The Night Parade by Kathryn Tanquary Page A

electric lights, nothing that needed batteries to run, not even a radio. The corners of the room were dark and empty, except for the farthest corner, where a young man in a tattered yukata sat facing the wall, his features hidden from sight.
    â€œThat’s my son. He’s very quiet,” the old woman explained. “Just leave him be, and he won’t bother you. Would you like some tea?”
    After running, crying, and trying to reason with the fox, Saki’s throat was parched. “Sorry for the trouble…”
    The old woman waved her concerns away and set the lantern down to fix some tea. The walls were water-stained, the wooden beams warped, and even the woman herself seemed to be in an advanced state of decay. But if this was the house, was this little old woman really the mountain witch?
    They sat together on lumpy straw mats by the fire, where the old woman handed Saki a chipped earthenware cup. The tea was still too hot to drink, so Saki set it on the floor by her knees.
    â€œWhere are you from, my dear?” the old woman asked, sipping her own tea with a tiny smile.
    â€œMy grandmother lives in the old house across from the temple. We’re visiting her from the city,” Saki replied. “She never told me about anyone living up here on the mountain…”
    The old woman laughed. “Oh, I’ve been here for as long as anyone can remember, dear. I haven’t seen your grandmother in quite a long time, so no doubt she’s forgotten all about me, but I know this mountain like I know myself. But dear, whatever were you doing in the dark at this hour?”
    Saki blushed and mumbled her response. “I was following a fox…”
    â€œOh no, dear, that won’t do at all! Foxes are notorious tricksters. You should never trust a fox to lead your way; they’ll always lead you into trouble. What good luck that you found me.”
    â€œMay I ask you something?” Saki began. “How is it that you found me in the dark so late?”
    The old woman gave a wheezy old laugh. “I was looking for some dinner. When you get to be like me, going out in the sun is so overwhelming. Better to go out at night, when everything is nice and cool.” The old woman finished her tea and set the cup aside. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go out and finish gathering the seasonings. Would you stay here, dear?”
    Saki nodded with a little hesitation. She didn’t want to be left alone with the old woman’s son, who had not moved from his place in the corner, but it was the best way to search for whatever the fox wanted her to find.
    The old woman noticed Saki’s gaze shifting about the room and said, “Oh, don’t be frightened. My son wouldn’t hurt a fly. He loves his old mother and keeps watch over the house, but you needn’t pay him any mind. You’re welcome to anything in my house, the loom, the mending, the kitchen. You may even clean if you wish. I do hope you find something to occupy your time, dear. I’ll have such a time preparing for the meal that it only seems fair, yes? In fact, I gathered some mushrooms earlier. It would be such a help if you could chop them up while I’m out.”
    The old woman leaned in, and the fire glinted in her eyes. “And whatever you do, please stay out of the closet. It’s quite dirty, and my son gets rather upset when anyone disturbs his toys. You do understand, don’t you, dear?”
    The old woman shuffled over to take her oil lantern and closed the door behind her. Once the footsteps retreated into the forest, Saki left the hot teacup and rose to wander the dark room. Every so often, she would glance at the silent, still figure in the corner. Saki positioned herself at every angle she could imagine, but not once could she catch a glimpse of his face.
    Everything in the house was falling apart. The tatami on the floor was moldy in patches and worn to