Chapter 17
The funeral service was held two days after Christmas. Li dressed Tejia in a little pink dress and placed her in the car seat. Li moved into Sakura's old apartment where the nursery was ready. Eli and Madison picked up Li and Tejia and then they all headed towards the funeral home.
The service was nice. They had people talk about the great memories they shared with Sakura. Madison was up there the longest. When the service was over they went to the place where Sakura was to be buried. Li grabbed the dozen yellow roses that he bought the day before and placed them on Sakura's casket. Wiping away a tear, Li felt raindrops fall on his hand. He looked up and smiled. He remembered what Sakura whispered to him minutes before dieing.
"How am I going to know if your watching?" Li asked holding her tightly, knowing her time was almost up.
"If you ever cry, look up to the heavens because odds are I'll be crying too. I'll always be watching you. Just look up and I'll let you know." Li smiled and then looked at his lovely daughter. She stared at him while lightly gripping his finger.
"Mommy's watching us Tejia. She's crying with us right now." Li said. Tejia gripped his finger a little tighter and then let out a laugh. Li looked back up to the heavens and smiled. After hearing Tejia's laugh, Li knew everything would be just fine. Li turned to find Madison and Eli waiting for them. They then loaded into Eli's SUV but not before each one said a silent good-bye to their friend.
6 years later, Li held Tejia's hand while they waited for the school bus to pick her up. She was starting kindergarten today along with her friend Maliki, who was Eli and Madison's adopted son. The bus pulled up and Tejia looked at it for a minute then without a word quickly loaded the bus. Sadness over took Li's facial expression. He turned around and started to walk away when someone called him back.
"Daddy wait!" Li turned to see Tejia running towards him with open arms. Li scooped up his daughter and hugged her tightly. Tejia pulled away and looked at Li with her mothers grin.
"Don't be sad daddy. Remember Mommy's watching us. You don't want her to see you sad do you daddy?" Li smiled and hugged Tejia once more. He then put her down.
"Better go. The bus is waiting. Eli is picking you up today ok. You get to go to daddy's work today." Tejia smiled and then ran to the bus, stopping long enough for a little wave. Then she was gone. Li watched the bus pull away. He then walking into the new house that he bought a few months ago. He walked to the mantel where a picture of Sakura sat. Li picked it up and smiled brightly.
"She's growing up so fast Sakura. She is so bright and everyday she continues to remind me of you." Lightly running his finger across the picture. "But I'm sure you already know that." Li then replaced the picture and left for work. Before getting into his car, Li looked up to the heavens. When doing so a little cherry blossom caught his eye. He smiled as he watch the cherry blossom was lifted into the air by a light breeze. Li then got into his car and drove to work. Things were going to be just fine.
Thank you so much for reading my story. I hoped you enjoyed it. I will try an get another story out soon. Until then I wish you all the best and may you continue to read great stories!