Bits and Pieces

Sakura

A.N. - //I wrote this as part of a writing challenge based on a set of words, so this doesn't really relate to the other content in this set. That said, it very well could be depending on what I manage to come up with as I slowly build up an actual story with these characters! I hope you enjoy this and enjoy your lovely days. <3 //

Alone, but not lonely. He liked that phrase. It was short, sweet, simple, and most importantly, true.

Stanley never felt lonely while hiking through the wilds that surrounded civilization. He never felt lonely while standing in the unnoticed corner, watching people live their lives. He never felt lonely while laying in the embrace of the trees—or the rocks, or the dunes—as he silently gazed upon the sky that silently (sometimes loudly, with its roaring thunder and howling winds) gazed back at him.

Solitude was solace, not suffering. It gave him time to think and to rest his soul, which was no longer his. Peace. In the soft rustles between the leaves like millions of turning pages of books never written. In the applause of rain for a performance never cast. They did not let him forget, but made him remember everything that he gave up and lost, either by choice or by fate. But it didn't bother him. He had come to terms with it long ago.

He had to. It was that, or be driven mad by regret and anger and despair. Truly, a fate not worth living for.

And here, now under the gentle showers of cherry blossoms that shed their soft tears over the end of spring, he was again reminded of how thankful he was of the same brother that ruined both of their lives at once. Who taught him to enjoy what was given. He wondered if, after all these years, that advice still held true to him? Would he still face everything with a smile?

Stanley placed his hand on the nearest tree, as if consoling it as it weeped. Don't worry, he said in his thoughts, after every end is a new beginning. And after he was done with what he was tasked to do, he really hoped so.