The Jizo statue had a childlike, three-heads-tall figure, with a round head and an oval body. It lacked the solemn dignity of a bodhisattva and instead looked rather cute. A red scarf was tied around its neck, seemingly just put there, and fluttered gently in the breeze.
The couple nodded to Honda and said, "Hello."
Looking slightly awkward, Honda lifted the plastic bag in his hand and explained why he was there.
"Oh, thank you so much. I was planning to go down the mountain and buy it myself. Thank you so much." Shimada's grandson bent down to take the bag, and his wife bowed to thank him as well.
"Please, don't mention it. We're the ones imposing on you by staying here. Sorry for bothering you just now, too," Honda said apologetically.
"Not at all. You weren't bothering us. I was just taking a walk with my wife. She's never been here before."
"Oh, I see."
Shimada's granddaughter-in-law gave a shy smile.
"My grandmother has always looked after this place. My father and I both have other jobs. When I was a child, there were many regular guests here, but these days, a lot of them have passed away or moved elsewhere."
"I see."
After exchanging a few words, Honda prepared to take his leave.
"I won't keep you two any longer."
"Not at all. I'm the one who kept you from your work."
They politely bowed to each other, and only then did Honda leave along the corridor.
At the corner, Honda turned and glanced back.
The couple were still standing in front of the Jizo statue, huddled together and talking about something.
A question arose in Honda's mind.
It seemed a little unusual for an inn to enshrine a Jizo statue.
I didn't know much about this.