Would you believe me if I said this was the end?
The very last chapter. One year of hard work and research and writing. Thank you. Thank you, my readers for sticking around for this long to finish my first original book. I didn't think I would gain that many reads, and I'm sure I'll get much more attention as time passes. Thank you for reading Cry of the Flowers. Above is the song that inspired it all. I hope you listen to it and you see exactly how this all came together through it. I never really thought about a song being able to inspire me into writing a whole book. However, I'm glad it did. And if you think this adventure is over, think again. I am currently working on a sequel book of Cry of the Flowers and will hopefully be publishing it later this year.
Please enjoy this final chapter of Cry of the Flowers.

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I took a step out of the apartment, carrying my last bag with me outside. My father and mother were right behind me, taking their bags as well. My Master already beat us to the train station and waited there for us. I couldn't believe I was actually leaving Crysolia.

“That's all, right?” Mom asked as I set my suitcase down and waited for the train. I nodded. “Yeah.” Father was making sure every bag was counted for.

I sighed, “Mama, I'll miss it here. I liked being here.” She hugged me lovingly, “I know, Ritsuko. Don't worry, you'll get to come here sometime again.”

Master cleared his throat, “Hopefully it'll be with better preparation and no struggles.” I chuckled and grinned. I felt a little nervous and antsy like I did the day I left Baktavia to go to Crysolia. The train would arrive soon, and I hoped I would get to say goodbye to Akito once more.

It was especially hard to say my goodbyes to him. I felt I wasn't sincere enough or I couldn't say goodbye.

“Mama, can I go back and see Akito before I leave? Please?” I looked at her. Mom stroked her short black hair and chuckled. She pointed behind me, which made me tilt my head curiously. I turned around and saw Akito behind me with a big smile.

I gasped. “Akito!” He hugged me tightly. “You thought I was gonna let you leave without a proper goodbye?” I hugged back and shook my head. “No.” He chuckled and kissed me.

I blushed and smiled at him. Father cleared his throat, to which I startled and glanced to him. He looked at us with a stern look while Mom patted his shoulder nervously.

Akito and I slowly pulled back from each other. “Aw, look at those love birds!” A voice cooed behind us.

We all looked back to see Kyoko, Rin, and Kaito standing there. My expression brightened, “Guys!” I went up to them and hugged them. “Oh, I'm gonna miss you all so much!” I told them.

Rin grinned, “So will I! But this isn't the last time we'll see each other, right?” Kyoko interjected, “No way! I'll make sure that I'll see you again, Akiyama!”

I laughed and nodded in agreement. Kaito asked, “You are gonna stay in touch, right?”

“Yes! I'll try my best to stay on top of it, but I don't know how I'll do with my work there.” I answered. Rin sighed, “You had better come to visit! I don't know the next time I'll be leaving for a chance at the dance academy, but I'll still be working hard.”

I hugged her with one arm, “I'm sure you will.”

I looked back at Akito and went up to him. “I'll miss you most of all, Akito.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “Hey, this isn't goodbye forever. I promise, I'll call you and email you and send letters. I'll even visit you if that's what you want.” I chuckled, “Anything will be fine, as long as I get to talk with you.”

My arms wrapped around him and he chuckled. “Take care of yourself, Ritsuko, okay?” I nodded. “I will. And you, keep working hard with your little camera. I'd love to see some more of your pictures.” He replied, “Of course. Oh yeah, when we do see each other again, would you mind, I don't know…” he blushed and finished quietly, “Go out with me?”

This made me smile and get warm. “Y-yeah. I'd love to.”

The train came up right behind me, making me look back and frown. “I guess this is it for now.” I looked down sadly. Akito looked at the train and held my hand tighter than before. “Well, I guess so.”

My parents were already boarding on. Master passed by, “Come on, Ritsuko, we don't want to leave you behind.” He joked. I only half-laughed at this, then I looked to the others. “Everyone, I'll miss you. See you later.” I looked at Akito. “See you soon, Akito.” I beamed and grabbed my suitcase.

I stepped up the train when I was stopped halfway by Akito. “Ritsuko, one more thing,”

I turned, “Yes? Who-” I was interrupted by Akito kissing me. I turned red, but gladly returned the kiss before looking at him and smiling. “Thank you.” He moved some of his fluffy dark hair back. I giggled, “Thank you too, Akito.”

I could never say that name enough, it seemed like. I boarded the train and pulled on my brown coat. I looked out the window, feeling a sense of déjà vu creep in. I had felt all of this before and seen this before, but I felt different.

Now I had things I didn't have before; a boyfriend, some great friends, experience and life lessons that I learned. I saw through the window that everyone was waving at me. Rin jumped up waving excitedly, while Kyoko held a thumbs up. Kaito waved with an honest grin on his face while Akito just stood there smiling.

I noticed he winked at me and held up his pinky. That reminded me of the deal we made when he first discovered I was a Despair Healer. I chuckled and held up my pinky to him, winking back.

I leaned my head back and relaxed as the train took off. I sighed deeply and put an arm around myself. This was like reliving a memory that I didn't know would be so important until now. I remembered feeling nervous of the new change happening in my life.

I didn't feel so nervous when I looked over to Mom and Father and my Master and smiled, asking the two word question that started it all:

“What now?”

THE END