Okrye

When a hundred lanterns drift off, all hundred always snag downstream. Today only ninety-nine snagged.

• SaniI sold exactly a hundred, that's right. I'm bad with figures, but I can count to a hundred.
  OkryeThen the river's kept one for itself.
• Choi MudolRiverbank access is forbidden after dark. Being old buys you no exception.
  OkryeNever asked to be spared. You're the one who's been standing on that bridge four days runnin'.

I was fixin' to toss the rusted grapple, but I hung it back on the boat's rail instead. This river always gives back one thing, when it swallows someone.

• SohaWe had someone come back like that at the tent too. On the third day.
  OkryeThat ain't comin' back. That's the river spittin' 'em out.
• MugyeongGrandmother, give that to me. It'd be perfect for hanging a talisman off.
  OkryeGet it in your hands, it'll be drinkin' money inside three days.