Cherry Blossomed in Love

Chapter Two

December 3, 2024

After I cried myself out, I had calmed down. I tried to stand up and went to the comfort room to wash my face.

I heard the door open and carefully slamed close. “Sakura? Gising ka na, anak?” my mother gently asked.

“Yes po,” I answered back and went out, bringing my dextrose with me.

When I saw her, she suddenly hugged me. I know what for is that hug but I pretended like I didn't know anything.

“Why, mama?”

I know why.

“Wala, anak. I just missed you. I just realized your dada and I are so busy that we are not hanging out anymore.”

You missed me because you know one day I'm gonna leave.

“Haha. It's alright, mama. Tsaka, I've been busy exploring the things I am eager to learn when I was still a kid!” I told her. I saw how she's trying hard to shove away the sadness plastered in her face.

I just clung on her arm as she picked up my dextrose. “Ma, I'm hungry na po.” I pouted and she laughs.

She fixed my bed and invited me to sit there. “I'll get you food. Is there anything you like to eat, honey?” When she asked that, I suddenly think of sushi with soy sauce and wasabi…

“I think I like gyoza. Hihihi.”

And I think of the opposite again… I always do that when someone asked me something I'll make options with.

If I chose not to live… will I live?

“Is there anything bothering you, my dear?” I snapped out when mama gently caress my hair. I shook my head. “Wala po. Nahirapan lang ako what food I really want to eat.”

She turned her back on me and I heard a low sobs.

Mama…

“I-I’ll get you your gyoza na. I know you like s-spicy so I'll buy wasabi as well. You rest muna, my love,” she stuttered. As much as I want to wipe her tears, I don't want to show her that I know my situation. If they're turning blind eye about it then I will.

THE night after, everyone has fallen asleep. I can't sleep. My shoulders are pinning me and it's very bothersome that maybe a breeze would eased the pain.

When I stepped out of the hospital, a cold winter air brushed my skin. The moon is glowing enough to help the lamp posts of the hospital park lightens the surroundings.

It's only been a day since I'm here but my room is already suffocating me. It really feels like I'm really gonna die if I stayed there.

I smiled when I heard the crickets’ noises, the owl's hoo, the tree leaves swaying from the breeze as if it was my first time hearing it again. The sound of the aircon inside is so distracting, it's so annoying that I don't want to hear it anymore. The footsteps coming in and out is scary.

I guess that's why people don't want to be in a hospital. It's so sad here. The gloomy walls, the cold bed, a very so quiet ambiance that even if I love silence, the quietness here is the noise I cannot bear.

I snapped back when I heard a footstep. I giggled at myself. Lately, I think I've been spacing out a few times. I turned my gaze on the guy who passed by… watching him sit on a bench in front of a cherry blossom tree. I watched how he fixed his dextrose and hospital gown, realizing I've been staring at him for so long when he stared back at me.

“Ahem..” I coughed in embarassment.

I looked around and noticed that it's the only bench with back support and my shoulder is hurting me!

So I quietly went near him and sat down. “I hope you don't mind…” I said.

“It's okay.” He scoot out a little bit to give me space and I uttered thank you.

The crickets covered the surroundings with awkwardness. I wanted to talk to lessen the awkward vibes but I don't know where or what or how or when or who, joke. I just don't know how I should start our conversation.

He suddenly faced me and lend his hand. “Third.”

It took me a good minute to realize what he did. “Oh! Sorry. I'm Sakura," I replied as I accepted his hand and when our palm intertwined... I suddenly felt an electric shock traveled inside my heart.