The Strength to Stand
"Losing someone when you're young is the greatest pain anyone can face." ~Amory Blaine
Sweat beads on his forehead. Pain shoots through his body.
Keep pushing.
Panting. Aching. Emotions roiling.
Never stop moving.
If he stops, it consumes him. The anger. The helplessness. The anguish. All the things that he's been feeling ever since that night.
I can't stop. I won't stop.
But finally, the strength leaves him. And so does his resolve.
He collapses, alone in the dojo, as his heart shatters for the millionth time. Tears soak his mask and roll down his cheeks. I'm so sorry, Father. I should've been there. If I had just been a little faster...I'm sorry I failed you.
In a few minutes, he will rise again. He will put on a mask of strength and near indifference, because that is what they expect. That is what they need.
And even if his heart aches each time he sees their father's teacup or smells the familiar scents of sandalwood and jasmine, if his eyes fill with tears, he will keep going. When his brothers break down, he will be there to comfort them, to wrap them in his arms and hold them tight.
He is ninja. And ninja never quit.
So he picks himself up off of the mats soaked with sweat and tears, and he begins again.