Chapter 21 Summary

As H and his sister arrive at their grandparents' home, H is disappointed to see how dilapidated the house has become. After having some watermelon, H goes off exploring and finds a boat in the remains of the house. H wonders how it got there and asks his grandfather about it. H's grandfather tells him that the boat is necessary when the floods come. His grandfather explains that the boat is useful when the paddy fields become swamped.

H and his cousin, Tatsuo, are very close. When H hears that Tatsuo is home for the summer, he quickly finishes his lunch and goes over to see him. Yoshiko wants to go along and tells H that if he does not take her, she will tell their parents when they return home. H and Yoshiko argue, and H runs off down the road, leaving...