Kubosava has looked along street. At the corner some boys and girls have started game in "hane-tsuki". Children threw
floridly painted stick and caught it skalkami. Kubosava has noticed among them oldest daughter Umeko.
Thin, reddened from run, it has suddenly slipped on a wet grass and with scope has fallen, having flashed naked knees.
Squeal and laughter. Girlfriends have rushed to lift it; boys have begun to jump, shouting in all throat. Kubosava has
recollected, how very long time ago, ten two years ago, in same here the first day of new year it, the carefree young
fisherman, started at gate of the house of a huge kite, askance glancing towards a flock of the girls playing "hane-tsuki". To
the girl who missed the thrown stick, put on the person a speck the Indian ink. Sjukiti watched the small laugher with oblong,
as a melon sunflower seed, the person and round tender eyes. On its cheek was - it and now distinctly remembers it - two
black specks. Traces of these specks remained on person Atsuko and in two weeks when Sjukiti has come for the first time
to its native and kind half an hour sat silently, having hung a head... Soon they have got married. Military service, short
months of family happiness, war, roar zenitok, a glow over mountains behind which Tokyo, the American squadron on
horizon and at last the long-awaited world was stretched...
Atsuko it has appeared the kind, tender, loving wife. And daughters at it too the good. Umeko there is a fifteenth year. Soon
it is necessary to give in marriage. Grooms will be - it beautiful, in mother; besides Kubosava has among neighbours good
reputation. And it will be even better... Yes, Kubosava it is not necessary to complain of destiny.
Happy New Year, the Kubosava-dignity! Before Kubosava the mechanic "Happy Dragon", known the squabbler and merry
fellow Tjukej Motouti has stopped. Its wide broad face shone, from under a bright red head scarf locks of rigid black hair
were beaten out. To the mechanic - about twenty years, he lived in poverty with the old woman mother and sister, coeval
Umeko. But many in small town were rather afraid of Motouti for sharp tongue, for its habit to defend the opinion sinewy, dark
from the oil which have eaten in a skin fists.
Kubosava did not approve many habits of Motouti, but fed for it some weakness, - the guy was the son of its friend killed
somewhere near Singapore.
Hi, Tjukej! I congratulate happy New Year! Sister not at you? No... However, postoj, she, apparently, plays...
Trouble with it! Has at daybreak got away from the house. Mother has sent to find for it.
How health of respectable madam Motouti? Thanks, everything is all right. I hope, at you too it is safe? Your prayers.
Yesterday to us mister Narikava came...
Eyes of Motouti have with amazement extended, it has slapped itself(himself) on a hip and воскликнул:Са-а-а! (With a-a-a -
the exclamation, exclaiming surprise) Kubosava has indulgently kept silent, allowing mechanics time to experience properly,
this extraordinary news.
Yes... Mister Narikava Came to me. Together with the captain and sendo.
"The happy Dragon" will put to sea not later than days through twenty. Or earlier.