Its morning and the rays of the sun struck her with enthusiasm. Hana can be seen hugging her pillow fast asleep. Her beauty reminds me of a porcelain doll but with vivid rosy cheeks, plump lips and wave curly hair. Her double eyelids shows her stunning beauty of a princess carved in a painting with roses. She is wearing her white laced sleeveless nightgown that can be adjusted to fit her bust and its 2 inches above her knee.

In her dreams:

A man in robe is calling her and extending his arms towards her.

"Come back to me Himari. Come back to my side."

As the moonlight struck him, the robe turned out to be a kimono.

He looked stunning with the details of his cyan and dark blue embroidered kimono . The moon glowed so brightly that his figure appeared magnificent and warm. The flowers around him glows like crystal as the moon kisses them with its rays. When she extend her hands to fill his. Every inches closer felt like nostalgia and the longing which she never understands...

Her alarm wakes her right at the same moment. Hana groans and slightly opens her eyes. 6:30am in the clock. She runs to take her bath and hurriedly went downstairs to take her breakfast.

"Good morning mom." Hana said enthusiastically as she kisses her mom. She grabbed the chair and started eating her breakfast.

"Hana, pack your things once your done. We're going to Japan. We talked about this last week and your grandfather misses you so much. He wants to see you soon." She reminds her of their deal and their plans while washing the plates.

Hana was a bit disappointed. She wants to spend time with Rachel, her bestfriend but her Grandpa wants to see her every summer vacation. This time its a rush. He wants to celebrate her 16th birthday in their hometown.

"Okay mom. I'm on it."

11:00AM

"Are you sure you did not miss anything?" Mrs. Endo reminds her before they live.

"No Mom. I've checked it already." Hana replied.

They took a taxi and hurried to the airport. They should be there at least one hour before their flight.

1:00PM

Hana walked in the airport with her casual dress and suits draped in her arm. Its cold in Japan, Just to be ready.

He pull her turquoise luggage and put it in the  baggage scanner. They've waited there for an hour until they are good for boarding. Just as she enters the plane. She felt a weird sensation. A feeling she never felt before. A feeling that she might not be able to see this  place again. She seated at her designated seat and glanced at the window. She felt like she needs to see the scene one last time. A weird sensation. She is not used to look right through the window of a plane but this time its different.

Her dazed was interrupted by the pilot's voice telling them to switch there phone to airplane mode and the flight stewardess giving them instruction.

Few hours later  they arrived in Tokyo Terminal 2. They already rented a shuttle to take them to Kameido Station. They live near the Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo and what marvels her is the Wisteria blooming every spring as she watch it at night by the bridge. The reflection of the moon gives her the nostalgic feeling of peace as she gazed at her reflection being cast in the water.

"Tomorrow is my birthday and according to the news, the moon will be at its brightest and its a supermoon." Its is rare to see such moon". She thought to himself.

She fell asleep. Tired from the longs hours of plane travel. She dream the same dream again.

"Come back to me Himari. Come back to my side."

The place became as vivid as possible but his face is still blurry. She can see the bright big moon at his back and the bridge where she spent her night every spring. The river and the flowers and  they are not  common to her but she was drawn into them ever since she was a child.

Hana was startled as she was awaken by her mother.

"Hana, we've arrived." Mrs. Endo calmly told her daughter.

She gazed the temple and hurriedly went inside. They went to his grandparents and greeted them with delight.

"Konnichiwa Ojīchan, O bāchan" she greeted them with politeness and enthusiasm as she bowed to them.

(Good afternoon, Grandpa, grandma)

"Shitsurei shimasu" she said politely. (Please excuse me)

Her grandfather was delighted to see them.

"Irasshai" (welcome)

"Douzo oagari kudasai" her grand father told them.

(Please come up)

They step left there shoes outside and wore their slippers prepared for them.

"Ojichan, gobusata shiteorimasu" She said in a more polite way.

(Grandpa, Long time no see)

"Hisashiburi" (its been a while) she told her granddaughter

"Don't worry, I learned English quiet a bit so you can freely speak English her. You can rest for a while. You had a long flight. I've prepared everything before you came. Just tell me if you want a warm bath. I'll get it ready. We have Mizu to take care of everything."

"Thanks for everything, gramps", Hana showed her gratitude and smiled to her gramps.

"Amy, can you visit us in our room. There is something I need to tell you."

"Yes father." Mrs. Endo replied.

"Hana would you like some tea or something. I know your hungry. You can come with me. I'll get you something to eat." Her grandma offered.

" Sure, O bachan. I would like to have one." Our Hana is as cheerful as ever.

8:00PM

After the warm bath and the sumptious meal. Hana stroll in the garden of the temple and watch the bright moon and was amazed of how beautiful the wisterias are. Draping its flowers like a purple curtain as it shines in the night. She is again in the same spot where here heart felt the peace and comfort. The same bridge in her dream and the same river where she saw her reflection. The wind blew her hair and that same dream appeared as though it was a memory.

"We will soon be together Himari. Come back to me."

He was stunned for a moment and thought it was just a dream or an hallucination. His voice was so clear that he looks as though he is in front of her. Suddenly, she felt the cold air and she decides to get inside.

Before she went inside, she glance the wisteria flowers and tuen her head and went inside.

After that faithful day, her life would change on her 16th birthday.

Just as the flowers foretell there meaning, she will have her own.

Dahlia (Warnings of Change)

It’s morning of the following day. Hana wakes up to see the sun kissing her face with its radiance. Illuminating her face like a spotlight meant for her. The serene morning sound reminds her of peace and tranquility. The smell of morning dews and flowers would not let her depart from her sleep. Blinking from the blinding yet warm sunshine, Hana studied her surrounding half asleep. Confused by the blue sky which should be the roof of her room, she bolted from her slumber to find herself sitting in the middle of colorful Dahlias forming her bed.

“Where am I?”, she thought as fear can be seen painted in her face. Her vulnerability can be seen from afar. Her eyes started to become watery as she imagined her impending demise.

“How did I get here? I was just sleeping back in my room. Who brought me here?” Thoughts keep invading her mind. As confuse as she was, no one can answer her questions. She looked at herself. She is still wearing her pajamas. Pink sleeved buttoned shirt with cloud pattern paired with long pants with the same design. She is barefoot and only the flowers are cushioning her soft smooth feet.

She decided to wander in hopes of finding someone to help her. She gathers all her might hoping not to meet any disasters. She can only hope for the best.

After hours of walking, her feet became sullen. Her hunger is evident by her growling stomach. With a blurry vision, she looked ahead to see a wooden house in the woods. She ran towards it hoping to find someone. She could barely run towards it as her feet can be seen with cuts and bruises. She was near the door when her body finally collapse.

… (all Japanese language are written in English)

Just like before, she opens her dazed and exhausted eyes. The first thing she sees is the roof above her head and a quilt to cover her body. Her body was immobilised due to her build up fatigue. She is on a wooden house sleeping on the floor yet not a single cold radiates from the floor. She was sleeping comfortably on a futon. At first she thought she is back at home yet the looks and feels different.

“Where am I again? My head hurts. What did I do? How did I get here? My head from all the thinking? She bolted her eyes to the door as she heard the sliding of the door.

“Glad to see you awake. I was really worried about you earlier. My husband saw you by the door. You passed out. We thought you were dead.”

“You might be confused by now. I figured you might be hungry so I brought you some mushroom soup to fill your belly. Would you like me to feed you.” Hana nodded unconsciously.

The lady brought the bowl of soup near her. She put some cushions and gesture her to slightly incline her body. She fed her slowly and carefully like a mother to a child.

Her body slowly regain the strength. She put the bowl to the side and started to converse with her.

“My name is Asagao. I hope we can know your name. You need to rest well. I will be back later to feed you and help you take a bath.” As she was about to leave, the door burst open and a man was anxiously panting.

“How was she? Is she awake? My dear, how is she?” The man looked at her then to the woman beside her waiting for an answer.

“Dear relax, she is fine. She woke up before I arrived her and I already fed her. Take it easy okay.” The man huffs a sigh of relief.

“Oh, little flower, this is my husband, Botan. He was the one who found you.” She looked me in the eyes and smile ever so brightly.

“M-my n-name i-is H-Hana. A-asagao-neesan. T-thank you f-for everything.” I uttered every word as clear as possible. My voice betrayed me as they convey how weak I am. But my eyes show the gratitude I have for them.

“Your welcome Hana-chan.” She tried to bestow me the brightest smile but as I look in her eyes, I can only see sadness and longing. I gave them my warmest smile in return.

Botan rushed and hugged me as he is in the verge of tears. He hugged me like there is no tomorrow. Asagao-neesan tried to console her husband and tried to break us apart.

“Dear, Hana needs some rest. I think we should leave her be.”

“You are right. Sorry Hana. You must be startled right now. You rest okay. Feel yourself at home.” She broke the hug yet his hands are in my shoulders reluctant to let go.

I nodded and smiled at them. They stood and face the door. They slowly walked towards the door and look at me one last time. Those sad eyes of hers sharing the same reluctance as her husband. They closed the door behind them leaving me alone to ponder. Seeing them reminds me of my family. How my mom would react if she sees me gone. My heart ached thinking my mom would be worried sick looking for me. I missed her right now. Why am I even here in the first place? I heave a deep sigh brushing those thoughts away as no one can give me the answers I badly needed. I look to my left and saw a vase with a single green Dahlia flower basked with the orange hue of light from the setting sun.

This is a new place new to her. Will she be able to see her family again? Why was she in this place?

This are the questions that she wants answers. Will she be getting the answers she longed to have.

White Chrysanthemum (Grief and Truth)

That evening Hana muster all of her strength to force herself to move. Her curiosity gets the better of her. She weakly walked through the door. She saw Asagao walking with a cloud over her head. Asagao unconsciously lift her head and their eyes met. Frantically, she ran to her side to aid her.

“I was going to your room. Why did you walk alone?” she said in a worried tone.

“I don’t want to trouble you any further. I figured you still have things to do.” She answered.

I heard a deep sigh and my heart start to ache. She felt like she added another worry to her.

“You are no burden to me or my husband. Treat us like your family okay.”

She nodded and they slowly walked through the hallway. They turn on a corner and found a door on the right. Asagao open it. It leads to a wooden tub.

“I heated the water. I hope it is to your liking.”

“It so good Asagao-neesan. Thank you.” Hana replied with grateful tone.

Hana contemplated. She was reluctant to asked her but she knows that if she will not ask her, it will not let her have a peaceful sleep.

“Nee-san, I was wondering. When you look at me, why do you have that sad look in your eyes?” She asked her in slow tone voice hoping it will not do her harm.

Asagao stopped scrubbing her back mid-way when she heard her question which makes Hana regret to question her. Asagao removed the towel gently and started to answer her question.

“I can see my child in you. 4 years ago, my daughter died in the forest. I was cleaning the house and Hinami was playing in the porch. She was playing with her ball that her dad made for her. I was confident that day since we planted those lavender flowers to keep this house from wild animals. I was not expecting for her to wander outside the fence.” Drops can be heard. She presumes those are droplets of tears. Hana was fazed and still rooted with shock with what she is hearing.

“Her dad came home and was looking for Hinami. She is waiting for her dad to come home on the porch like clockwork yet my husband was looking for her. I was worried that time and we looked for her outside the forest hoping that nothing happened to her. We found her drenched in blood and there were snake bites on her. My husband was devastated at a lost of our child. We buried her near the house and well protected. Ever since that day we grieved at the lost of our child. My husband was never the same, he would leave and be home like clockwork but there was no life. Until you came. He told me, it was Hinami. It’s like we are given a chance to be with her again.” She was sobbing and in pain. Hana faced her and hugged her so tight. She was comforting her as her tears fall down like rain.

“I know how it feels nee-san. I was irreparable when my dad died in an accident on her way home. I don’t want to eat. He is my world. I was twelve back then. My mom would not cry in front of me but when she is alone she would cry her eyes out. I saw her once in front of my dad’s picture holding his favorite shirt and hugging it like he is hugging my dad. No one can replace him in my mom’s heart and no one can replace Hinami in yours. Not even me. We should move forward.”

“I know. Yet this is the first time I found my husband smile again. It’s like you are his light again. His little Hinami and I can take that off from him. I know this is selfish but can you please stay with us Hana. Please I beg of you.” Asagao holds Hana shoulders and begging her to stay.

“Asagao-neesan, I know how it pains you but I have a family. I have my mom and grandparents waiting for me.”

“Can you stay just a month or two then I can send you back to your parents. Would that be okay with you Hana?” Asagao suggested.

“I can but I have to inform my mom about it. I don’t want her to worry.”

“Of course, I understand. Let’s meet her tomorrow. Where do you live Hana?

“I live in Kameido Teijin Shrine in Kameido Tokyo.”

“Hana, I don’t know where that is.”

“That’s okay. Maybe I can show you where it is. Where am I by the way?

“Mt. Kamado in the Dazaifu, Island of Kyushu.”

“Mt. Kamado? Hmm. What year is today?

“Spring of 863 under the rule of Emperor Seiwa”

“Say what year again?” Hana uttered in shocked.

“Spring of 863.”

How did I end up in this time? What sorcery is this? How do I go back home? Mom, help me. Maybe If I go back there in the field, I can go back home. Maybe I can sleep and then this will all be just a dream.

“Hana, is there something wrong? You seem pale. Are you sick? Should I heat the water or would you like to go back to bed?” Asagao asked in concern.

“Asagao, it’s rude to ask but can you come with me to the fields of dahlia tomorrow please.”

“Of course, but may I know why?”

“I want to see the flowers blooming in the moonlight.” Hana said smiling.

“No problem but I don’t think we should go there by night. The forest is not safe at night. Maybe in the morning.”

Hana sighed. “I understand.”

“I will not be able to meet my mom tomorrow nee-san. Maybe I should stay with you for a couple of days to recurperate.”

“Of course, whatever you say. I’ll help you on your way. It seems that the water is getting cold.”

“Thank you Asagao-neesan.” She said smiling.

They went back to her room. Asagao handed her a sleepwear. A white kimono for her to use. As she remembers in her history class with her grandparents. This are called hakama and kosode. Asagao help her with the dress.

“Would you like to eat with us Hana. I will prepare a good meal for you.”

“Sure, I would love to.”

“Are you sure? That’s great! I’ll leave you be. Let me just prepare you a sumptuous meal. I’ll call you when it’s ready okay.” She was delighted to hear her respond. Her excitement can’t be hidden as her eyes lightens and sparkles.

“Sure Asagao-neesan. I’ll be expecting a good meal.” She said politely.

Asagao rushed to the kitchen and joyfully cooked her a meal.

Meanwhile, Hana slowly walked through the hallway eyeing the doors. One of the doors lead her to the back porch. The moon was shining through the hall. A wisteria tree can be seen in full bloom and on its foot was a grave well taken care of. She went there and visited the grave with respect.

“You must be Hanami. You mom and dad are great. You know we could be friends if you are still here. I’ll be visit you often. I’m sure you are lonely here. I’ll take care of your mom and dad so you will not be sad okay. I would want you to see them smile again.”

Asagao decides to stay with the family while unraveling the reason why she was sent to this era. A white chrysanthemum flower was growing beside the grave somehow showing the loneliness of the poor soul. The moon was basking her shine somewhat giving her blessing to a lonely grave.