Everything can Change in the Blink of an Eye...

The expression how things are constantly changing and in rapid motion is very true. In the story When the Emperor was Divine By Julie Otsuka there is a significant change in the ending. The story centers around a Japanese-American family after Pearl Harbor. The father was arrested and is in constant communication with his family. He is always chipper, upbeat, and strong for his family. Perhaps he is lying, but I think that he wants to remain in a positive attitude so his family can stay strong and stay in high spirits that he will be coming home. For example, on page 42, Otsuka writes from the father's perspective, "I am in good health and hope you are all well. Be good to your mother." I'm certain he did have hardships in prison, but he made sure his family kept his memories alive in a positive manner and that the father ensured all was taken care of. When he comes home, it is different.
He finally returns after a three year's absence. Otsuka writes on page 132, "All we could do was stare down at our shoes. Because the man who stood in front of us was not our father. That's not him. We could not be sure it was him." When this was stated, I thought at first by the text that another man came in his place to state that the father had died. Because of what he has gone through, there is a significant change. Otsuka lists the changes on page 132. "The father we remembered... handsome and strong. He liked to draw .. sing... laugh. The man... looked much older than his fifty-six years. He did not draw for us, read us stories..." She directly states the differences. It shows how unfortunate change is. Because of what their father went through, he came back with a distressed look that made him look older. The dad also came back a changed man because  of his experiences, which are unknown. That time away was probably cruel, long, and lonely for him, making him better and learning to trust no one, something his children may not understand right away. This is way change can be difficult, especially when one knows a person to be loving.