犀の背中 (A Stroll with a Rhino)

After walking a little further we come to a dock.

“Well, it's been a pleasant stroll, but unfortunately this is where we must part ways.”

As the rhino is saying this, a boat weaved from bamboo leaves suddenly glides over the water's surface to meet us.

“You mean I'm supposed to ride in this?”

“Yes. If a rhino gets on it, it will sink down to the bottom.”

“Well so would a human. I mean- It's made from leaves!"

He peers at me from behind eyes that look as though they have been eroded away from the folds of his gray, wrinkled skin. An obstinate sparkle shines within those eyes.

Resigning myself, I gingerly place a left foot onto the bamboo-leaf boat. Teetering slightly, I then fall tush-first onto it.