The road to Shokubai Village was quiet at first, the morning mist still clinging to the edges of the trees. The air smelled faintly of cedar and damp earth. Mizu Tokito carried a bundle of cut wood over his shoulder, his two sons walking beside him Muichiro humming softly, Yuichiro silent as usual, eyes focused kn the path ahead.
As they neared the village, the sound of voices began to rise ,merchants calling out prices, children laughing, the creak of cart wheels, and the chatter of early customers. Shokubai Village was alive with movement. Bright banners fluttered from wooden stalls, and the smell of soba and fresh rice cakes hung in the air.
Mizu smiled. "Looks like a good day for business, boys."
Muichiro grinned and nodded eagerly. "Let's sell everything today, Father!"
Yuichiro simply adjusted the rope on his shoulder and muttered, "If we're lucky."
They found their usual spot ,a shaded corner along the main street and began setting up their stall. Mizu neatly stacked the bundles of wood while Muichiro tied them with fresh rope. Yuichiro spread a small cloth on the side and set out their coin pouch and notebook for counting.
Soon enough, customers began to approach.
"Ah, Tokito-san! Your wood burns clean as always!" said a stout man carrying a small barrel.
Mizu chuckled. "That's because it's cut from a different regions . Strong roots, strong wood."
Muichiro hurried to lift a bundle and hand it to the man, who nodded appreciatively. "Such a polite boy," the customer said. "Your sons take after you."
Mizu laughed. "Let's hope they take after my good habits, not my old ones."
The man laughed and walked away. Muichiro smiled at the compliment, while Yuichiro quietly counted the coins, jotting numbers down in his small ledger.
As the day went on, more people stopped by. A young mother bought wood for cooking. An old craftsman requested a few straight pieces for furniture making. Muichiro helped carry them to the side, and each time he bowed politely. His cheerful nature made many smile.
Yuichiro, though quiet, worked efficiently checking each sale, counting the money twice, making sure nothing was lost. Every time Mizu glanced at him, a small warmth flickered in his chest. For all his harsh words sometimes, Yuichiro had a dependable heart.
Then a familiar voice called out from the crowd.
"Mizu , Is that you?"
They turned, and standing before them was a tall man in a blue haori, spectacles glinting in the sun. His face was kind, his presence gentle yet confident.
"Doctor Kocho!" Mizu said, smiling broadly. "It's been too long!"
Shinji Kocho returned the smile. "Not since last spring, I believe. I came for some wood today , want something sturdy. The clinic's stove has been giving us trouble."
"Of course, of course," Mizu said, motioning to Muichiro. "Muichiro, bring the bundle from the side."
Muichiro hurried over, lifted the bundle, and handed it carefully to Shinji. "Here you go, sir!"
"Thank you, young man," Shinji said kindly, patting his head. "You've grown taller since I last saw you."
Muichiro blushed slightly and smiled. Yuichiro took the coins and began counting them quietly, while Mizu and Shinji continued their conversation.
"How's your family, Shinji?" Mizu asked.
"Doing well," Shinji replied. "My daughters stayed home today ,they're helping my wife tend to the patients. The fever's been spreading fast this season , I dont know what could be causing ."
Mizu nodded solemnly. "Please give them my regards. Your wife too."
"I will," Shinji said, then looked around. "And where's Mrs Tokito today? She usually helps you sell ."
"She stayed home," Mizu said, his tone softening. "She's been a bit unwell lately. But it's nothing serious ,just exhaustion. A few herbs and rest will do the trick."
"Herbs?" Shinji repeated, brows furrowing slightly. "Be careful with that, Mizu. You know how unpredictable illnesses can be. If she doesn't recover soon, bring her to my clinic. Don't take chances."
Mizu smiled reassuringly. "Of course, Doctor. But really, it's nothing to worry about."
Yuichiro frowned slightly, glancing away. He didn't share his father's confidence. He'd seen his mother sweating more often lately. But he said nothing.
"Still," Shinji continued, "if it worsens, promise me you'll bring her."
"I promise," Mizu said. "And thank you, Shinji. You've always been kind."
They exchanged bows before Shinji departed, waving goodbye as he disappeared into the busy crowd.
By noon, every bundle of wood was sold. Their stall was empty, and their pouch heavy with coins. Mizu looked at his sons, smiling proudly.
"Well done, boys," he said, patting their shoulders. "We've earned enough to rest for a while."
Muichiro beamed. "That's great! Maybe we can buy sweets on the way home?"
Mizu laughed heartily. "I suppose we can spare a few coins for that."
Yuichiro rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a faint smile. "You'll just waste it on sugar."
"Then you'll help me eat it," Muichiro replied, grinning.
As they packed up their things, the sun dipped low, casting golden light across the village streets. Merchants began closing their stalls, and children chased each other past the path where the Tokito family walked.
Mizu carried the empty rope bundles on his back, humming softly. Muichiro skipped beside him, munching on a small sweet dumpling. Even Yuichiro seemed lighter, the edge of his usual frown softened.
"That was a good day," Mizu said, glancing at both his sons. "With this much saved, we won't need to go out for a while. Your mother will be happy to hear it."
Muichiro nodded happily. Yuichiro only murmured a quiet "Yeah," but inside, a sense of warmth filled him too.
The three figures walked on, the fading sunlight stretching their shadows long against the road home .