5 Uncertain.

Kiyoomi' POV

As she leads me into her home, she tells me to "make myself comfortable".

I slowly peel my coat off and take my seat on the sofa in her living room.

A beautiful modern home, surrounded by trees and nature.

Secluded from the rest of the world.

The nearest neighbor 5 miles away.

My drive here, my heart clenched.

What is she doing so deep out...with no one to protect her?

Living in such a place?

What if something were to happen to her?Who would be around to help her?

I quickly snapped out of my trance as she reached for my coat, to hang it up in a closet near the front door.

She was always a very organized woman, and I appreciated that of her.

"Would you like anything to drink?" She asks me.

Her voice.

So smooth, serene.

Music to my ears.

"Some tea please, if it's not too much?" I responded. The weather was cold, it was winter now.

How many nights?

How many nights has she been cold?

-Has she slept all by herself...? In this place she calls home?

All alone....

Was she not even the slightest bit afraid of what could happen?

All the way out in these woods?

A beautiful young woman, living all on her own? In such a big home?

Or was she not alone every night?

No!

'Don't think like that, it's not your place.' I think to myself.

She gives me a curt nod of the head and turns toward the kitchen, to prepare for some tea.

Green tea 🍵.

Plain and simple...

While still very good for the brain and body.

"Thank you for the roses, Matsuya San"

The ache I felt in my chest, 'the unsettling churn' in my stomach. One of the most unpleasant feelings.

No nicknames.

We're back to formalities.

"Of course.." I reply, no matter the ache I feel from her calling me by my family name.

No more 'Yoomi'...'my love'...or 'Yooms'..not even just my first name.. 'Kiyoomi' which now that I think of it, always sounded so sweet as if pouring honey from her lips.

I miss it.

I miss her.

And I'm such a selfish man for it.

Such a fool I am.

To just show up.

After all the time we spent together, loving one another...even when my love for her was fading

At least I thought it was.

She still loved me.

Would it be foolish to ask myself if she still loves me now? At the very least I know she still cares.

I want so badly to walk into that kitchen and wrap my arms around her, pull her close to my body...feel her warmth against my own.

But.....that isn't my place. I know it. I caused her all this pain. Now I come here, not even knowing what to say exactly, let alone where to start.