The new year arrived on a Tuesday, which was, as Saki noted in the new notebook, an appropriately undramatic day of the week for a transition that didn't require drama.
The household had marked it with the modest ceremony it brought to most things — a late evening together, the living room, something warm to drink, the particular quality of people who are comfortable enough with each other not to need the occasion to be more than it was. Midnight came and went and the household said happy new year in various registers and meant it and went to bed.
January 1st was, in all measurable respects, the same as December 31st.
Saki found this correct.
She opened the new notebook to the new year's first entry and wrote: Household status unchanged. Positive trajectory continuing. No anomalies. Miso argument resumed at breakfast.
She paused.
Added: Saki Nana has turned ten. This is noted for the record.
