Yusi landed softly, his feet barely making an imprint on the thick carpet of pink petals. No one else had arrived yet. The only sound was the whisper of the wind through the tree branches. 

He stood still, eyes shut, breathing in the sweet scent of the cherry blossom trees around him and enjoying the sun on his face. He had been away far too long. Almost unconsciously, he touched the small black tattoo that was branded on the back of his hand. 

There was the change in the air. Yusi opened his eyes. A swirl of blossoms rose up in a gust of wind, and a figure appeared in the midst of the clouds of pink. As the petals settled back on the ground, a girl with long black hair materialized 

“Yusi!” she cried, and ran forward to embrace him. 

“Mayu,” he said, smiling as he hugged her tight. They broke apart, Mayu still beaming and holding onto his hands. 

“You’re finally home – and just in time for the festival! Obaachan will be so happy!” 

“Mayu,” Yusi said, half laughing. “You shouldn’t -” 

“I know, I know,” Mayu rolled her eyes. “I meant Kami will be so pleased. It’s strange to think that grandma is in charge now – I keep remembering how she used to chase us out of the orchard with her broom. Anyway, now you’re back, everyone’s convinced that the signs point to -” 

She stopped as she noticed Yusi’s hand. 

“Yusi,” she gasped. “Your tattoo – it’s still black. What -” 

“I know,” Yusi said withdrawing his hand quickly. “Don’t worry imouto, I will talk to Kami about it tonight.” 

Mayu frowned, but before she could speak again there was a great gust of wind. Cherry blossoms flew all around them. Tiny tree sprites exploded into being in the branches above, their laughter and chatter filling the spring air. In the middle of the clearing, a deluge of blossoms fell back to the ground, revealing a stout woman of indeterminate age, with twinkling brown eyes. 

Yusi’s heart soared. Kami had arrived. 

He was finally home. 

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Susan Giles
Susan Giles(@susan-giles)
2 years ago

I enjoyed reading your story, especially your descriptions. Your use of the wind blowing the cherry blossoms as a means of transportation is wonderful! Thank you for your story.

Dipayan Chakrabarti
Dipayan Chakrabarti(@dipayan-chakrabarti)
2 years ago

Your story skilfully incorporates descriptive details. Good job!

Sandra James
Sandra James(@sandra-james)
2 years ago

I’m sure I felt the cherry blossom petals swirling around me as I read, and I am so intrigued as to what the signs point to! Well done, Zena, I enjoyed your story 🙂

Eric Radcliffe
Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
2 years ago

Welcome to the Voice club Zena. I’m sure you will find your time here a lovely experience, with all the stories, and the comments. I enjoyed reading how you used the cherry tree petals to introduce your characters, and I too wondered what the signs pointed to?

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
2 years ago

I feel the wind blowing the cherry blossoms petals around while reading your story, Zena. Well-written.

A warm welcome to Voice club, Zena.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
2 years ago

I enjoyed the whimsy of your story Zena,the wind blowing the cherry blossoms, the tree sprites laughing and chattering. So much fun. I’d love to know the significance of the tattoo.

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