She was gone, and there was nothing that he could do about it. This wasn't a problem that could be solved by the blade, or by an intense interrogation. No, it had no solution at all…until he also passed…and then…did he really believe that he would see her again?
He had to believe, or he would lose his sanity. He had to hold onto that hope. He stared at the full cup of sake, resting on the table before him. He'd promised her that he would never drink again, and he didn't as long as she was here with him, as long as he could see her, as long as he could touch her.
Sighing…just one…just for her…just to remember…just to say good-bye.
He took it in one long swallow. A pleasant warmness followed. She'd bought this bottle for a very special occasion, but decided never to use it after he'd given up sake.
His life would never be the same. He didn't expect it to be. He would go on as usual, defending his ideals, but it would be with a large hollow space within. He lived for many things, but one had been his primary reason. Now she only existed in his memories, or in some unknown space that he might never find when his time came.
His life would be as long as it was meant to be. He would hurt, but he wouldn't show it. Hurting was a comfort, because as long as he hurt, he would not forget her.