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THE TROPHY WAS GLISTENING GOLD, every seat was empty with their occupants standing, and the cheering was bone crushing. Yet, she could not fight the unreasonable emptiness that she felt inside. They had won the game and the symbol of that feat was in their hands, but it was not a victory. The smiles and the flashes could not mask it. She felt as though she had been given the keys to the kingdom, but her crown had been knocked off her head.
Gravel crunched underneath Umehara Hotaru's shoes with each step that she took across the empty park. It was far too early in the morning for any soul to be up. However, she made the trek to a lone swing set and slowly eased herself onto a swing. She winced, a hand flying to her side. She resisted pulling up her top to see the pretty purple and red colors that were on her skin.
Her back slouched and she drew in a deep inhale. Her hands slid into her pocket and pulled something out. She let the silence of the morning blanket her. The fresh air felt nice in her lungs and she used her feet to sway herself a small distance on the swing. The metal of the chains grated in irritation.
Her maroon purple hair was pulled up into a messy bun and all she wore was a hoodie, shorts, and a pair of tennis shoes that she slipped on in a hurry. She did not give a second thought to how cold it was or how she should still be in bed. All because it was killing her.
It being a white envelope that lay lightly in her lap. It's condition was pristine. There was not a single crinkle or smudge. She regarded it as though it was the most treasured object in the world. It could be the key to her new kingdom.
Sighing, she held it up in both hands. She twirled it, only delaying the inevitable. Her feet planted in the ground stopping the little movement of the swing. She gulped as her fingers traced to one of the corners of the opening. She squeezed her eyes shut, her hands shaking from grasping the envelope tightly, and her entire body tensed as if she could will her desired conclusion into existence. She knew she could not, but it made her feel better.
Then in one swift go, she peeled the letter open. She released a breath and eased her eyes open as she started to pull out the letter that was once concealed. She let the empty envelope fall onto her lap. A rather important name listed as the sender.
Carefully, she unfolded the paper and it was painstakingly slow. She could feel her throat tighten as she held her breath. Hopefully, she would not tear the paper.
The first words meant nothing. Neither did the first paragraph. She barely even noticed the introduction. They were all just ink on paper and her eyes were racing to read what mattered.
It was in the second paragraph, line 2. She froze. Her breath caught in her throat. Not even bothering with the rest of letter, she gripped both hands onto the chains of the swing and leaned back. The sky was still dark, but was starting to lighten, the sun slowly creeping up.
