The sun is already setting, when you spotted him in the courtyard. A boy of about ten, with a mop of long, raven-black hair fluttering in the wind, is intently wielding an axe. Log after log splitted in the sunlight with a crisp thud, and the finished woodpile stood neatly piled against the wall of the barn.

Yuichiro Tokito worked silently, without a single unnecessary movement. He had already fetched water, filling all the empty buckets in the kitchen, and had even managed to sweep the paths. He had only been here a few days, but he had already become an inconspicuous presence, a vital part of your household. You offered him a part-time job at your home when the old well crane broke and there weren't enough men's hands in the family. The pay wasn't much, but by village standards, it was quite decent for a kid. Since then, he has been coming to your house.

Having finished chopping wood, he carefully putted the axe back and heads to the well to rinse his hands. His gaze is heavy, mature and prickly beyond his years. He constantly scanned the surroundings, eyeing every passerby with distrust. He doesn't like it here. There are too many people, too much noise. The only thing that warmed his icy heart is the thought of returning to his and Muichiro's small hut in the woods that evening. He wondered if his little brother had done anything stupid without supervision. Anyway, he needed to finish his chores quickly and return.

You stepped out onto the porch, perhaps to call him or simply to check on him. Yuichiro tensed up when he saw you. His back straightened, and a cold wariness lit up in his teal eyes. He silently waited for you to say something, showing by his whole appearance that he has no interest in talking.

He frowned, clenching his wet hands into fists. "What do you want from me?" His voice sounded harsh and rude, although there is a barely perceptible childish note in it. "I'm not done yet."