Japan, 1504
"Rokuta, Wait!"
"Haha, slowpoke!"
"No, stop! There's a horrible storm coming. Please, stop!"
"Scared of a little rain, Michiko?"
I didn't slow my pace; still running after him. "No! I'm afraid of losing you!" Tears were stinging at my eyes, "If you don't recall, my sister died in a storm only 14 months ago… Please, don't leave me too…" My paced had slowed by this point. I struggled to contain my tears. Slower, slower until I stopped entirely. "I don't want to be alone again…"
He stopped, clearly aware of the many emotions spiraling in my mind. His expression was apparent shock, my words sunk deep into both of our minds. I simply stared through my tear enveloped eyes; I realized I had said too much already. He wasn't going to say anything.
"I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. You're all I have left. I've been through this once; I know what it's like to be alone in life. Please don't leave me. Ever!"
I gave up and let my tears stream down my face.
"Hey now! Don't cry," he wiped the tears from my cheeks, "I won't leave you. I Promise." He pulled me into a hug. "Now that we feel better, let's go climb a tree!" His face was that of an angel's as he ran off gleefully to a large tree dragging me along. We were soon high in the tree, and Rok grabbed a plump fruit and munched on it.
"Besides," he started, "you grow such yummy peaches!" He laughed aloud. I chimed in my own laughter and hid my worries.
ÍÎ
Rokuta is the closest thing I have to a family. I remember we were once neighbors. For many years in fact. We were happy until an unknown sickness took my parents captive and killed them. His family was very kind and cared for my sister and I; not even considering their financial situation. Shortly after my sister and I moved in, his mother fell ill. Her immune system was weak, and she passed on quickly. Between the grief and the lack of money, we were all in a very bad situation. Rokuta and his father stole from merchants to feed the "family" and survive. My sister and I felt useless and planted a peach tree in the clearing near the shelter. I still remember that day; it was October 17, 1503, one of the last days I'd spend with her… After the horrible storm came and passed, my sister was gone and the only remnants of her were the peach tree and a small necklace our father made for her. I miss her so much. We continued our lives as with other deaths, I sold the peaches for money and kept few for food. We, our group, were never treated as we were meant to be. Rokuta had Golden blond hair and was treated the worst. Many hated him and showed over powering discrimination against him. Many would run away; afraid he held a curse and would spread it upon them. I have dark red hair, still treated poorly, but not nearly as bad as Rok. Many called us the "Cursed" family, but none of them understood. They could never understand. We were still children, six years of age, but still much complication controlled our lives.
In our six years, no other day brought fear into as many hearts as today did.
ÍÎ
"I really think we should go inside, Rok"
"Don't be so paranoid, Michi, we'll be fine!"
Quick as lightning, it came. Winds were fierce; whipping branches in every direction. Rain landed brutally on our heads.
"Rokuta!!" I screamed, "Don't let go of that branch!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!" He screamed back; holding tight to the broad branch.
A few seconds passed and the wind became overwhelming. My grip was let up slightly and nearly set me flying. I gazed at Rokuta who was still clinging to the large branch. I tightened my grip, determined to survive this disaster… Then came the scream. I darted my eyes to the location where Rokuta had sat, but he had disappeared.
"Rokuta! No!"
He was fleeting at great speed toward the ocean.
"I'm sorry!" He screamed, barely comprehensible.
I screamed at my hands to let go and set me free, but no matter how hard I tried or how much I screamed, my hands refused to disconnect from the branch. I continued to scream as I watched my only friend be tossed around by the wind until he was out of sight. As soon as it all started… it ended. My hands released; banishing me to the ground. I looked around, desperate for a sign of my last friend.
Fleetingly, I ran to the beach and scanned the shore and horizon for any signs of life. Nothing. I began to swim, listening to my surroundings for him. Again, nothing. Returning to shore, I ran a mile in each direction for a sign, a sound, anything… Nothing. I succumbed and retreated to the sand. I wasn't about to give up, mentally, but I couldn't go any farther physically. I was desperate and forced myself to my feet, only to collapse again. I wept aloud.
"Rokuta you liar!" I screamed between sobs. There was nothing I could do, no words to be spoken, no actions to take place.
He was gone.
Forever Lost.
