After considering the topic and the replies I though I'd put in my 2 cents on....
Hanako: First Kiss
Alone... always alone... except for those brief times with my only friend, Lilly. It's early Sunday morning, too early to bother Lilly and much too early to visit the one place I can find comfort, the Library. Restless, I get the book I have been reading and a small blanket. I make my way out to a semi-hidden spot in the park and spread my blanket. The morning sun and light breeze feel good in this hidden nook, almost as if I were a caterpillar wrapped in a freshly spun cocoon.
I begin to settle in when...
*STOMP*
Startled, I look around for the unexpected disturbance.
*STOMP* *STOMP* *STOMP*
It's getting closer and I can feel the panic welling up inside me.
*STOMP* *STOMP* *CRASH*
I am in full panic as I see Kenji burst out of the underbrush. Our eyes meet for a brief moment and he flails his arms wildly as he yells, "Beware of the alien mind control!"
My mind goes blank in fear and my body takes over. I instinctively run off to the one place I feel safe and leave everything behind.
…..
Locked. I am panicked, out of breath, and standing before the locked door to the library. My hands tremble as I again try to open the door that won't open. A few fear filled moments pass and my mind takes hold of my body again. It's still much too early for the library to be open on a Sunday (and it doesn't always open on a Sunday) but my body fled here out of habit seeking a place of safety.
Shaking still, I head off to another place. That place. One of the few other places where I can feel safe.
…..
The door is slightly ajar and I and hear the light *tap* *tap* of a spoon in a cup.
Lilly looks up as I burst through the door, sobbing. It only takes her a moment to realize it's me and she holds out her hand to me. I go running over to her and she holds my head tight in the crook of her neck. I sob into her neck as she gently stroke my hair in order to calm me. Between sobs, I manage to get out this mornings awful events.
Lilly returns to her seat and sits my on her lap. She continues stroking my hair and gently rocks me. I can feel the panic subsiding inside me.
A few moments pass like this.
"Hanako, are you feeling better now?"
"Nnn...", is all I can manage.
She turns me slightly and strokes my cheek. I feel very fortunate to have a friend like Lilly. She is precious to me.
After a few more moments she softly says, "Hanako, close your eyes and I will take away the rest of your pain."
I don't know what she is going to do but I trust her. She has always been a true friend to me.
"They're closed, Lilly."
I feel her shift me slightly. Then... There is a warm, wet, and sweet feeling as something soft presses against my lips. It's Lilly’s lips. My remaining panic and pain melt away and I am left with only one thought... The taste of rose-hips is very comforting.
~Fin~
( no one said that it had to be with Hisao
)