The Night before The Sakura [Short Story]

Memories Left Behind

It was one spring morning in Japan.

I was still a young child, about the age of 9 yrs old. I was sitting outside our doorway playing with my toy rabbit and waiting for my parents to return. When suddenly I heard a sound of a ball bouncing, I could not see the ball because our fence is blocking the view, but I feel like the sound is getting closer and closer.

And because our gate was slightly open, the ball rolled into our front lawn. I took a closer look at the ball and took it and sat right away in front of our doorway, then I saw a young boy as the same age as mine. I think he ran all the way here to look for something because he is looking tired and sweaty, I think he is the owner of this ball.

Then he saw me holding his ball and said. "Uhm...Excuse me, but is that ball yours? It seems that I lost my ball and I think it rolled here".

I replied immediately and said. "Uh..yes! I think this is yours because it only rolled here a few minutes ago. I only took it so that I can give it back to the owner but I guess this is yours right?"

I stood up and gave the ball to the boy. Then he said.

"U-Uhm..Thanks for picking my ball, By the way I'm Natsuhiro. I live next door, It was a pleasure meeting you. Bye, I have to go now".

Then he quickly left without even knowing my name. But I was still happy, for the first time I met a kid who isn't afraid to talk to me.

THE NEXT DAY...

My parents always leaves at morning and always comes back home at night since I'm an only child I grew up without relying on my parents, I can live by my own without any help from them. We are poor, so both of my parents are working hard. But because of our relatives we live at a big Japanese old house. And since my parents are always out. My only duties are always cleaning, cooking, washing, gardening and other stuff. I'ts mostly all house works, I learned household chores at a young age.

If only I could play with the other kids but they are all afraid of me. They said that there are rumors that there are ghosts living inside our house and they heard a cry from a little girl, but I think that was me. And last time when I come to talk to them they will only run away. I guess they were really scared of me. So I have always been alone, my only friend is my toy rabbit. It was the most precious thing that my grandfather gave me before he died. And I promised my grandpa that I will treasure it forever and won't let anyone destroy such a precious gift.

While I was watering the plants, I heard our doorbell rang and heard something or someone's voice. I think i'ts Natsuhiro-kun's voice.

*DING-DONG!*

He said. "Hello! Hello! Anybody home?"

I stopped watering the plants and went outside. then I opened our gate, It was actually Natsuhiro. I was glad that he came, Though I wasn't actually expecting him to come. And I also don't know what are he's intentions.

Then I greeted him happily, "Hello, Natsuhiro-kun. What brings you here?"

He replied, "Uhmm...Are your parents home?"

"No, they're not here. Why?" I asked.

Then he said, "My parents are also not at home so can I hang out with you? may I please come inside? I'm bored to death, It's no fun when i'm alone. So can I?"

"Sure, I guess you can come. Since my parents won't be back till 8:30 pm" I replied with a smile.

"Yehey! That's great you're really nice, uhmm...can I ask what's your--"

"The name's Tsumiku, can we become friends Natsuhiro-kun?" I asked.

The he replied happily, "Yeah".