The Black in Our Chrysanthemums

In another life, the black-haired boy's family would have left a day earlier for the capital.

In another life, the golden-haired prince would have spotted the young boy and befriended him.

In another life, they would have grown up as friends.

The black-haired boy would have joined the Royal Guard in an honorable way.

The prince wouldn't have to listen to his best friend's stories of growing up with death.

Neither the black-haired boy nor the prince would feel so numbed by their cruel world.

But that is another life,

Not theirs.