I watched the silver stream at Kyushu—and I waited.
RIKI
What, are those tears?
AOYAGI
Nothing, Riki—but I feel so far away—from Obaa-San.
RIKI
She can bridge the distance with her heart. A mother can always bridge all distance with her heart.
AOYAGI
Hai!
RIKI
Our happiness is all she wants.
AOYAGI
Our happiness—(bitterly)
RIKI (He goes to her. She moves away)
Why—
AOYAGI
The silver fishes—
RIKI
What has happened, Aoyagi?
AOYAGI
Did you send the message to Obaa-San?
RIKI
Yes.
AOYAGI
Did you go down the path?
RIKI
Yes.
AOYAGI
Did you pass a stranger on the way?
RIKI
No.
AOYAGI
A stranger just came by.—He came up the mountain path.
RIKI
I crossed the stream.
AOYAGI (She takes a deep breath)
You crossed the stream.
RIKI
Aoyagi—little sweetheart—I cannot understand.—What do you mean?
AOYAGI
Oh, Riki, Riki, I am so alone. Tell me what—why—why—
RIKI
Aoyagi, was I gone too long? Has some demon come to you?
AOYAGI
No demon came. You were gone too long.
RIKI
I went down the path and crossed the stream to take a shorter way. I met a stranger—
AOYAGI
Singing?
RIKI