Scarlet

3. Home

Kira was living a comfortable life in the mansion. She hadn't been stationary in one place for this long in years and she had almost forgotten what that was like. She now felt like she had been tired for so long and she was finally having some rest and regaining her energy. And this place was the best to do so.

The mansion had everything one could ask for in recluse. It had a huge garden if one liked to be out in the fresh air and it also had an extensive library to keep one busy if one preferred the indoors. Kira spent long hours perusing through books and she was always at awe when she looked for something rare and ended up finding it every time without fail.

She sometimes walked upstairs to find out how Gouenji was doing as he rarely stepped out of his room. She sat on a chair beside him and they conversed about different things. He liked asking her about the outside world and how it had changed over the years and she told him interesting stories from her journeys.

In the afternoon, she settled down on the bench in the garden and sketched anything she set her heart on. She did so at night too on the days when the sky was clear and everything was easily visible under the moonlight.

On one such occasion, Gouenji made his way out in the garden in his casual manner and stood beside her with curiosity. She had just turned over a blank page and was about to begin drawing.

" Are you going to draw something?" He asked with interest, startling her.

"Yes but I haven't decided what yet." She answered.

Gouenji remained quiet for a few moments trying to come up with another question.

"What do you do with these?" He finally asked.

"I sell them to make money for my travel further. " She paused, "Except for my favourite ones. "

"Are you feeling better today? I've never seen you out here before. " She asked.

"Yes but I don't think I can stand any longer. " He said and walked over to the bench across and sat down and was then lost in his own thoughts. Kira looked at him for a while and then with a smile began scribbling down on the paper.

An hour went by and he remained unmoved from his place. He seemed to be enjoying the cool breeze and the night atmosphere. Kira's work was done and she got up and walked up to him.

"This is for you." She shyly declared as she extended the drawing page towards him. His attention was then directed towards her, he took the page from her and studied it. It was a portrait of him sitting in the garden just the way he currently was. He studied it for a long time, in surprise and wonder. Kira waited for his reaction and did not actually expect him to take that long. Finally, he looked up at her,

"Is that...is that me?" He asked.

"Yes? Why? Did I not draw correctly?" She was confused.

"N-no no it is wonderful. " He immediately exclaimed. 

"It's a gift. For everything." She shyly mumbled and quickly walked inside.

...

A day later, Kira had packed her suitcase again and it was finally time for her to leave. It had been a month since she had first arrived at the mansion on that one rainy night.

"I hope I can return here someday. " She said as Gouenji listened with a wilted face. He drew in a deep breath and Kira thought he was going to say something. She anticipated it a little but when he remained quiet she turned around and began walking away, towards the entrance door.

"Please, stay. " Gouenji blurted out as she was about to reach for the door, his voice echoing through the large hall. She turned around curiously.