Sunshine

A promise

I kept my promise. 

I had not slept in god knows how long. I felt like I had been stalking through the forests; rain or shine, even snow had come and passed. It must have been months. Even after I could no longer see the spinning scent of wolves in the air, I walked still. My body, even with its newfound power, ached. I was well past whatever limit I had and soon I found myself walking up the path to the village. Time had passed. It was silent. The only sign anyone was there was that there were no longer bodies. The rain was soaked into the ground, making the blood vanish as if it was never there to begin with.

I let out a long breath as I walked to the house, seeing a few people, survivors, staring at me from windows. I didn't go into the house. I sat on the front step and let the rain fall on my head while holding my head in my hands.

I honestly don't know how long I sat there. I didn't notice the darkening of the sky. But I felt Gina put a blanket over my shoulders and pull me along inside. I was absent as she stripped the clothing away and bathed me. I laid in my bed staring up at the ceiling, then slowly closed my eyes, finally sleeping.

+++

I wasn't surprised that when I woke up I was in different clothes than when I laid down. I probably slept for a long time. I got up and opened the sliding panel door that led to the outside. I went on to the wooden porch that surrounded the building and sat near the edge.

I never felt so alone. I was glad at least Gina survived—a small blessing in a blood bath. Gina eventually came to stand beside me. She placed rice balls next to me, then just sat.

She was silent for a long time before she finally spoke, "You should eat. You look half starved. You slept for a long time, Master Mori." She said, getting up.

I became rigid as she addressed me like that... I did not dare lash out at her—not even if the name was unfitting for me.

"You did what Master Ren wanted in the end. You have done something very hard. As much as it saddens me for him to be gone, at least he died still as our Ren, and not one of those creatures." Her words are stern yet soft.

I gritted my teeth as painful emotions pulsed through me. I leaned forward, burying my face into the crevice of my elbow, blocking my eyes. I sobbed and the tears kept flowing. Oh Master Ren... She came back and simply rubbed my back, trying to comfort me. She knew there was nothing else she could do or say for now.

After a few weeks and visiting Ren's grave along with so many others. I had finally stopped crying. It felt as if my eye's had truly dried up.

Gina walked up to me and looked a bit unsure but then she handed me a piece of paper. "There is a man who arrived while you had been away. He asked for you... I told him what happened. He was unable to find you and returned again and told me to give you this once you returned."

My eye's, still sore from the weeks of crying, widened, and I took the letter. I didn't smile as I probably would have before, but I read it anxiously.

Little fairy,

I have heard what happened and it pains me. Life has a way of being so cruel to you. Do not worry about missing my visit; I will return in the summer. I desperately hope this letter finds you... I can't wait much longer to see your face. Please wait just a little longer for me and don't make any rash choices... at least til I return.

-K

I let a shaky breath out—my luck indeed. I would miss his visit in those moments. I folded the letter up and put it into my kimono. I didn't look at Gina. I was glad for once, as much as I hated it, that he was away. I was a terrible wreck but I also so badly wanted to cry in his arms to feel just a little less alone.