Kouya Hijiri: CHAPTER 15

“Wow, something really happened to you.” She said. “When travelers talk about that place they say ‘In the Hida Mountains the leeches fall like rain.’ You didn’t know about the bypass and you walked right into the home of the leeches. You’re lucky you got through that forest. They would suck horses or cows to death in there. But it must feel very itchy and achy for you.”

“Now it’s only sore.”

“So if I rub you with my rough hands, your soft skin will ache more.” She touched my back gently with her hand. It felt soft as cotton.

She scooped water in her hands and poured it softly on my shoulders. She poured it over my back, belly and bottom and patted me gently with her warm soft hands. The mountain water was not cold. Or maybe it was my blood that was boiling. The water felt warm and comfortable to me.

My aches were gone. I felt so warm and comfortable I dozed off under her soothing, gentling hands. She leaned against me and I felt as though I were wrapped in flower petals.

In these deep rough mountains, she was a rare, frail beauty. While she stroked my back, I felt her rough breath against my neck. I thought I should tell her to stop, but it was so delicious I couldn’t speak. I smelled a fragrant perfume, but if it was from the woman or the mountain forest I couldn’t tell.