Flowers Still Bloom Even in the Face of Destruction

Traffic had been inescapable as they tried to cross Asahikawa. Even at the end of existence, transit congestion could not be avoided. When they finally arrived at Ueno Park, excitement had transitioned to anticipation. Ueno Park represented the first milestone. Rin had picked it as it was where she had gone for her birthday when she was a child. No one else had ever been, so she wanted to share the experience with them.

The park was known for its English-style gardens. Small cottages and cobblestone walkways dotted the lush green landscape. Willow trees and decadent bushes covered every inch of the landscape, surrounding attendees in a fantastical fairy tale environment.

Rin squealed with happiness as the van parked and the friend group stepped out. Lavender’s aroma welcomed them even from afar and Kureha found herself inhaling deeply.

“Woooow,” exclaimed Riku as he stretched and took in the greenery around them.

“I feel my nervous system calming already,” said Shiona.

Kai and Arata nodded in agreement as they entered the garden. Kureha began to take photos of the natural beauty that was on display.

“They nicknamed the park ‘The Gnome Garden’ since it looks like a fantasy garden,” said Rin as they walked.

“I want to be a gnome,” squeaked Kureha.

“I’d be a fairy,” said Shiona.

“I’d be a dwarf,” laughed Arata.

“I’d be a fairy too I think,” said Rin.

Everyone looked to Riku who was gently limping along the cobblestone path towards a patch of lavender.

“Oh, me? I think I’d be an elf. Living for eternity seems like a very interesting fantasy these days,” he replied.

No one said anything else but they all agreed.

“Well, today we are all those things. So come on fairies, gnomes, and whatever else you guys said,” grinned Shiona as she took Kureha’s and Rin’s hands.

The girls made their way into the garden and the boys were not far behind. Bees flitted around them in hungry excitement as they danced from blossom to bloom. Butterflies rested idly on lily pads. Trickling water whispered secrets to them as it flowed along the stream below. Minutes drifted into hours as the group soaked in color, sound, and scent. Rin found herself crying several times but did not stop the tears.

“Awwww, they did weddings,” said Kureha as she looked at a nearby sign.

“I’d always liked the idea of getting married here,” whispered Rin as her cheeks blushed red.

“Well, why don’t we?” asked Arata.

“What?!” asked Rin in slight surprise.

Shiona and Riku nudged one another.

“Well, we’re here, and you always wanted to do it, and we might not get another chance. I could be your husband,” said Arata in a matter-of-fact gentleness.

“Really?! But… We don’t have rings, or anything…”

“Who cares?” laughed Arata.

“Here!” said Shiona as she removed a ring from her right hand.

“It’s Jasper, so that’s good luck!”

“And I’ve already got rings,” said Arata as he held up his decorated hands which were adorned by several rings.

“Really?” asked Rin in sincere surprise.

“I cherish you. I’d be honored. If you’ll have me,” replied Arata.

“For all our days,” replied Rin.

“Then may they, bride and groom, together with heaven and earth, with the sun and the

moon, continue to give out light and radiance!” cheered Kai.

Arata gave a ring from his hand to Rin so that she could place it on his finger. Rin gave Arata the Jasper ring. He placed it onto her finger, and then gently kissed her to the roaring cheers of their friends. Kureha took photos of the elation and laughter.

“Woo! First day in and there’s already a wedding!” cheered Riku.

“Congratulations!” came a woman’s voice from not far away.

The friends turned to see a young foreign couple pushing a stroller along the path. The man was smiling as he looked ahead and the woman waved to them.

“You’re a beautiful bride!” she said with a wave.

“Thank you!” replied Rin as she blushed and buried her face in her hands.

Her gaze returned to Arata and he was still looking at her. Rin began to cry again as her fingers touched his face. He nodded in understanding.

“A simple life with you would have been heaven,” he whispered.

They embraced and held one another among the flowers. Slowly and without a word, the friends all joined and surrounded them in a soft shroud of comfort.

“Annnnd I’m crying again,” said Kai.

“Yep!” replied Shiona.

After a moment they all released one another.

“So, if you look up ahead, you’ll see the lookout view from the hillside,” said Rin with a sniffling chuckle. They all laughed and returned to basking in the floral utopia.

Kureha found herself enraptured by the blooms. The colors seemed more vibrant than any flowers she’d ever observed, and she wondered to herself if the twinge of loss made them appear more delightful, or if she was just more appreciative of their complex beauty now. No matter the reason, the color surrounded her and beckoned her to explore every inch of the park. At one point, she turned down a path and the young couple was there before her. They were attempting to take a self-portrait of the two of them and their baby.

“Oh, sorry,” said Kureha when she saw them.

“No problem!” said the man.

Kureha turned to back away then stopped.

“Would you like me to take it for you?” she asked them.

“Really?! Aw that would be lovely,” replied the young woman.

She was redheaded with freckles and bright blue eyes. He was tall, lean, and olive-skinned. They were both attractive in a simple way and radiated genuine happiness. The baby seemed quite young but was also blue-eyed and observing the explosions of color around her.

Kureha took their phone and framed them in several different compositions.

“One, two, three!” she said as she took the photos.

The couple attempted to get their baby to look at Kureha but it was to no avail. Kureha had an idea and moved closer.

“Here, hold her right here, with the blue flowers behind her,” said Kureha.

The young woman positioned the baby and Kureha got close to take a few focused portraits of just the baby. The blue and green environment around her was blurred in a shallow depth of field, and the detail of her innocent face was all that was made clear. Her eyes radiated from the support of the blue flowers behind her head.

Several options were presented when Kureha returned the phone to them.

“Oh goodness, oh my,” said the young woman.

“These are lovely, thank you so much. Truly, thank you,” said the man.

“You’re a talented photographer,” said the woman.

“Thank you. I wanted to be a photojournalist…” replied Kureha.

“Well, you already are,” said the man with a slight bow.

“Thank you,” replied Kureha.

“Enjoy the flowers. You’re a beautiful family.”

“So are y’all,” said the young woman.

Those words made Kureha smile as she made her way back to her friend group who were now sitting in a set of multicolored chairs that were positioned at the top of the overlook.

“What a great first stop!” said Kai as Kureha sat beside him.

“It was,” said Kureha as she took Rin’s hand.

Dusk began to approach and the sky above them tried its best to match the color palette of the park below. Purples, pinks, and oranges stretched across the heavens as the sun began to lower. Kureha found herself and Kai resting their heads on Riku's shoulders while Rin and Shiona rested against Arata. Warmth coated them in a protective shield as light turned to dark.

“We should probably go soon,” said Riku.

“Do you all want to stop nearby and eat?” asked Arata.

“I saw there was a curry restaurant nearby,” said Riku.

“Always down for curry!” said Kai as he patted his stomach.

So the group made their way back to the van. Rin and Arata were still holding hands. Kureha snuck a photo of their fingers intertwined with the rings visible. Shiona inspected the photo and gave Kureha a thumbs up in silent approval.

Down the road they went and soon they were at a local curry restaurant. There were only a couple of vehicles in the parking lot as the group entered. The group was seated in a large booth near the entrance and drinks were served as menus were distributed.

“Looks like this place still charges money…” said Riku.

“I’ve got it. It looks super cheap. Eighty-five yen for pork cutlet and curry…” said Shiona.

“Actually, your meal is covered,” replied the server.

The friends looked up in surprise. The server pointed to a table towards the back of the restaurant.

“The young man insisted he would take care of you and urged you to treat yourselves,” said the server as she pointed to the table.

The friends all laughed and clapped when they saw that their financiers were none other than the young couple from the park. Kureha met their eyes and the young woman winked while the man raised his whiskey glass to her in a toast.