Ninja Love Story

Chapter 8

The day was quiet and uneventful. I helped out as much as I could with the maids and Hanzo kept a silent eye on me. We had an mutual, unspoken agreement to not talk unless we were talking in private. 

After supper, I stayed behind to clear up the dishes as everyone said good night. I let out a sigh as I tried to recall anything from my past.

"Be careful- If you sigh like that once, you lose a bit of happiness."

I quickly turned to the door to see who had spoken and smiled halfheartedly. "Hello again, Yoshitsune."

Yoshitsune looked at me worriedly as I gathered more dishes. He placed his hand over mine to stop my actions. "What is it? Is something the matter?" he asked.

I shrugged a little. "It's just tough... Not having a memory." 

Yoshitsune smiled at me sympathetically. "No need to try too hard, it will return in time."

I sat down, "Perhaps..."

The silence hung in the air until he sat down beside me. "Now that you mention it... You said that you recall doing housework, but can you remember anything else? Any other memories?"

I thought about it when I suddenly perked up. "Oh! Rice dumplings..."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Rice dumplings are my favorite," I giggled to myself. "I remembered as soon as I saw them at the banquet."

"Rice dumplings, huh..." Yoshitsune said thoughtfully.

I blushed, mentally scolding myself. "I'm sorry, that's not helpful in any way at all."

He chuckled, "It's alright. Rice dumplings are my favorite too." He gently patted my hand. "I have no idea who you are, Sheeta, but at least I know that much about you. You have a beautiful soul and a kind spirit. Your parents must have loved you deeply as they raised you."

I sobered immediately at that sentiment. "Why can't I... I wish I could at least remember their faces. That would be so much more helpful..." I felt a tear stream down my cheek.

"Oh, Sheeta..." I saw Yoshitsune's face sadden as he moved to wipe my tear away. Suddenly, he brightened up, "Sheeta, wait here. I'll be back soon, but please, don't move."

Curious, I agreed to stay put. Where's he going...?

Yoshitsune came back shortly with a bag in hand, "Thank you for waiting, I'm sorry I took so long." He sat down beside me again, his face slightly flushed as if he had just been out running. "Unfortunately, all the dumpling shops are closed for the night. However," he beamed as he rustled around in the bag, "I was able to get some of these-!"

I gasped as he held out his possession to me. "Adzuki beans! We can make rice dumplings with these!" I smiled but looked at him quizzically, "You went out to buy dumplings?"

"I only wanted to make you happy," Yoshitsune said. 

I hugged him in gratitude. "Yoshitsune, you're so wonderful." I said before I pulled away. "Thank you so much, I'll get started on these right away." Excitedly, I grabbed the rest of the beans and hurried to the kitchen. 

I set to work right away, preparing the sticky rice first. I need to make at least one for everyone, including the maids. I smiled at myself; This will be a big task. "I can't wait!"

I became so enraptured in my work, I hadn't noticed the shadows beginning to dance on the walls around me. 

"You're in awfully high spirits," a voice from behind said.