Do not stand at my grave and weep;
She brushed angrily at the tears flowing hotly down her face, scolding herself for her weakness. What am I even doing here?
The weight of a hand on her shoulder alerted her to unwanted company.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
Knocking the hand from her shoulder, she turned to the person behind her, prepared to tell them off. When her eyes connected with the the one's behind her however, the words died on her lips.
The milky white eyes that took in her anguish felt like a slap to the face.
"Hitomi -,"
The girl with the sweet face and concerned eyes disappeared from view as she, the girl known as Hitomi, dashed away.
I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken on the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.
3 years later
The cold night air filled her lungs with a refreshing chill as she stood in silent reminancse above the pristine tombstone. The stars shone brightly that night, providing her with enough light to read the lettering etched on the memorial.
She thought back on the last time she stood in the very spot she stood with tears running hotly down her face. She thought back on the emotions that she had been choking on that night, the ones she thought she could leave at the foot of that grave along with all the memories that plagued her. The woman, no longer that girl, felt a small smile spread across her face.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
Hitomi reached out a hand and ran it almost lovingly across the top of the stone before pivoting away. She returned to the village later than she had expected and still needed to check in with the higher-ups and the Hokage. With a silent promise to return in the morning to adorn the stone with some flowers and to light an incense, she headed off to report at the Hokage's mansion.
I am not there. I did not die.