Question

Why did the woman ask for? Why did this request surprise the pharmacist?

Answer 1

Your question is incomplete, please state the chapter name

Answer 2

The woman asked for an ‘ame’. She asked for it at such a late hour of night surprised the pharmacist.

EXPLANATION:

In the short heart-rending Japanese story ‘The Loving Mother’ a woman came knocking at the pharmacist’s shop in the middle of the night. The pharmacist, Mr. Soji Sakota was surprised to hear her knock so late. When he attended her he was further surprised by her need and her haggard looks.  

She wanted an ‘Ame,’ a Japanese sweet much like a lollipop used as a child’s pacifier. The woman looked pale, sick and untidy. He thought she should ask for medicines for her health instead she kept asking for ‘ame’ every consecutive night.