Right Here Waiting

Chapter 19: The Hope

Sakura's death was a shock for everyone. They could not believe it; even some didn't want to believe it. Touya was furious, while Fujitaka broke down in an instant. Even though it was hard for him too, Eriol presented himself to be the one to tell Sakura's friends. That way he could cover up the world of magic by making another story on what really happened.

Tomoyo decided to isolate herself. She kept on crying and shaking. She couldn't breathe since guilt was eating her. Eriol tried to erase her memories since he knew that she would forever blame herself of Sakura's death. However, she declined his offer. She decided to suffer herself in order to pay for what she had done.

However, one person remained expressionless.

Syaoran was lying on his bed, feeling numb about everything. His amber eyes were staring at the ceiling, hoping that everything was simply a nightmare. It couldn't be true right? His best friend would not leave him. Sakura was still here. She was probably at home, sleeping or arguing with Kero. Later, she would show up on his door and they would watch movies or go out together.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and finally, a tear flowed from his eyes. There was no use of convincing himself. Memories of her flooded his mind – her smile, her voice, her laugh. He would never see it again. He would never have the chance to respond to last words and to start a new beginning.

*******

"You've done a great job as the Master of the cards, Sakura. I am really thankful that you took care of Clow's possessions throughout the years." Eriol said softly and gave a sad smile. He was looking down at her tombstone as he picture her face in his mind. "Don't worry about us okay? We will move on someday. At least some of us will."

He took a deep breath and sighed. "I will really miss you, my dear Cherry Blossom."

With that, he kneeled down and placed a lavender flower on her tomb. It was the exact flower he had given her when they were elementary, when he saw her with a long face in one rainy day.

However, this time, it was not meant to cheer her up. It was for Eriol to remember her presence and the moments he had forgotten.

He remained silent, but after a while he decided to give way to someone. "Don't be afraid to show yourself, Li."

Slowly, the descendant of Clow Reed showed himself. Syaoran held a bouquet of cherry blossoms in his hands. He walked towards Eriol.

Eriol gave a small smile and did not dare to look at him. He knew that Syaoran wouldn't want him to see the sadness written on his amber eyes. "You are here all the while, aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you let everyone to see that you are here?"

Syaoran sighed, then focused his eyes on Sakura's grave. It was the only time he had the courage to get near it since Touya, and some of Sakura's friends were there whole morning. "I just don't feel like it. After all, it will give everyone a piece of stillness especially Touya."