The next morning brought sunshine and a bit of sadness. Kyuzo had to leave today, and although it had been a tranquil visit it had been a amiable one. I dressed in a black yukata with thin red trim and allowed my shoulder-length hair to stay loose. I entered the sitting room and found that Kyuzo was still sleeping. My vision lingered on his sleeping form longer than I intended as I stopped in my tracks. His slender neck and shoulders were the only thing visible from the covering of the futon and his chest rose and fell in the short pattern of his breathing. His hair was mussed leaving both of his eyes exposed. His usual stare was hidden beneath closed eyelids and they fluttered from time to time as if he were dreaming. I couldn't help but wonder what went on inside his mind as he lie there.

Soon I found my feet able to work again and I decided not to disturb his slumber. I tiptoed around him and reached the main door with ease. Slipping on my sandals I stepped outside hoping the sound of the sliding of the door did not wake the handsome sleeper. The sun warmed my cheeks and I inhaled the brisk air. I closed my eyes and listened to the ocean that rest over the mountains a good distance away. My hearing was unusually impressive and I could hear as the waves crashed on the shore. I listened to the birds chirping high up in the trees of the forest and the sound of small animals scampering about. I smiled, forcing myself to be positive about this beautiful, yet gloomy day.

After enjoying the weather for quite some time, I heard the shuffling of the cover on the futon. I gave him a moment to dress before peeking my head back inside the door.

"Good morning, Kyuzo-san," I said cheerfully, fully allowing myself inside once seeing he was nearly dressed as he slid on his red overcoat over his black, high-necked undershirt and black pants. He mumbled incoherently in response. I smiled and took off my sandals before stepping past him and into the cooking area. I prepared some rice balls with some of the leftover rice from the previous night, wrapped four of them individually in a thin, white cloth, then placed them in a small brown satchel. He was watching me, I could feel it. Hating the fact I couldn't hide the blush that burned my face I stared at the counter even though I had already completed the task at hand. That was when something caught my eye. Lying on the counter beside where I kept my cooking knives rest a small yellow flower that I hadn't noticed before. My eyes could not be torn away from the frail plant that had seemed to appear out of no where. Timidly I reached over and touched the stem, it was slightly damp. I kept my hand on it as I finally mustered the courage to look up at Kyuzo.

Our eyes locked for a short moment before I diverted my gaze past him and set my sight on a wall. Was the flower of his doing? Gaining my composure I picked up the satchel of rice balls as he stepped over to the main door to put on his boots. By the time I had walked over to where he was his shoes were on and he stood facing me.

"I apologize for not being able to give more than this, but I do hope it will help you in your travels," I stated holding the small bag out to him. He reached out and took it from my hands, our fingers accidentally brushing. I didn't become as embarrassed about it as I had the day before, but my face still turned pink.

I slid the door open and we both stepped outside. Instead of immediately walking away as I assumed he would do, Kyuzo turned to face me.

"Thank you."

"It was my pleasure, Kyuzo-san. I wish you well," I responded and then he turned to walk away. It was ask now or never know for sure. "Wait!" I called out after him. He stopped and looked at me over his shoulder.

"Did you put the flower on the counter?"

"As thanks," was all he responded.

"Well…"

"Shh…" He cut me off before I could even fully begin. I just looked at him with a baffled expression. "Intruders," he continued.

I listened and indeed I did hear the sound of footsteps growing closer.

"Go back inside your home," Kyuzo warned. I obeyed, but I didn't plan to stay for long. I ran into my bedroom and grabbed my katana before rushing back outside. I stood beside him, my blade drawn.

"You'll just die if you fight," he said with that same monotone.

"But it's my home. I must fight to defend it!" I protested.

"If any get past me, they're yours."

I opened my mouth to protest, but quickly chose to just agree to his plan. My curiosity was getting the best of me, I wanted to see him fight. Suddenly the trees of the forest began to rustle. Kyuzo stepped in front of me and even though my katana was still unsheathed, I was almost positive I wouldn't have to use it. His stance was very unique and he held the ability to remain calm.

Four gruff looking men stepped out from the shadows of the forest; two to our left, one in the center, and one to the right. The man I presumed to be their leader was in the middle and he called out to the others.

"Looky 'ere boys! We found us a samurai! And a pretty girl!"

"Do we kill 'em both, boss?" one of the cronies called out.

"Just the samurai, leave the girl, we'll take 'er with us."

They all charged at Kyuzo simultaneously and in a short moment had him nearly surrounded. Kyuzo held his position, sword in each hand, his right arm slightly over his left. Their leader was the first to raise his blade and the others followed suit. I watched with baited breath as Kyuzo began to move. He was so quick and graceful that if I would have blinked I would have missed his movement. He sliced right through all four men at once by extending his blades and uncrossing his arms. The blood on the end of one of his swords caught in the sunlight as he raised his arm and turned around, now facing me.

I simply stared at the dead bodies surrounding us.

"I…" I just couldn't find the words.

"I'll take care of these. Fetch me a whetstone and a bowl of water, I will return."

I nodded and retreated back into my residence pushing the door shut behind me and removing my shoes at the door. I remembered my husband's old whetstone was something I still had and I went to get it from a small storage room. Then I got a small bowl and went to fill it, when I realized the buckets I usually kept full of water were empty. I had forgotten to place them out during the recent rainstorm so I had to go get some from the river that was located not very far away. I collected a bucket and placed my sheathed katana on my hip. Soon I was out the door and on my way to the river. I couldn't help but wonder and I headed down the narrow path, why Kyuzo had defended my home when he had nothing to gain. While I had some money left over from what my husband had left me, I was unable to spare what little I had. I supposed he had saved both me and my home due to the fact he was a samurai and felt as though it was the right thing to do.

The important thing was I was alive and my home was okay and Kyuzo was unharmed. Plus he did say he would be returning, and despite the early sadness of the day and I the deaths I had witnessed, I was able to genuinely smile as I walked through the forest, humming softly to myself.