The taiko drums boomed loud and fast, like a demand. The dancers moved with easy grace as the villagers lifted and swayed atop the moonlit floats.
Jack’s legs begin to shake and he loses control, spinning and jumping with the dancers. He is euphoric. The moonlight is intoxicating. It feels wild and natural to be so free. He feels safe and accepted.
They eat several grilled meats, vegetables and dumplings from the market vendors to cool down after the dance; reveling in the colorful atmosphere.
After the festival, Kinoko led Jack to a path behind the shrine, which led into the forest. They passed cedars and moss-covered stone statues. They passed a small cemetery and a stone gate.
Near the waterfall there is a miniature shrine. Kinoko opens its tiny doors, retrieving an ivory sake bottle.
“We can take one more drink before we go.” She smiles. Jack has had plenty to drink. Too much. But he takes a sip. The liquid tastes bright, and sparkles on his tongue. He feels rejuvenated. Drunk but energetic. She looks at him with smiling eyes and he drinks again, deeply.
It feels like an army of merry little organisms marching through his body and cleaning everything. Like every cell in his body is being rejuvenated.