of the patient's experiences at Hiroshima in an attempt to learn how to best help Yasuko. As more wounded appear after the bombing, the patient volunteers to be sent to Shobara. He is originally from Shobara, and he knows the doctor working at the hospital. As he travels on the train, he feels the immense pain of his wounds.