沈め しずめ shizume
sinking, submerging

PART NINE: sinking deep

the seasons changed in a blur

as if reality was just beyond my reach

and time a mere figment of my imagination.

for once i found myself glimpsing

happiness.

i almost didn’t notice the way

Midori always seemed to be arguing with her aunt

when i visited

or her eyes showed lack of sleep

more often than not.

i was too blinded by her smile right in front of me

and sweet lemon hair in my face

warm lips together

soft hands linked forever.

we became a trio

Kohaku and Midori got along

despite many sarcastic remarks in their exchanges.

Kohaku no longer had to worry about being bullied

us three stuck together

we got through the year together

and now it was nearing the end all too soon.

papa still didn’t know

he thought we were just the bestest of friends

but Midori’s uncle was starting to suspect

that there was more going on.

i only hoped he’d never find out

for both Midori’s sake

and mine.

but what would that mean for us?