While Minamoto Tamako was snoring away, Fushimi Roku opened his eyes again.
He wasn't harboring any sinister thoughts, like seizing the opportunity for any bizarre behavior; he simply couldn't fall asleep.
Earlier, he had a cup of coffee at the café. He used to think caffeine didn't affect his sleep, treating coffee just like an ordinary beverage.
But now Fushimi Roku realized the power of caffeine.
He lay on the sofa, twisting and turning, like a maggot, but had not the slightest hint of sleepiness. He thought the problem might be the light; the living room was too bright, not conducive to melatonin production, so he got up and drew the curtains, dimming the living room, and Tamako slept even more soundly.
Fushimi Roku sat back in his original position, leaning on the sofa, still unable to fall asleep.
Half an hour later, the prelude music in the tape recorder ended, and Tamako was breathing evenly, seeming to sleep very sweetly.
