
A Beautiful Gift
The park has been quiet lately. Regular visitors to the small coffee shop in the corner of the park have been hesitant to go out in public since the pandemic started a year earlier. Life slowed down. Each venture outside was deliberate.
Olivia and Akina sipped their coffees slowly, taking in the surroundings, appreciating the view and tranquility. The fresh smell of spring was palpable. A cricket chirped cheerfully in the nearby flower bed.
The bittersweet feeling of nostalgia took hold of Olivia’s thoughts. Remembering her Mom’s last days and the privilege she had to greet her before she passed away stayed with her since that dreadful morning. Her mind was a rollercoaster of longing and loss combined with beautiful memories of days gone past and hope for what lies ahead.
“Isn’t its beauty simply breath-taking?” asked Olivia, willfully changing her train of thought. “It is wonderful that the restrictions have been lifted and we can meet like this again,” she sighed.
“I’m with you there,” smiled Akina. “Few things can compare to the beauty of these trees.”
“It must have been a sad day for a person in the early 1900’s, witnessing the cherry blossom trees being burnt,” said Olivia. “Thinking their beauty would no longer adorn the lanes of Washington D.C.”
“It had to be done. The devastation caused by the insects left them no choice,” Akina replied. “I’m grateful for the beautiful gift of friendship Mayor Ozaki gave D.C. a few years later. Such hope these blossoms give to humanity!”
“Word has it that the trees in Japan started blossoming earlier this year! This is the earliest ever!” Olivia smiled. “It is a miracle, after the year the world has seen. It brings a message of hope of a better tomorrow, for sure!”
“You know what the early blossoming means, don’t you?” asked Akina with a glint in her eyes.
Olivia laughed at her friend’s antics. “Yes, of course! The Hanami festival ought to start early this year! I cannot wait!”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat a warm story! I felt like I was sitting there with them, just taking in the pleasant spring air. Well done, so beautifully written!!!
Thank you Maryke, I am glad you enjoyed it!
Your story is a fine blend of both reality and fantasy. Brilliant job, Marianna!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you for your compliment Dipayan, I really appreciate it. I’m happy that you liked it.
You’re welcome.
Lovely story. I like that you incorporated the history of the cherry trees in America into the conversation. As a sign of friendship, it makes you wonder where everything went wrong.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCarrie, thank you so much for your comment. Yes, reading up on the history of the trees made me wonder too where the friendship had gone wrong.
I loved the opening paragraph in the park Marianna, and the little coffee shop. It reminded me of a park near where I once worked and spent many a lunchtime. Also how your characters’ conversation was able to highlight the history of the cherry trees. That was very nicely done. A really enjoyable read.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Linda. I’m glad my story brought back happy memories for you.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThere is magic and mystery around cherry blossom. You captured a beautiful piece of paradise as the friends took in the beautiful spring day. A lovely piece of writing.
Genya, thank you so much for your comment. I appreciate it. I’m glad you liked it.
So lovely and understated, Marianna, I love it! ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleGreene, thank you so much for your kind comment!
I really enjoyed your heartwarming story, Marianna, and learnt something new. Of course, I had to google the wonderful history of the cherry trees in Washington DC! You’ve shown me a piece of history through the eyes of two friends. Wonderful!
Hi Sandra, thank you for your kind comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it and were able to learn something new from my story 🙂 I also learned something new when I looked up the symbolical meaning of the cherry blossoms. I never knew!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI like the way you use change and optimism as a theme throughout the story. The dark past is gone and things are getting better. Cherry blossoms are the visible symbol for a bright future. Good work, Marianna.
Thank you very much, Christer. I think after the past year, we could do with some optimism!
I liked to read your story as Christer did, full of optimism, the trees are blossoming earlier this year – is nature showing us the meaning of optimism? A lovely story Marianna.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Eric, thank you for reading and for your comment. Yes, I thought it was something special that the trees are blossoming earlier this year. Hopefully a sign of something good to come!
That was brilliant, Marianna. I love reading your story, it is full of positivity and optimism.
Thank you for your kind words, Lotchie. I am glad you liked it!
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