The Lion and the Sun – Chapter 14 – Part 2 – (The Rising Sun) – Cont’d

        Maung Ba recalled the days when, as an activist, he had given so much credence to the promise of total independence by the Japanese; how he and his compatriots had fallen for the bait, and how the words of Ba Sein had seemed to echo in his ears, like musical strains, inspired by the Thirty Heroes.  He could picture Suzuki’s personality in his mind, his abnormal reticence, as well as the last meeting at Ba Sein’s residence  where it was resolved that every Burman should be delighted because of the Japanese offensive, and never turn their backs on them.

        Throughout that year, allied planes continued their relentless bombing of the city.  Each time, while the air raids continued, he and Rose would hasten to the shelter, together with the rest of the residents at the bungalow.

        One morning, when they were out in the garden admiring Maung Po’s horticultural efforts, they noticed planes flying at an high altitude, in swan formation.

       ”Let’s get down into the shelter,” Maung Ba yelled.

       They rushed to the back of the bungalow and quickly descended into the  shelter, where, not only the top, but also the entrance, were completely camouflaged from view. While they were huddled together therein, they began praying.  Suddenly the silence was interrupted by a muffled explosion. It seemed far away; perhaps, in a neighboring village or town.  Soon, the drone of propellers began to grow louder.  It seemed as if the planes were swooping down over the shelter, as they continued to pray.

        Andrew uttered a little cry. He was now a little over three years of age. He couldn’t understand the reason for his discomfort, while Rebecca sat quietly beside her mother.

        After a short interval of silence, the drone of propellers sounded again, rising gradually to a crescendo.  Suddenly, an ear-splitting explosion rocked the shelter, causing a terrible vibration, as if they were experiencing an underground earthquake.  They screamed in panic when the roof caved in, blocking the entrance as well as the exit of the shelter.