The Promise

*knocking sound* "Miss, breakfast has been prepared!"

It was Otoha knocking on the door.

"Thank you! I will be right there.."

At least, thats what I said, but all I could see was the postcard I had brought back from the airport yesterday, and my body, like my eyes didn't want to move away at all.

The postcard had a picture of a rose garden. The garden surrounded a huge tree, who's canopy covered most of the garden, but the light of the sun still shone through between the leaves, leaving dots of light on the grass. It was almost like the shimmering waves on the surface of a lake at night - calm but mysterious, cold yet warm at the same time.

"At least I'll be able to meet the photographer today, I really hope they'll remember where they took this..."

I was hoping, if it were still possible, to be able to visit the rose garden myself. Otoha had said that the rose garden in our hometown was far bigger with prettier flowers, and couldn't really understand why a normal small garden could be so intriguing. But the garden inthe photograph held some sort of magical attraction, and I couldn't help the feeling of familiarity which pulled me towards it. It made me wonder if it was a special place I had visited in my dream?

Sticking the postcard into my music book, I dressed myself and then went into breakfast, sitting alone at the long dining table as Otoha bustled into the room.

"The master called this morning and said that he had some urgent business to attend to, so he hoped that Miss wouldn't mind him being delayed for a few days..."

"Oh...right" My reply was delivered in my usual emotionless tone.

Perhaps it was because of the pain of losing a loved one, but ever since my mother died when I was 6, Father had sent me abroad to be looked after by his sister, while he threw himself with even more zest into his work. He was now a million-billionaire owner of some corporate group, but he was still relentless busy. As an only child, I had gotten used to this sort of lonely life.

"To raise funding for the SE-Asian Tsunami appeal, the central TV station have invited Miss for an exclusive interview at 9:30am, and to then join the other fundraisers in the public media interview. Lunch is scheduled to be at the KY Hotel, a welcome back gesture courtesy of Mr. Kaishaku on behalf of the Master."

Since my return to Japan, Otoha had also taken on the role of being my personal assistant.

"Wait, hasn't the morning already been scheduled for the meeting with the photographer?"

I interrupted Otowa anxiously.

"Yes, after I found out that the photographer worked with Numbre-Trois- the magazine firm - I rang the editor of the magazine yesterday afternoon to request that he should send this particular photographer out. I thought that since Miss only wanted to findout about the location of the photo, it wouldn't require too much time and so would be able to meet up with the photographer in the cafe opposite the TV station. If, um..., if Miss isn't free, I could always..."

"Don't worry about it, I would like to meet the photographer in person. Let's set off now and wait at the cafe"

I placed down my chopsticks, and got up in a hurry. Otoha was still shocked by my tone, and stood rooted to the ground.

"Let's hurry. I know the central TV station is really closeby but its almost 9."

"Yes, Miss. Please, follow me"

Otoha finally recovered from her shock and led me quickly towards the cafe.

It was now past 9:15 and still there was no sign of the photographer.

"Who do they think they are? Making Miss wait this long. I must get intouch with their editor and make sure they are disciplined!" said Otoha, frustrated.

"Nevermind, its probably the traffic. The interview is about to start... why don't I head over there first then you can stay here for me...is that ok?"

After Otoha nodded her head, I got up, ready to leave. Recalling what the over-protective Otoha was like, I turned back to say:

"Remember to ask 'politely' for the number of this photographer, and to let them know that I will call them to arrange another time when we can meet up."

I put particular emphasis on the word "politely", not wanting Otoha to scare away the photographer in her anger.

I walked out of the door, and when the green light flickered on, I started walking towards the TV station at the end of the road. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared, and confusion reigned...

It was as if I was looking at the photo, the gentle spots of light from the shaded areas of the canopy came together into a form - itwas a delicately-featured girl, with golden hair that shone even more brightly in the sunlight. I couldn't help but stop to take in and see more of this person, when unexpectedly, the figure suddenly came running towards me and then, like the tree in the rose garden, I was surrounded by the sun, enjoying its gentle warmth.


TBC

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Disclaimer:
Originally found at: http://blog.roodo.com/cclian/


This work was originally written by cclian. She has kindly given me permission to translate her work. I have tried to keep the narration as close to the original as possible but some parts will differ.