Ahe settled into Grandpa Song's boat with a stage sword. It was safely inside its scabbard, on its way to the theatre ahead. He did not draw it to play.

Grandpa Song sat at the stern with an oar. On the left bank stood a forked willow, with a large white stone at its roots. Farther to the right was their landing dock.

Ahe looked ahead, thinking of the busy stage. Willow branches hung above spreading ripples. He moved the prop from his knees to the wood beside him, without noticing how close it was to the edge.