Welcome: The Aftermath
by Daniela Estelle B. Maranan
In the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan, resides a young girl named Himawari, surrounded by the mystical allure of her grandparents, Grandpa Haruto and Grandma Hikari.
Born into a tragic legacy, Himawari's parents met an untimely end, leaving her in the care of her loving grandparents. Despite the heavy burden of the past, Himawari's days were filled with the enchantment of traditions and rules in her magical home.
As you step into their abode, the "Welcome" mat acts as a silent sentinel, demanding respect and keeping the dirt of the outside world at bay. It's a rule held sacred by all who enter. Even the magical garden, adorned with its own "Welcome" mat, is governed by the same decree.
Grandpa Haruto, a guardian of tradition, made a note on the front door to remind Himawari of the rule, a gentle nudge to preserve the sanctity of their haven. However, the young girl, driven by an insatiable curiosity about her parents and the mysterious accident, grapples with unanswered questions.
Frustrated by the silence surrounding her parents' story, Himawari seeks solace in her friend Michi. The magical garden, with its hidden Shinto Shrine, becomes a haven where Himawari's heart can find peace. Little does she know that within this enchanted space, sun fairies, embodiments of her parents' souls, silently watch over her.
Unbeknownst to Himawari, her grandparents shield her from the truth, desiring to keep her humble despite the magical powers hidden within her lineage. The mystical beings, composed of her parents' essence, weave their protective spells without her awareness.
One fateful day, Michi, consumed by curiosity, witnesses the tiny yellow fairies dancing in the garden. Unable to resist the allure, she forgets the sacred rules in her pursuit of understanding the enchantment she glimpsed.
Himawari, attempting to share the beauty of her secret realm with Michi, forewarns her of the rules. However, Michi, entangled in a whirlwind of emotions, forgets the cautionary words in her eagerness to explore.
The day takes an unexpected turn as Himawari's grandparents are absent from their magical haven. With Michi oblivious to the rules, the enchanting garden becomes a stage for unforeseen consequences.
In the realm where tradition and magic entwine, Himawari and Michi navigate the delicate balance between curiosity and respect, ushering in a tale that unfolds within the embrace of Kyoto's mystical embrace.
The End