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Oh.
The child nodded, only half understanding.
The man smiled and rubbed the child's head.
Then he tugged the hood of the child's raincoat back into place.
"You're sure you were rescued..."
The child nodded solemnly.
He really had been rescued.
"It was a little water sprite or a Guardian Spirit who saved you."
The man nodded.
He looked certain of it.
The boatman chimed in.
"That's right."
"The mountains and waters around here are full of spiritual energy."
"They protect kind, good children."
The child's lips spread into a huge smile.
"Wow~"
The child cheered.
"Dad, I was saved by a little water sprite or a Guardian Spirit!"
"Mm."
The man tugged the child's hood back up again, since it had slipped a little when the child moved around so much.
"Lele is a lucky child."
"Lele is a good child."
"That's why you were blessed."
"Mm!"
The child nodded emphatically. "I'm a good child."
The child's eyes sparkled.
"Dad."
The child leaned against his father's knees.
"What do little sprites look like?"
"What do Guardian Spirits look like?"
"I want to meet them."
"I want to thank them."
"Thank them for saving me."
The man paused for a moment.
Then the corners of his mouth lifted. "Lele, whether they're little sprites or Guardian Spirits, they're very mysterious."
"They don't show themselves to people easily."
"They quietly protect kind, good children from the shadows."
"Let's not trouble them."
"All right?"
Aw...
The child was terribly disappointed.
He really wanted to meet the little sprites and Guardian Spirits...
"If you really want to thank them..."
Seeing how disappointed the child looked, the man offered a suggestion.
"You can call out 'thank you' to the water."
"They'll hear you."