"Son, sit with me."
I sat down next to my dad on the soft grass. The wind was blowing nicely today. It blew through my hair and felt pleasant against my face. I looked at my father. He had a very solemn look on his face as he looked at the ground. I furrowed my brow and cocked my head to the side.
"Is something wrong, dad?" I asked.
"By the time I was around your age, I'd give anything to truly fall in love. It was all I could think. That's when I met your mother, the girl of my dreams. She said, 'Boy, can I tell you a wonderful thing? I can't help but notice you staring at me. I know I shouldn't say this, but I really believe, I can tell by your eyes that you're in love with me.' Now, son, I'm only telling you this because life can do terrible things."
"I don't understand."
He continued to look at the ground. "Now, most of the time we'd have too much to drink and we'd laugh at the stars and we'd share everything. Too young to notice and too dumb to care. Love was a story that couldn't compare. One day I said, 'Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing? I made you a present with paper and string. Open with care now, I'm asking you, please. You know that I love you, will you marry me?' You'll learn one day. I'll hope and I'll pray that Kami shows you differently."
I shook my head. "I don't like where this is going."
"She said, 'Boy, can I tell you a terrible thing? It seems that I'm sick and I've only got weeks. Please, don't be sad now. I really believe you were the greatest thing that ever happened to me.'"
I shot up to my feet. I shook my head again. "No."
I took off running to the hospital. I went to the room my mother was supposed to be in. She was in there lying in bed. I rushed to her side and shook her gently.
"Mom. Mom, wake up." She never woke.
Someone turned me around. It was my dad. He was on his knees with tears in his eyes. "So don't fall in love. There's just too much to lose. If you're given the choice, then I beg you to choose to walk away. Don't let her catch you. I can't bear to see the same thing happen to you." He looked me straight in the eyes. "Now, son, I'm only telling you this because life can do terrible things."
My hands went up to my face and wiped away the tears. My dad pulled me into a tight hug. He held me as I cried more.
"Please, Kakashi. Just walk away."