Nepal, Oct. 20 -- Last year, when cherry blossoms were in season in Japan, I called my father in Nepal. I had not been home for more than two years, and with Dashain approaching, I was wondering whether I could afford to return.

"Should I come home for Dashain this year, Baba?" I asked. "Do you need to ask permission to come home? Of course, come."

"I came abroad to repay the loan we took to build our house. It is still unpaid. If I come home, the debt will only grow. That is why I am asking."

"Your elder brother is there to look after all that. And I am here, above your brother." His words were full of reassurance. I had nothing more to say.

"Who knows who will be alive next year and who won't? You'll get to see everyone. Come home, ...