Prologue
It was a beautiful day. The sun, surrounded by a flowing gown of blue, smiled brightly upon the earth. The wind gently swept the long green grass; a sheen of light traveling from root to tip gave the greenery a healthy luster. Cheerful robins flitted from branch to branch, declaring to the entire world that they were happy.
Yes, the day was beautiful, indeed. And it was oblivious to the growing sorrow within it. A young man knelt before an exquisitely carved tombstone and pressed a bouquet of carnations to the rich soil. He reached behind him and pulled a shiny object from his braided pigtail. A ring. A simple golden band.
The young man kissed it tenderly, lovingly, longingly and held it out to the grave. "Oh, Akane," he sighed, his voice soft and choked with suppressed tears. "It's been two years now and I still haven't forgotten. I still love you so much. I haven't been unfaithful at all. I haven't married anyone since you. I-I know that you told me to be happy but I-" he paused to draw a shuddering breath. The swelling lump in his throat was painful but the swelling hole in his heart was unbearable. "I can't go anywhere or look at anyone without seeing your face."
He pressed his cheek to the cold hard stone and squeezed his eyes shut as another wave of searing grief overwhelmed him. A single tear slid down his cheek. "I miss you so much, A-Akane," he whispered achingly. He looked down the row of graves placed next to his beloved's. "I miss you all." He jerked as a sob wracked his too thin body. Above him, the sun continued to smile and a male robin jauntily gave chase to a potential mate.