Chapter 3: Tree

“May, where are you taking us?” Yin asked

“Where the hell else would we visit out here?! We’re going to the tree! And I’m bringing you two with me!” May said

They struggled to get free, but Mays grip was too strong.

“May, please. I don’t want to go there.” Yumena whispered

May paused for a second.

She shook it off, continuing to drag them toward the tree on a nearby hill

“I’m not sensitive as a person. I’ve already said that. But it’s stupid and rude of you two to not even come and pay your proper respects to the dead.” May said angrily

They fell quiet

“She gave our life for us. Are you two seriously blaming her for that, still? She saved all of us.” May said, upset

“I….know that. I’m grateful, but… Tone….” Yumena said, closing her eyes shut tight

“What’s your excuse, Yin?” May snarled

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“I don’t have one. I admit that not coming to pay my respects was wrong. I just don’t think I can ever come near here alone again. Not after… that. I just realized that I haven’t even thanked her once. Or apologized. It’s been over 8 years, hasn’t it. And not once did I have the courage to come here alone. Thinking about it now, that’s pathetic.” Yin said

They arrived at a large tree, beautiful pink petals blowing off of it from the breeze. A small stone obelisk stood in front of it, with fresh flowers resting at the base.

“Fresh flowers? Those haven’t been here more than a day. There’s nobody else from back then around here who can come here to pay their respects, where did those come from? Did you come here already?” Yumena asked

“There actually is one other person from back then, around here, who takes care of this place. I’m not the one who does any of the work taking care of it.” May laughed, extremely bitterly

“What? There’s nobody I can think of. Seriously, who is it? Why haven’t they met up with us?” Yin asked, surprised

“You guys really are idiots. Tone comes here. He takes care of this place meticulously. Those four indents on the ground, there? That’s from his feet and his knees. He stays in the same spot. Either praying or caring for the grave. He stays there, unless necessary.” May said

“He….what? Why? He shouldn’t...remember anything.” Yumena said, her face blank

“He doesn’t. Not one single thing. I’ve tried bringing the old him back before. I’ve asked him why he cares so much, I’ve asked him if he even knows whose grave it is. You know what that idiot told me?” May asked, twitching slightly

“I...don’t know.” Yumena said, slightly frightened

“He says that he doesn’t know anything else except the fact that he loves the person buried here and has no idea why. He cares, and doesn’t even question it. I’ve asked him why he loves her… his-his.... answer. That disturbed me more than anything else I’ve ever experienced.” May said, shivering and shaking

“May, stop pausing. What did he say? Why...” Yin asked