White Chrysanthemum (Grief and Truth)

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.

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