A woman's voice came from outside the door, soft and faint.
It sounded like a mosquito's hum.
Sen rolled his eyes as he lay in the Rocking Chair.
He spat the mangled fruit core in his mouth into a mud pit.
"Never thought anyone would use rice balls as bricks."
His slippers scuffed across the stone paving.
He ambled over to the bronze-trimmed wooden door.
He opened it a crack.
Hinata stood at the bottom of the stone steps.
She clutched a little woven bamboo lunchbox.
Her forehead was almost touching her collarbone.
Her Geta trembled against the mud.
Her cheeks were as red as ripe apples.
"S-Sen..."
"These are rice balls I got up early to make..."
"They all have tuna filling..."
Sen took the heavy bamboo box.
Its bottom still held the warmth of the stove.
"At least you've got a conscience, girl."
"All right, I appreciate the gesture."
"The sun's blazing. Hurry on home."
Hinata tugged at the hem of her clothes and said softly:
"I-I'll bring you some tomorrow, too..."
Then she turned and ran.
Her Geta clattered against the stones.
She ran faster than a rabbit let loose.
Sen took a huge bite of a rice ball.
Fragrant rice and fish oil filled his mouth.
He was just about to go back inside and resume lazing around.
Two pairs of shifty eyes emerged from a grassy hollow in the woods.
They brought a strong stink of cheap tobacco with them.
Kakashi edged out, his hair looking like a bird's nest.
Rotting leaves clung to his mask.
Shikamaru followed behind him, sighing.
His face was sourer than a bitter melon.
"What are you two doing hiding in the grass like rats in broad daylight?"
Sen's eyes widened, and he nearly choked.
"That door I threw out-"