Twenty Years Ago...
I was six years old when we came in Japan for a two months vacation.
"Mom! Can I play outside?" I asked my mom. We are at Uncle Nishiki's home to spend summer vacation.
Summer vacation sa pilipinas but Spring season sa Japan.
We just arrived in Japan's country side. I'm so excited to explore this place since it is Japan's Spring Season.
"Okay. But don't go inside the mountain's forest, Hotaru." Uncle reminded me. I just nodded.
"Hai!"
"Hotaru! Come back before the sun sets. Your Dad will be worried if you'll not be home before he calls." Pahabol na sigaw ni mom sa'kin ng makalabas na ako ng gate. I waved my hand to Mom and ran outside.
Daddy is still in Philippines because of his work. He is the CEO of our company. So, he can't come with us.
"La la la la..." I'm humming the Twinkle twinkle little star when I saw the mountain's forest while roaming around. The forest looks peaceful and harmless. I'm curious on why Uncle don't want me to enter the forest.
"I won't tell them that I came here." I said and ran to the forests' stairs. I went upstairs and I was amazed by what I saw.
"Sugui!" I exclaimed when I entered the forest.
The forest is very beautiful and enchanting. There are lots of beautiful and giant trees. I roamed around to find some flowers and I found few with different kinds and color.
"Amazing!"
May Cherry Blossoms din dito but nag-iisa lang naman siya. I found it when I went deeper to the forest. Its still second week of March but the Cherry blossoms are now blooming!
"I'll rest here for awhile." I sat under the Cherry Blossom tree and arranged the flowers I picked. After taking a rest, I watched the Sakura Tree again.
Based on the book I read about Cherry Blossoms tree they start blooming on late March or Early April. Nagtataka ako kung bakit advance ang pagbloom ng Sakura Tree na'to. I'm even more curious as to why it is here in the middle of the forest.
"Strange."
I wanted to ask Uncle about it. So, I'll go home and ask him since he lives here in Japan.
"Okay. I'll go home now." I said to myself as I stood up. Inilagay ko sa ilalim ng Sakura Tree ang mga bulaklak na pinitas ko.
"Mountain Goddess, those flowers are for you." I said and smiled. I think, spirits or goddesses are living here because there are no sign of people living here but it seems that someone is maintaining the beauty of the forest.
I bowed down my head and raised it after. I smiled and turned my back from the Sakura Tree.
"La la la la..."
I've been walking for a few minutes by now but I can't find the way out.
"Never lose hope, Hotaru." Determinado kong sabi sa sarili ko.
Hour had passed...
"I'm tired." I whisper.
My feet are tired and I'm now losing my hope.
"I'm lost..."
If I can't find my way out here in forest then I will no longer see my mom? I will no longer enjoy the Bamboo Shoots in the City? I won't be able to come home to the Philippines and see Daddy? I can't no longer go to school because In stuck in here?
