Chapter 5 - A dream

"There you are, my little princess." "Dad! What took you so long?" "I got delayed on the way…" "How so?" I couldn't help but ask, he should be there for me on time, shouldn't he?

"Are you going to spend all the time asking me questions rather than doing… something different?" he asks me playfully. "Ah, of course not!" Even though I'm only three years old already have my own training lessons! "Let's go!"

The first is a training of my reflexes, where I successfully catch all the apples my father throws at different direction. And after that comes my favourite, hide and seek. My father hides, and I must find him. It used to be easy, but now he moves around to make it harder for me.

I sniff and follow the newest hide-place of my father once more. 'This time I'm gonna catch him for sure!' Just a bit further, few more steps…

"Yikes!" Father suddenly catches me from behind and is laughing at my surprise. "But that's unfair! I'm the one who is supposed to catch you!" but soon after I laugh as well.

After the last practise of strength, I sit on my father lap and he starts stroking her hair. Suddenly I remember the last accident and ask him: "Dad, how come that grandma does not like me…" Father sighs, "I'm afraid it's because of me…" "Why?" "Because I'm different from the rest of people here. So, she doesn't like me and the fact I married your mother." "I don't get it. You are the best father I could wish for!"

Dad smiles when he hears that, but I continue: "But I'm different not only from my mum, but also from you as well. Is that bad?" "Listen well my princess, there is nothing wrong with being different. Some may not acknowledge it, but your charm lies within your uniqueness. It may take some time before they may accept you, however, you have the ability of making people like you. So, do not worry about it too much, okay?" he pats my head which makes me feel a lot better.

"I suppose it's time for me to go." "Please, not yet dad! I want you to stay with me longer!" "Natsuki," from the sound of his voice I understand that there is no use, and because I don't want to cause my beloved dad troubles I give up on that wish.

"When will you come again." "As soon as possible. It's a promise." "Alright! See you, dad." "Bye, my princess," he kisses me on the forehead when the vision suddenly changes.

…

Again, I'm with my father, but this time the air is completely different. He is alert and I can't help but feel nervous. "Dad, what is happening?" He takes a long breath before turning his attention fully to me.

"Natsuki," he says seriousness in his voice, "listen carefully. You must stay strong. There may be times when you will feel alone and sad, but please don't let it get to you. Sometimes times are tough, but keep your eyes right forward to the future, because even bad times once end, and then you can smile again. And make should to keep your cheerful mode, remember to live happily and smile as a summer sun."

I nod to it. "I promise I will, but… why are you telling me this now?" Then I notice someone is approaching us. "Mum!" I call happily, but the expression on my mother face stops me. 'Just what is going on?'

"Is there really no other way?" she asks my father, her voice full of sadness. "Unfortunately," he hugs her, and I can hear my mother suppressing tears. "Mum, dad…" my voice betrays me. 'No, please tell me it's just a bad dream' "I love you. I love you both. Blossom into this world with even more vivid colours, my Flower," he kissed her. Then he turns to me: "Be well my little princess and remember that we always love you."

"Dad…" I'm speechless when I see that even my father has tears in his eyes as well. "I'm sorry. Farewell." 'No, it can't be. It just can't!' Then he leaves.

"Mum, when will he come back?" I ask though I'm afraid of the answer. "He won't. He is going to the place where no one from this world can reach him…" suddenly mother's voice betrays her.

'No, no…' Tear fall from my face when I cry out loud: "Father!"

I sit up harshly and breath heavily. It's still dark outside, however, it won't be much longer before the sun rises.

'Why does this memory of my father come to me right now?' Just like in the past tears are in my eyes and I'm softly sobbing. 'Just why does the Lord of the West remind me of him at certain points?'

'Common, you need to put yourself together Natsuki' I tell myself. I decide to get up and watch the sun start its journey of the day.

Before I notice it, one of my mother's songs, the one about a new beginning and the courage not to give up, plays in my head. "Sono mirai ni eikou are!" I mutter the final sentence of the chorus aloud. I can't help but smile, when I suddenly feel relieved. 'Just how strong the music can be?' How many times I have already said this and how many I probably will in the future. The love for singing is one of the traits I took after my mother...

My parents did everything they could for me to not just survive, but also to be able to live my life happily, which for my own and their sake as well I aim to accomplish.

"Father, mother, I promise that I will stay strong."

A/N: I'm sorry for the delay, I hope that some of you are still there waiting for an update. Talking about updates I changed the previous chapters a bit, corrected some mistakes and rewrote some parts to make them better for you to read. If you feel like there are still some parts that need to be fixed, please let me know.

I want to keep updating at least once a month, I know that I should do it more often, but I ask for your understanding.

Happy New Year 2017!

The lyrics are from a song called "Seishun Gekijou" (=Youths Theater), which was a theme song for a 2011 stage play Sengoku Jietai, and they mean: There is glory in that future!

Posted: December 31, 2016