Totoka River table for two

"yes, of course. that's why i have to do both as l-long as i c-can." he hadn't expected to hear the stranger's howl for his daughter; he glanced back along the shore with ears shock-splayed and eyes wide.
but in the next he recovered, his weak gait determined even as he left a deep trail of ragged wet sand behind him. "so we wait here by s-staying near t-this river, a-and t-that forest, and n-now, this i-island." 'staying close.' staying to hear her song.
and if it never came, then maybe he'd find an echo in the mountains. "i m-met someone i-i knew, o-once. he m-might come w-with us. b-but i don't t-think s-so. the c-creek doesn't l-like him, or rather, i d-didn't."