[Every step brings something familiar. If they had taken a different turn not far back it surely would have led them down to the beach where so many summer night had been passed last year and a fair share of mishaps that could only come from this world. By now he thinks he could lead the way back to her farmstead without getting lost though he doesn't make any move to take that role from her. Instead reaching for her hand, lacing their fingers together and giving the back of it an amicable pat. Not unlike a friendly old man.]

Then it has certainly grown, if not in physical size then in the immaterial ways that really matter. I must admit whenever I found myself growing homesick, a short visit there was all I needed. It put me off any notions of tilling fields or mucking a stable for at least two months.

[Another one of his jokes. If anything he would spend his time at the farmstead luxuriating from his place on the veranda, cup of tea and chagashi at hand, merely taking in the labors that so many others were better suited for. Now, he takes what he can of the pleasure in finding himself here again and keeping it as light as he can for both their sakes.]