Snow Blue

Snow Blue Part 1 [Taken from episode 27: Karupin's Adventure]

Her name was Ellena Gratt.

She was frail and considered small amongst other athlete.

Yet, she is known as one of the best tennis player of all time.

I first saw her on the TV when I was still a five years child.

It was her final match on that year Grand Slam Wimbledon.

How she stood tall against an intimidating opponent.

How her short legs dashed against the wind.

How her tiny fingers gripped her racket so firm.

How she smashed the ball across the court like lightning.

It was the most breathtaking thrill I ever felt.

—and when she let out her joyful cry as the referee call upon her name as the winner.

How she smiled with sweat and puffing breath after she kissed the gold medal.

—it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw.

Such beauty I never found in my old house of art and tradition.

So bright, so sincere, so free... —a pure emotion.

Sadly, it was her first— and her last championship.

Ellena Gratt fiercely battled the cancer that has haunted her for 10 years—

Yet, she never back down from her opponents on the court or from the deadly disease inside her.

She died young at the age of 20.

But Ellena Gratt's legacy lives strong even today.

She was the one who has woken up the true self inside me...

—to break free.

~ * ~

Fuji Shuusuke buttoned his uniform shirt. His bedroom was still dark with curtain still closed. Ray of gentle morning sun light peeked through them. His small cacti stood before the window as if it was sleeping peacefully. Its flower still there beside the tiny pot.