A Stroll Through the Edo Market
In Edo, long ago, a young merchant named Taro waited in the busy market. He was nervous. He hoped to meet Hana, the daughter of a samurai, for their first date. The market was full of voices, carts, and people selling fish and cloth.
Hana arrived, wearing a simple kimono, but her family’s crest was clear. "Hello, Taro," she said shyly. "It is busy here."
Suddenly, a loud shout came. A man selling rice spilled a bag. They both laughed, but the noise made talking hard. Taro dropped his tea cup, and Hana quickly helped him.
"I am sorry," Taro said, looking at the crowd. "Maybe we should walk slowly to the quiet temple garden."
Hana smiled. "Yes, the garden will be better. This market is too noisy for a good date." They left together, hoping the next moment would be better.