We disembark the train at 6:30 pm on a Thursday evening. It's the first days of Spring. I couldn't believe how quickly I passed a cosy winter with the love of my life. Speaking of Spring, the word 'haru' means spring in Japanese. It was actually around the spring-time that I met Elma for the first time. Maybe that would explain why we both agreed subconsciously to name our son 'Haru'. Coincidence? I think not. I glance at all the couples lined up at the various food mobiles in the street vividly remembering the day I met her for the first time when she was trying hard to choose an ice cream flavour. I was the one who helped her decide that day. A whole year had gone by since then.
Since the beginning of spring, the streets have become more livelier.
"It doesn't matter where I go but spring is always a beautiful time of the year" Elma's voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
"Hm sure is" I reply.
"Speaking of, I want to take you somewhere Nai."
"Ok sure" My mind begins to wonder where she's taking me.
We're currently heading in the direction of our apartments but she then turns in the opposite direction. "It's this way" she points in the direction of the park.
So we're walking through the dark park entrance. "Elma, mind telling me why we're walking through the park on a weeknight?"
"Be a little more patient. You'll see."
Oh I know now! Elma has hanami in mind for the both of us. Nice work El-chan. It's only obvious because why else would she take me to the park in the night.
My guess is right as my eyes catch the awe-inspiring sakura trees standing proudly, boasting its beauty to the people in the park, who are mostly couples.
She takes my hand in hers and we're now walking hand in hand under the sakura trees.
"Elma, they're beautiful. You picked the right time to come here because in the evening there is not so much people here as compared to the day time. My mind recollects the time I came to hanami or flower viewing as a child with my family. We would have picnics under the trees.
"But we can't stop here Nai. I know of a place where we can go to privately enjoy them" she says proudly while puffing out her chest and walking as proud as a lion. If it's one thing I admire about her, is her confidence. She's the one who can take my hand and carry me away to some place I have never been or show me something I have never seen. She turned my boring ordinary life upside down in a good way. She taught me that it's okay to feel sad and cry at times. From an outsider's point of view, it is ironic that a dragon teaches a human about feelings. Sure she can appear bossy to some people and stubborn but that's part of her charm. She may even appear as an uptight and strict individual but anyone who knows her properly would know that she is anything but a stick-in-the-mud. She's learning quite fast in this world and has become an even better communicator than I could.
We walk in the park until I see a stream which glimmers in the moon's light.
I realize that we are walking to a particular bridge along the river, cherry blossoms lining both sides, their petals just beginning to fall. We step on the bridge. It's old and creaky. It has moss growing underneath but I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere nevertheless. It is a small arched bridge. No one is here because we are on the opposite side of the park. Everyone else is on the other side. I don't know how Elma knows about this place but she always seems to know about where beautiful places are located in her world and even in this one. From here, we can see the sakura upclose.
We stand in the middle of the bridge. Elma places her palm on her chin and rests her elbow on the bridge rail. I look down in the stream to see some petals floating on the surface of the water, following the timid current of the stream.
"Sakura or cherry blossoms, as some may say represent the fragility and beauty of life. It serves as a reminder to people to never take the beautiful and wonderful moments in life for granted because they'll be gone before you know it." Elma says while gazing up at the trees. I'm impressed by her philosophical perspective. I guess dragons are innately wise or maybe it's because they have lived for so many years and have experienced so many things.
"It also brings many people together to marvel at its beauty" I add.
As if she read my mind she says "Nai, I know the others take me for a fool and the 'cute office bimbo type' but you saw through me. You knew I was more than that. I mean, even my old acquaintance Tohru thinks I am a fool. I don't know if I am one but I know you see me for who I really am. You're the only one who really knows me more than anyone else and we haven't even been together for so long. You're quite an introspective person so I was surprised when I found out you had taken interest in me. You didn't assume my personality like most people. You didn't want anything else from me other than my love and compassion. You showed me that there are people who can accept a person for who they truly are. I appreciate that.." She smiles and slightly tilts her head.
I take in her warm smile. She's still in her business suit with her red-framed glasses on but her beauty complements the night. Some sakura petals rest on her head. The gentle breeze tussles our hair. As I look at her, I remember the day she proposed to me, on her knees with a ring in a box. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Before we were married, I was grateful for the friendship we had developed. Just having someone else listen to me and hear my problems felt relieving. I was sincerely grateful for her companionship.I look at the woman who has always showed me genuine care from day one, the woman who always comforts me when I need it the most, someone who makes me happy, the woman who was my first lover and mother to my first born child, the one who always listens to me, the one who can show me things I have never seen before, the person who I can laugh with, the person with whom I can share my saddest and happiest moments,,the person I admire the most and the person who loves me and will always love me. Maybe I'm conceited to think that way but I know she won't ever forget me even when I am gone.
"Elma, nothing in this world could replace my love for you. andthank you for tonight. I'm glad I got to see the sakura with you." I place my hands around her shoulders and press my lips against her. We kiss for a few minutes before breaking apart. We lock gazes for a few moments. I notice the sakura petals slowly falling all around us. Her smile softens. Her eyes are filled with warmth. There is a glint of satisfaction in her expression. I could tell that she's glad she's making the best of my short time on this earth with her. I wouldn't have it any other way.