The hem of a colorfully patched orange overcoat (dopo) spreads out next to the mat. Dorang, whose hair is tied with a cloth band, taps the small drum (sogo) at his waist and raises his head. A snaggletooth shows beneath his half-moon eyes, and the corners of the book pages bear the marks of being touched in the same place many times.
Dorang looks at the first sentence and then prolongs the rhythm of the small drum a bit more. His smile remains the same, but the fingertips turning the page are cautious. The market lanterns flicker softly over the paper.