The departute from Shokubai Village was quiet. The sun hung low in the sky, tinting the mountain path gold and crimson. The faint chatter of birds echoed in the distance, and the wind brushed softly through the cedar leaves. Muichiro walked beside his father, his small hands clutching a bundle of wood. Yuichiro followed behind, eyes scanning the forest with quiet thought.
"Father," Muichiro piped up, his voice light, "why did you choose to live all the way up here on the mountain? Wouldn't it be easier to live within Shokubai?"
Mizu Tokito smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curling . "Because the mountain is safe, Muichiro. Pirates and bandits rarely come this high. There's no reason for them to climb a mountain just to bother us."
Muichiro nodded with innocent certainty. "That makes sense. Pirates don't like walking uphill."
Mizu laughed at his son's simple reasoning. "Exactly."
But Yuichiro, walking silently behind them, frowned a little. "Still… what if one day they do come?"
Mizu turned his head slightly, his red eyes softening. "You worry too much, Yuichiro. Not every 'what if' becomes real. Sometimes, we have to trust in peace when we're lucky enough to have it."
Yuichiro looked down in thought . Mizu saw the worry in his face
Mizu's steps slowed for a moment. He placed a large, calloused hand on Yuichiro's head. "You have a good heart, don't let worry steal your joy. Your mother is waiting for us. That's what matters now."
The three continued up the slope. Along the way, they stopped to gather fallen branches Muichiro darting ahead cheerfully, Yuichiro carrying what his little brother couldn't. The soft crunch of their footsteps filled the air until, finally, the faint outline of their wooden home came into view through the trees.
Their house wasn't grand just a humble home of cedar and bamboo, with smoke rising gently from the chimney. Fireflies danced around the entrance, their light flickering against the darkening sky.
"Mom, we're back home!" Muichiro shouted as he kicked off his sandals and dashed through the doorway.
Inside, a warm light bathed the room. The gentle smell of simmering miso and grilled fish filled the air. Standing near the stove was Hina Tokito her black hair flowing down her shoulders, her face illuminated softly by the firelight. Her beauty wasn't extravagant ,it was warm, familiar, the kind that soothed hearts.
She turned around at the sound of Muichiro's voice, her lips forming a gentle smile. "Welcome home, my loves. The house feels empty when you're gone."
Muichiro ran straight into her arms, laughing. "I missed you, Mom!"
She chuckled, ruffling his hair as she held him close. The warmth of the fire, the scent of her clothes, the softness of her hands it all made the long day fade away.
Yuichiro and Mizu stepped in a moment later, setting down the bundles of wood. Yuichiro's eyes immediately caught the glisten of sweat on his mother's forehead. He frowned slightly and walked closer.
"Mom, you shouldn't work so hard," he said softly. "You've been getting sick more often lately."
Hina blinked, surprised for a moment, then smiled warmly. "Thank you for caring so much, Yuichiro."
She reached out a hand. "Come here, my sweet boy."
Without hesitation, Yuichiro stepped forward, and she pulled him into a hug beside Muichiro. For a long, quiet moment, the three stayed like that, her two sons wrapped in her arms, their small heads pressed against her chest. Her eyes glistened faintly as she whispered, "You two are my everything."
Then, a familiar warmth pressed against her back two strong arms wrapping gently around her shoulders.
"Looks like I'm being left out of the fun," Mizu said with a chuckle, his deep voice rumbling against her ear.
Hina laughed softly and turned her head to look up at him. "You're never left out, dear."
Mizu bent down and kissed her forehead tenderly. "I'm starving," he said with an easy grin. "What's for dinner tonight?"
Hina playfully swatted his chest. "You're always thinking with your stomach."
The four of them laughed, the sound filling the small wooden house with warmth.
Later that evening, the Tokito family sat together around a low wooden table. The simple meal grilled fish, steamed rice, and warm miso soup tasted richer than any feast. Mizu shared stories from the village, Muichiro chimed in with childish excitement, and Yuichiro though quieter ,occasionally smiled at their laughter.
Outside, the wind whispered softly through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and the distant murmur of the stream.
Their home wasn't large. Their belongings were few. But as the fire crackled and the stars began to shimmer through the open window, it was clear they possessed something far greater than wealth.
In that little wooden house atop the mountain, the Tokito family had love and that was a kind of richness no gold could ever buy.