Princess Sakura

Chapter 4- Miharu Takizakura Cherry Tree

Tears streamed down my cheeks, profound gratitude filling my heart for the extraordinary stroke of fortune that had befallen me. Once more, I thanked my loyal Akita, Rikki, for all he had given me. With renewed hope, I left my room in the mansion and rushed upstairs to speak to the elderly man.

"So, you've figured it out. Yes, this is his home in the Dragon's Den."

"Where is he? Please, let me see him."

"He's in a delicate state, and he almost didn't make it through. You should speak with him yourself; his room is the one to my left."

The door creaked open, revealing Ren lying in bed, swathed in bandages and sleeping. Tubes connected him to medical equipment. I settled into the chair beside him, taking his hand in mine, and waited patiently for him to recover. He recounted how he had leaped into the river, ultimately saving him. His wounds hadn't been fatal because of that plunge. He fully recovered within a year and a half, and we were finally reunited. We chose to start a new life together in Fukushima, seeking peace and happiness. We moved into a quaint, traditional home, and not long after, we became engaged. Over the next two years, we celebrated the town's festivals, cherished the holidays, and commemorated our wedding anniversary each year. Our lives flourished, and we were blessed with the birth of our beautiful daughter, Naomi, who outshone us all. Our days were filled with visits to shrines, and we watched with pride as she attended school daily. Later, we were blessed again with a son, Riku, who arrived much smaller than expected.

As time passed, I began to fall ill, and I could only watch from the sidelines as my children grew. Eventually, I became too weak to spend time with them outdoors. Now, I am confined by my illness, unable to move, and I can no longer recount the tales of this story. I yearn to pass down my cherished scroll to my daughter, Naomi, and my treasured sword to my son so he may train to protect his sister throughout their lives. Everything else goes to my husband. I implore you, please, watch over Japan's cherry trees. Never let them wither away like I will tonight. Soon, I shall be reunited with my beloved Rikki.

March 18th, 1998

Today, my beloved wife departed from this world. No words can convey the depth of my grief, but I must find the strength to carry on for the sake of our children. In her honor, I have made the solemn decision to lay her to rest beneath the sheltering embrace of Japan's oldest cherry tree. I shall forever hold her memory close to my heart and dearly miss her presence. However, my days in this realm are now numbered, and I shall soon join her in the great beyond. It is an inevitability I accept with open arms.

Our legacy, though, shall endure. We shall be united once more, joined by our children and grandchildren, and this cherished lineage will continue to thrive in the realms above. As we embark on this collective journey to eternity, I beseech the heavens to watch over and protect my family, now and for all time, as we bid farewell to this earthly realm together.

March XX, 2011

The devastating forces of an earthquake and a tsunami have obliterated the land that cradled my grandmother throughout her existence. In the aftermath of this cataclysmic event, my dear mother, Naomi, and her brother, Riku, have departed to reunite with her in the embrace of the afterlife. Likewise, my two brothers, Takahiro and Haru, have journeyed onward to join this celestial gathering. Takahiro, only 16 years old, had his life tragically extinguished by the ruthless quake before our very eyes. Haru, a tender babe, was also taken from us.

And now, I stand alone, a mere 14-year-old girl, the solitary survivor of my once tightly-knit family. I am grappling with the profound weight of solitude, but this is not entirely accurate. In this desolation, I find solace in the unwavering companionship of my faithful dog, a loyal friend who will remain by my side till the very end.