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Disclaimer: Fruits Basket and its characters are the property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 3: A Decision

Attempting to recover my senses, I answer, "You, what do you want?"

She remains silent as she carefully extends her arm and waits as a sakura petal slowly descends and rests against her outstretched palm.

"Sohma-san, you are like a petal that sets forth upon a spring breeze, away from whence it came and to an unknown that it dares to seek."

I laugh and answer, "I am no such thing.  I shall not drift aimlessly, accepting what fate may appear.  I say to you, I shall be like the stars of the heavens, radiating their own light and towering above the earth."

The petal wavers slightly, but then is taken up and joins the others in the sky.  She watches as it departs, and then turns her glance to me, her expression sorrowful.

"The stars that you admire so are bitter, providing no warmth  - and exist only in darkness."

Startled by her comment, I find myself unable to compose my words, and instead listen as she continues.

"Sohma-san's heart is of glass, once fluid and open, but now sealed and shielding."

Before I can respond, memories long ago abandoned resurface.

"Sohma, I'm so proud of you, helping me care for your younger siblings."

"They are part of my treasured family, I hope that I can help them grow up well."

"Your parents love you, and know that you will become a fine young man."

"My name is Sohma, I have eight years."

"I'm Keiko, I, too, have eight years."

"Keiko-chan, soon, when we are adults, I would like for you to be my bride."

"Sohma-kun, I'm so happy, I wish for nothing more!"

Angered by her ability to rekindle such thoughts, my voice raised, I answer, "Nonsense!  I have never known such shameful and foolish feelings.  This existence is one of struggle for survival."

Her face casting an expression of pity, she answers, "On the path you have chosen, you may find what you seek, but what you need shall always allude you."

What I seek, what I need, I know that they are one in the same, I will not doubt and I shall not stray.

Casting aside my emotions - including my feelings for her - I look at her harshly and say, "Stop your fruitless interfering, I shall do as I choose."

Not waiting for a response, not able to stay there any longer for fear of surrender, I turn away from her and resolutely walk away.

I remain motionless in my bed, staring at the ceiling, envisioning over and over my escape, refining my plan with each repetition.  I close my eyes, but my anticipation creates a challenge to sleep, and I find myself acutely aware of the usual noises of the night.  After sleepless hours, eventually, I slip into slumber. 

The morning comes and I awaken, forcing myself not to stand more quickly than usual.  After hastily preparing for the day, I pick up an ax and head for the woods with other servants. 

One turns to me and says, "Sohma, here we are, the unlucky ones again.  While many hide in hopes that a Master or Mistress will pass them by, we dutiful types do as we are told without complaints."

He shrugs and continues, "Maybe it'll avoid a lashing or two."

The glaring irony of his words incite laughter, which I rapidly and successfully repress.  Not wanting to express too much, I merely shrug in response.  Obviously satisfied with my answer, he continues to babble; fortunately, not expecting me to provide constant and thorough answers. 

We reach the area of the forest that is currently being cleared and I nod my head at him, to which he replies in kind.  With that, I move to a different section, him paying no heed.  Slowly and with intent, I move further away from the others, and, when their attention is elsewhere, escape to the shed.  I quietly step inside and close the door behind me.  I open up the storage box and place the items in sacks and pockets.  I change into a spring outfit of the Lord's that he rarely wears and place my own tatters within one of the sacks.  After changing my sandals, I place the ax carefully into the box and slowly open the door.  Seeing no one, I hastily depart, making my claim to freedom.