Shining of the Four

Chapter 29

Salmon awoke early in the morning, the sun not yet risen. Since the arrival of spring, Salmon had been traveling to the cherry blossom tree where her mother had been buried every day, hoping to see tiny pink blossoms bloom on the thin branches of the tree.

Yet, every day, the branches remained bare, not the slightest bit of vegetation growing from it. Salmon knew it would grow. She knew it had grown in the past, and she knew it would grow with her mother.

After all, Salmon had been raised hearing stories of cats that had become presents in the natural things they had been named after. Salmon already was aware that at her death (which she hoped would be many many moons from now) she would be swimming in the river as a salmon in the summer.

Salmon brushed past some fresh-growing grass, sniffing the cold air. It might've been spring but the morning air was still cold, as well as the night. Once summer arrived, however, they'd be trapped in eternal heat. At least the trees would be fully bloomed.

The sun was just rising above the hill as Salmon came towards the tree, padding over rocks and pebbles, pricking her ears in case she heard any type of prey.

The sun's rays were just beginning to shine when she was the tree. The golden rays of the sun illuminated the pale trunk, causing it to shimmer.

Salmon become overwhelmed with beauty, nearly kneeling before the tree. She knew her mother was here. She could feel it.

She walked forward, her heart pounding. As she approached the tree, she found morning dew on the grass below it, as if her mother had passed over. And with a gasp, she glanced up, noticing the tiny green encased-blossoms that had not been there before.

Of course, there were no bright and blooming pink flowers, but the tree was regaining its beautiful leaves. Cherry Blossom's presence was here. There was no doubt about it.

"Mother," Salmon breathed, sinking her paws into the damp ground. "I'm glad you have returned to us. It's been such a long winter, looking at this bare tree. But it's growing, and I know, surely, that you are present."

Salmon paused, almost expecting a response, but none came. She knew, of course, that no response would come. Still, she had almost hoped to hear the sweet sound of her mother's voice.

Her mother might have died moons prior, but Salmon could still recall her sweet voice, her gentle tongue, her warm smile.

She had heard stories of cats that has spoken through their natural artifacts. She supposed it was only a kitten's tale though, not meant to be taken seriously in any form. But what if it was true? What if her mother could appear to her?

Salmon vowed at that moment to continue visiting each morning to see the blooming of one of the magnificent cherry blossom trees in the forest.

"Salmon! Salmon! Are you out here?" came a squeaky voice.

Salmon turned, noticing the tiny Mouse near the edge of a tall pine tree, glancing around curiously.

"Oh, yes, I'm here!" Salmon called.

Mouse stepped out from the tree, glancing up at the cherry blossom tree.

"Oh. Oak guessed you'd be here. I've been hearing how you've been sneaking out early every day. I guess I didn't realize you were coming here each day. Don't you need more sleep, Salmon?"

"I think I get too much," Salmon admitted, laughing.

"Hm..." Mouse muttered, gazing at the tree. "That tree still hasn't bloomed?"

"Yes, it has!" Salmon exclaimed, her paws tingling. "Come closer."

Mouse obeyed, stepping forward to get a better glance at the tree. She tilted her head and squinted her eyes, as if she could not see the growing tree at all.