The notion that compelled Mei to make this trip was one that grew into a need over time. This time she took the train alone, and it was just as unpleasant and stuffy as she remembered, except without the protection of Yuzu's arms. She tried not to think about it and weathered the cramped quarters with the dignity of a girl about to take up the duties of her family.
All that dignity evaporated as she stood before the gravestone of the father of the girl she had no right to love, and wondered what exactly her goal was with her wedding to her fiance looming so close.
She started with what she knew; paying her respects to the dead with a bow and a quick prayer. After that was all trial and error. Yuzu had made it look so easy, talking to her father. Something Mei had no experience with, even while her father was still walking around somewhere on this plane.
"I'd like to preface this visit by saying that I'm not sure why I'm here." Taking stock in her surroundings to make sure no others were around the yard to disturb her, Mei decided to kneel on the downy grass before the grave. He had a good name, Yuzu's father.
"I suppose I'd like to thank you for everything so far. You played a role in helping me connect with my own father, which I am eternally grateful. For creating a wonderful daughter. For watching over her. And I hope you continue to do so, since…" Mei pushed a lock of hair behind an ear. Guilt had already made a feast of her, what was more thing to add to the list? "She's going to need you now more than ever.
"I hope you know she's kept her promise from our last visit," Mei whispered, sure either no one was listening, or the whole world could hear her. "She did protect me." The back of her eyes gently stung even when she willed it not to. "Now it's my turn to protect her. From me." Mei gracefully pushed herself back up to her feet.
"I'd like to apologize as well." She brushed her hand over the top of the tombstone, the sting behind her eyes spreading to her throat. "For being the one to break her heart."