Kikuko
I feel sorry for the boy.
Otane
I know. But maybe a kid like him will grow up to become something. It's said that as kids, many great men were slightly clumsy and careless, rather than extremely bright.
Kikuko
You do hear that.
Otane
And he was kindhearted, collecting cigarette butts and nails for his heartless father. He was a rather fine boy.
Kikuko
It's too bad he's gone. You miss him, don't you? You've grown to care for him a lot, haven't you? You already have affection for him, don't you?
Otane
Do I, now?
Kikuko
Of course you do!
Otane
If you say so.
Kikuko
What do you mean, "If you say so"?
Otane
I wasn't aware that I cared for the kid.
Kikuko
That's how these things go, but you do. You already have affection for him. You know, a dog starts wagging its tail without being aware of it. It's like that. We can't see them, but you and the boy have been wagging your tails. The boy's tail is thin and short. And yours is thick and long, like the tail of a tosa dog. Though you're a bit of a bulldog, too.
Otane
Stop joking or I'll hit you.