Chapter two: Differences between boys and girls

Rin didn't really understand the differences between boys and girls. Of course she knew in which situations her mother would say "A girl doesn't behave like that." But how should a girl behave and why was it important?

Her older brothers seemed to know but didn't want to tell her. They always said she should act like she wanted to.

So Rin begged her father to take her with him when he went to hunt some fish in the river. Taka and Haru were supposed to go with him to learn how to provide for someone else.

They watched as Rin threw a little tantrum, both more amused that anything else. Her parents looked at each other, a little lost. How should they calm her down?

It was her father who sighed and put a hand on her head. "Alright, Rin. You want to come with us so badly?"

She nodded eagerly. "I can hunt too, please, Father." Rin knew she was whining but didn't care. How could she understand the differences when she couldn't try out those things?

"Fine, you can come along. But after, you are gonna help your mother. Is that fine?" Rin nodded happily and followed her brother. But he stopped after a moment and looked over his shoulders.

"Rin, your shoes." Damn, she had forgotten them again. Sometimes she liked to run around without shoes. She quickly put them on and went after her brothers and her father.

They were on the way down to the river, and Rin ran after them excitedly, a big smile on her face. Every time she saw a butterfly or a beautiful flower, she would stop for a moment to admire it, but then she would run after her family.

As her father explained how to catch fish with a net or a spear, she listened closely and then watched her brothers as they tried to do as he said. She followed them into the river, but the net and the spear were too big for her.

Rin pouted a little and dropped the spear next to the net. Then she went back into the water and watched the fish swim around her. Would she be able to catch them with her hands?

Rin shrugged, positioned herself and went completely still. No risk, no fun. Her little hands shot forward and the fish barely escaped. On her third try, she grasped the little body and lifted it out of the water but, then she lost her footing and fell backwards into the water.

Soaked from head to toe Rin sat there a little stunned until she heard chuckling behind her. She turned her head and saw her family trying to cover up their laughter.

Rin pouted but then burst out laughing as well because she had to look ridiculous. "Let's get you out of the water. I don't want you to fall ill or something like that." Her father explained and carried her towards their home. "You continue to catch some fish." He shouted to her brothers.

They fell silent on their way, but then her father looked down on Rin. "If you had tried again, you would have been able to catch it. Good job, Rin."

She smiled at him happily and then shrugged. "Maybe. The net and the spear were too big for me, though. Is that why you don't want me to go hunting or fishing?"

Her father thought for a while. "Yes and no. You are obviously too young to do these things, but you are also my little girl and I would be worried if you were to do these things. Your brothers are older and they are not as fragile as you. Do you understand?"

"I think I do, Daddy" She answered after thinking about his words. Well, she thought hunting and fishing could be fun. But maybe she would try it when she was a little bit older and could hold the net.

Now Rin only wanted to be dry and warm again so she cuddled up to her father as he carried her the rest of the way.

Her mother looked up as they entered and gasped a little. "Oh dear, what happened?"

"She fell into the river when she tried to catch the fish barehanded," her father said, and Rin thought he sounded proud of her. He set her down and her mother helped her into dry clothes. Her father started a fire so Rin could warm up a little.

Then she looked at her mother. "When can I help you? I want to try your work, too." Her mother looked a little bit surprised, but then smiled at her happily. "Maybe tomorrow. You just be careful so you don't catch a cold, okay sweetie?"

Rin smiled and then hugged her mother and then her father. "Okay, Mummy. I love you both so much, you know that, right?"

"Yes, we know Rin. We love you too." Her mother answered warmly and kissed her head.