Io’s Cursed Betrayal

Sunsets

Two days’ time has once more passed. I arrived home a little after midday from my work and am looking to pass the time. I decide to pick up the book Draco has gotten me and begin to read where I left off. When I hear noise, I am jerked out of my sleep. I had closed my eyes for but a moment after finishing this emotional tale. I get up from my kang and discover that my father is in the kitchen making dinner. I had slept through him coming in from work. As I watch him heat up the fish and rice I think about Draco’s book. I feel like there was another message for me there in the story. I just cannot quite put my finger on it.

When my father takes his seat, I slide the book across the table to him. Even though I wish to read it again I will wait until he has finished. I know it will be in no time at all that I will receive it back. He reads so much faster than I. As we eat our meal, we hear another knock at the door. My father looks at me in silent question if I am receiving him, I shake my head no. I am not ready to forgive Draco yet for not keeping his word. However, I am being a bit persuaded by his persistence I must admit. My father opens the door and blocks my view.

“She doesn’t want to speak to you today either. She does not want to see you too. Why have you come again” he says this time.

“I am here to bring her the next gift. I do apologize if I hurt her by not showing up. I had no choice in the matter. I still intend to court her sir. I still want her for my bride if she will have me. I understand why we she chooses not to see or speak to me. Would you just make sure she receives this gift also. I will bring another in two days’ time once more. “He pleads.

“I will” my father replies. I see him reach his hands out and accept the gift. Then he quietly closes the door. Once again, he sits the gift on the table and eats his food. I will open it once I am done, I decide. I smile to myself as I see the blossom tucked into the twine that holds the paper together. They remind me of how happy we were on the first day of Hanami.

Draco sounded so sad when talking to my father. I know he is hurting but then again so was I. Am I wrong in not forgiving him? I wonder as I finish my food. I will give him another chance. If he shows up once more then I will tell him at least. I need to see for myself if he deserves to be forgiven. I truly cannot continue to keep accepting his gifts if I no longer wish to be courted. I will decide before he returns how we will fare.

“We are finished, open the gift” my father says. I think he is secretly hoping it is another book. I realize that while my mind was away, he has already cleared the table. I pull the package toward me on the table. I pull at the twine and then I open the paper to see a fabric inside. When I lift the fabric from the box, it is spreads to the floor and I gasp.

It is an array of colors. The top is a slight pink tone, and it fades into a light purple. It then turns to a violet which runs into the darkest blue I have ever seen. Upon the blue parts of fabric are sparkles that look like stars. It is so beautiful I cannot help beaming with joy. On further inspection I notice that it is a kimono. Where would I possibly wear something of such superior quality to? Its fairness is far beyond anything I own. As I stand to go and hang it in my wardrobe a paper slips free.

“I give you the sunset for upon its return each day we say goodbye waiting for the sweet hello of tomorrow. “~Draco p.s I’m sorry.

I hug the note to my chest. When I look at my father, he nods to himself. “I see the difference…. The effort he is making Io. There is a chance that I was wrong in my assumptions about the boy. So, I offer you this, a gift can be used to buy love or for what I think is the case of these, to simply show one care. You must make the choice for yourself dear daughter of what you think” with that statement he leaves me and heads off to bed.

That night I wonder. I wonder if being Draco’s bride is truly what I want. Will his explanation be enough to satisfy the pain he caused? If he receives my refusal to court, would he still make the effort? I cannot decide what I want for my future as of late, but I know that I still want him. Now I just have to decide in what capacity.