Ihachirou

They remember the light most, the day Ihachirou returned. The old frog merchant who sells river-pearls by the docks will tell anyone who asks. Before, Ihachirou was all laughter and tall tales, buying dried squid for another trip into the wilds. They always swore they’d find the very top of the falls, where the water was born from the sky. They left with a wink and a wave. When they came back, the glimmering rays followed them up the stone stairs of Waterfall City, and their mouth was frozen in a perfect O of surprise. They don't speak anymore. They just sit by the great fish statue in the plaza, eyes wide, as if still seeing the impossible thing they found. Whatever happened up there, it took their voice and gave them light instead.