I cannot help but fear the future and the possibility of myself being a wife then a mother as is expected of everyone woman of child bearing age.

"Oh mom " I sigh to myself, "I can't do this alone without you. I need you."

My voice comes out as a whisper . A soft breeze brushes my face . I like to believe that is her embracing me in her loving arms.

I notice the laundry I had in my arms was wrinkled, I suppose in my distress I'd wrinkled it .

"Ma'am can you direct me to the master of the house" a strong voice snapped me back into reality , alarmed I turned quickly .

In all honesty he looked too small to be a threat so I shrugged it off . "My father is home I will have you wait here and he will speak with you"

He nodded in agreement , although he had a sword , I didn't feel alarmed .

I quickly found father engaged in his haiku . He looked up "What's the matter"

"Father there is a strange foreign man wishing to speak with you ."

He looked up alarmed as well and quickly reached for a weapon. He went out to speak with him and had me stay inside.

The suspense was too much all I could make out behind the door was muffled talk. So far a discussion was ensuing .

Voices were raise I reached for my weapon as well but to my surprise it quickly turned to laughter . Puzzled I pressed my ear closer to the door , feeling the door give in I shrieked quietly as it slowly opened an inch.

The voices stopped abruptly. I could feel myself turning bright red and silently and quickly i left the door way .

A few minutes passed and my father found me sipping tea.

He sat down next to me , I knew it I just felt that he was. going to tell me dire news of having me engaged.

He sat quietly then looked me dead in the eye , "My daughter , you know how unsafe things have been in this area with the murders and the situation that happened in our home . Well I think it's time we had a serious talk"

"About what?" I said quietly wishing for anything but the answer.

His face was stern," About your future"

I looked down "Yes, father ?"

He rubbed his neck anxiously , "I must ask you to do something for me . And I know it's not easy for me to ask this of you but please consider what I'm about to tell you."

I listened ready for the worst .

"There's going to be a marriage this month for a close friend of the family's son. You know Sanosuke, you grew up with him. We will be helping their family with the wedding. Since his dad helped me with mine and your mothers it's only right I'd return the favor. Sanosuke has a close companion who needs a room and I thought it be best if we house his friend too in order to reaffirm our friendship." He smiled and winked at me .

I roll my eyes " Father I thought you were trying to marry me off !"

He laughed , "I am why else would I say it's for your future , I'm asking you to get a husband to take care of you as well !"

I know he's joking but I can also tell he is serious about having someone accept my necklace.