An extravagant array of cherry blossoms lay before my eyes, the sunlight beating down on the petals. The fragrant smell of sweet flowers and overgrown grass hung in the air. In the distance, I saw a small bench. It looked slightly ancient, but it would do for the time being. I made my way over to it, sitting down carefully. This place was once so beautiful, so impeccable. As I peered around, I saw the ruins of what were once the Honda family gardens. The Honda Gardens were a large area of grass clearings and marble statues, filled to the brim with Japanese plants and oriental structures. It was our family's pride and glory. As I stared at the remains, I felt tears begin to form. It was all my fault, if I only I had just-
'Kiku!' a joyful voice echoed in the breeze, 'How did you get here?'
I didn't reply. I knew he was going to be here; I just knew it. Why did I even bother? I knew this was going to happen. As he got closer to me, I tried desperately to wipe the tears that had already fallen with the back of my sleeve.
''Kiku!'' he repeated. I looked up from where I was sitting, using my hair to try and cover my face. The man's eyes grew shocked. ''Kiku.. What’s wrong? Why are you crying?'' I looked him straight in the eye, studying him carefully. Everyone always underestimates me. I'm always the second substitute for everything. I have to learn to stand on my own for once, to make a name for myself for lord's sake! A few minutes had passed, and I realized that I had to get away from here as soon as I could. This would be the decision that could possibly change my life for the worse.
''Nothing'' I said. And then, I walked out of the gate without a single word said more.
