Cherry Blossom Abyss

Flashback: Vivian (age 6)

The bird cocks its head at me curiously.

I carefully sit down in the grass,trying not to make any sudden movements to alarm it.

"What's your name?" I say softly,keeping eye contact with the crow.

It looks at me skeptically,and is quiet for a moment.

Then squawks.

Satoshi. That was his name.

"Satoshi....that's a boy name,right? You're a boy,aren't you?"

The crow's eyes widen at me.

It seemed to be surprised I could understand it.

I smile and tilt my head,raising both of my arms out slightly.

I close my eyes,focusing. The wind begins to blow and the leaves fall softly,surrounding me.

And with a flick of my wrist, the leaves swirl,moving towards the crow and circling around him gently.

Satoshi looks at me curiously and I giggle.

"Nice to meet ya,my name's Vivian charisma!"

"Vivian!"

I look back to see my mom on the porch,with a soft smile.

"What'd I tell you about talking to animals?"

She raises a brow at me and crosses her arms.

I grunt softly.

She tilts her head at me.

"I know you're trying to make friends but if anyone heard you,they'd think you're crazy. Humans fear what they don't understand,vi."

I look away and she nods at me.

"Dinners ready whenever you are. C'mon."

I smile and eagerly got up,running towards her.

She laughs and ruffles my hair.

"Careful,Vivi. You're not starving."

I slip off my shoes and wave behind me.

"Bye toshi!" I mouth.

He watches me as I head inside and sit down on the futon.

I clap my hands together and bow my head.

"Thank you for the food!"

I pick up my chopsticks.

Mom had me when she was in America. Dad got a new job down here in Japan,so we decided to move down here as a family last year.

I can't wait to start school.

We speak English but mom has taught me a lot of Japanese already.

I'm pretty fluent.

"Mom?"

She gives a "hmm" in response.

"Will I be starting school this semester?"

She's quiet.

Then looks at me.

"....no,Vivi. Not yet."

My face falls.

"...why not?"

She sighs softly.

"You're young,and you haven't learned to control your powers yet,Vivian. It's dangerous."

I look down at my curry.

"But...I'll be careful, mom..."

She shakes her head at me gently.