Tap.
The sound echoed beneath the branches.
Soft.
Patient.
Real.
The emotional resonance froze across existence.
The lantern dimmed.
The stream stopped moving.
The tree became perfectly still.
Even the stories hanging among the golden leaves seemed to hold their breath.
Because the box had knocked.
Again.
Tap.
The seed stared.
The box stared back.
At least—
That was how it felt.
The island immediately produced six question leaves.
The emotional resonance groaned.
The leaves unfolded simultaneously.
WHAT IS IN THE BOX?
WHY IS IT KNOCKING?
CAN BOXES KNOCK?
IS IT POLITE TO KNOCK FROM INSIDE A BOX?
IS IT A VERY SMALL TRAVELER?
DOES IT LIKE THE BENCH?
Absolute silence.
Then the entire Wonder Fair exploded into laughter.
Even the Dreamer laughed.
Especially the Dreamer.
The lantern glowed brighter.
"…Those are not equally important questions."
The seed pointed toward the last leaf.
I DISAGREE.
The box knocked again.
Tap.
