A/N: Earlier today I went with my family to visit my grandmother's grave. Some of you may be aware that she died nearly two months ago, and I thank you for your support. While sitting there, she was kind enough to remind me that one of my favorite characters faces similar grief over a lost loved one. Just a short piece dedicated to my grandma Georgeen and the unbelievable support my online friends have offered.
Letters to the Dead
Ryo walked down the sidewalk through the park, a large bouquet in tow. He softly hummed to himself, the tune a Japanese song his mother used to sing. In his free hand, he carried a bag filled with Japanese dishes he had cooked himself. Turning the corner, Ryo left the park and soon was walking alongside a cemetery. Today was his parents' wedding anniversary. He took the day off of work so he could spend the afternoon with his parents. He had prepared one of his parent's favorite meals and had planed on leaving it on their gravesites as an offering, since he lacked a proper shrine in his home. As he neared his parents' grave, he saw two rose bushes planted near the site. Approaching the gravesite, he realized the bushes weren't just near the site; they were planted at the site. This startled him slightly; he hadn't planted those bushes, so who had? Kneeling before the headstone he found an envelope. He set down his items and gently opened the envelope, pulling out the letter he found inside.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. McLain,
Happy Anniversary! I'm saddened by the fact that your son and I could not be physically with you to celebrate the decades you two have spent happily as husband and wife, but you well know we are both with you in spirit. You've done an amazing job raising a son who seems almost naïve in his perspective and trusting in this crazy world we inhabit. And I'm certain he is only a mirror of the understanding, loving, and intelligent people you two were. I'm not afraid of dying if it means I'll be able to meet you both; but don't worry, I have no intentions of leaving your son anytime soon. Thank you for loving each other so much that you produced a man I could love just as reverently. Again, happy anniversary and I look forward to spending more time with you both.
Sincerely,
Dee Laytner
PS: Please know I love your son very much and this my way of asking your permission to date Ryo, and perhaps ask him to be with me forever, heaven be willing. Feel free to ruin my life if I don't have your consent.
Ryo wiped the tears that spilled from his eyes as he laughed softly, lips curling into a smile at the post script. He gently folded the letter and slid it back into the envelope. Leaning the bouquet he had brought against the headstone, Ryo placed the letter inside the bouquet. "How many times has Dee been here and you never told me?" he asked the stone playfully, arranging the food on the ground. "Mom, I'm sure you would have loved Dee long before I allowed myself to love him. And Dad, I know you two would have bonded over so many of your similar interests. Please give both of us your blessing and try not to ruin Dee's life even if you don't." He smiled softly. "I love him very much Mom and Dad, and if he asks me, I'm quite certain I will accept his offer." He paused a moment, his bangs blowing into his eyes. "Though, I suppose your right. I could be the one to ask him." Ryo kissed his hand and brought in to the headstone. "I love you both very much. Happy anniversary. Dee and I will be back soon to visit." He gingerly rose to his feet and walked to the cemetery gate, deciding the next time he came, he'd leave pictures of his lover and son in his parents possession.