The pink petals fell all around her, as if floating in the air in a slow motion. She was underneath the peach blossom tree, playing her flute. It was the same song she played everyday but unlike the other times, her tune held a happy melody. For once, her heart was not troubled as she blew into the flute, immersed into the budding hope in her heart.
She did not know for how long she was playing her flute but it was as if time had stopped for her. The beautiful sound of the flute was echoing all around her, captivating anyone who listened to it. It was enchanting and poignant just like the girl who was playing it, her eyes closed in concentration.
There was a silhouette standing a few meters away from the cherry blossom tree, observing her from afar. Shina knew very well that person was secretly admiring her but she did not open her eyes. The stranger who came to visit her every week while she played her flute under the tree.
