The Colorless Wings (A Short Story)

The Colorless Wings

I was very much excited to wake up that day.

Apart from the fact that's it's actually my 16th birthday, for the very first time, I'd get to see my family's most treasured heirloom. I grew up hearing stories about my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather's secret lucky charm that had been passed on from generation after generation. But no matter how adamant I was to have a sneak peek, my father would always tell me countless of times to be patient and wait until I reach 16.

So after years and years of waiting impatiently...finally, my most anticipated day arrived.

I quickly got out of bed, washed up and wore my school uniform with a pretty big smile on my face as if nothing could possibly go wrong.

I went down and headed straight to where I think my father is.

By the way, I live in an old Japanese house with a very traditional Japanese ways and values. And as one big proof of that, in a city of towering buildings and modern futuristic technological advancements, we remain as one of those very few locations where you can still see a living, and well functioning dojo.

My legendary great-great-great-great-great grandfather founded it from who knows when. He was said to be a really courageous and skilled samurai. That should explain a lot, right?

"Otosan! Otosan!", I called my dad as I came rushing towards the dojo, stumbling on my feet as I removed my shoes.

I found him kneeling right in front of my grandfather's sword.

I quieted down for a second hoping to have not interrupted any important rituals or moment he was having with him, slowing my pace and almost froze halfway as he called out my name in an unusually authoritative manner.

"MEI RIN!"

 "YES,Otosan!"

"Sit next to me."

I regained my normal pace and walked closer towards him. And no, when you are inside the dojo, sitting means doing it on your knees. And it is not a very pleasant feeling especially when you're in a skirt and your bare knees and legs and feet suffer the consequences of possibly a long period of riddle-filled conversation.

"You know today is a momentous day, right?"

"Yes,otosan.", I answered suppressing a smile to try and keep my share of the intense and serious ambiance of the room.

"Your 16th birthday grants you the privilege to finally accede the family's most treasured possession."

"I know! And I just can't wai—", I lost control with just the mere mention of the heirloom.

My father let out a meek cough to clear his throat as he glanced over to my direction.

"Oops."

"As I was saying.", he looked back to staring at the sword and continued. Glad he didn't really kick me out instantly, or worse, refuse to give me my treasure...I mean, the family's treasure.

"You are now going to inherit a very important jewel that had been passed on to this family for generations. This treasure had kept our family going for years like a divine light guiding our values and principles. I entrust that you will take good care of it and shall bring it with you at all times."

Yes!Yes!Yes! I had waited 16 long years for this day there is no way I'd say no to any of that!

"Yes, otosan.", I answered demurely although in my head, I was already jumping up and down, anxious to finally grab a hold of it.