Rhapsody of the Sunset-Kissed Greenhouse | Chapter 9

[healingbonds]

Chapter 8 << | index | >> Chapter 10


Shino: Took you long enough. I got tired of waiting, you know?

Akira: Um, um.... Shino, weren’t you trapped in the miniature garden....?

Shino: What? Why would I get trapped?

Heathcliff: What do you mean.... You were unconscious for a whole night, you know!?

Shino: One whole night? Wow, it’s been longer than I thought.

Shino raises his eyebrows in surprise.

Shino: I was pulled into this box the moment I opened the door to the orangery, but that's it. I could’ve left anytime I wanted to.
But I just had so much fun listening to this guy’s stories — we were chatting this entire time.

Heathcliff: This guy?

Shino: Hey, Heath. You talked about me all the time, huh?

He laughs, as if they’re chatting in the courtyard.

Shino: He told me. That you guys have been friends for a really long time.
You know, he was waiting for you to come meet him again all these years.
That’s why, when the door to the greenhouse opened for the first time in ages, he thought I was you and dragged me in. Maybe your presence rubbed off on me.

Akira: Heath’s friend....

I glance at the orange tree — and find a man standing in front of it.
He looks a lot like Heathcliff. It’s like he’s aged just a few years.

Akira: (Is this....?)

Heathcliff: Are you.... The orange tree....?

Heath asks, his eyes wide in surprise. The man softly narrows his eyes and nods.

Shino: I’m glad you could meet Heath again.
Heath can be shy and withdrawn, but he’s the coolest master I could ask for. He’s grown up splendidly.
So you don’t have to worry about him. Plus, we’ll be by his side.

The man glances at me and Shino, and then gazes at Heathcliff before breaking into a warm smile filled with happiness.
There’s no wind passing through the greenhouse, but the branches and leaves of the orange tree ruffle delightfully.
I can tell he is overjoyed to see Heathcliff once more.

Akira: (Ah, I see.....)

The orange tree harbors no loathing. He was simply worried about his dear friend Heathcliff because he hadn’t seen him for all these years.
Even if he was chopped down, even if his own roots never took hold, his precious, beloved memories had taken root deep in the earth, and remained all along.
Sustained by the irreplaceable memories of the evening hours he spent with his little friend.

Heathcliff: ............

Heathcliff’s cheeks and lips tremble. He’s doing everything he can to smile.

Heathcliff: Long time no see. How have you been? Sorry about what ha....

Heathcliff’s cheery voice trails off mid-sentence as his face crumples into the expression of a child about to burst into tears.
I recall what Heathcliff told me yesterday. His dream of introducing Shino to the orange tree, so they could all spend time together.
Maybe the orange tree didn’t just pull in Shino by accident. Maybe he did it to make his old friend’s dreams come true.

Heathcliff: I’m sorry.... I’m sorry I couldn’t save you......
I’ve regretted it all these years. I wanted to meet you again. I wanted to apologize to you. But I averted my eyes all this time.....
Thank you for wanting to meet me again. I’m so happy I could see you. I really am......

The orange tree lends his ears to Heathcliff’s earnest words, nodding slowly to each and every one.
As if he’s opening a precious letter. As if he’s saying, "It’s okay. I know."
His expression is as warm as the evening sun pouring into the greenhouse; so gentle that my heart feels ready to burst.

Heathcliff: I really want to talk for longer, but Shino’s life is in danger.

Shino: ....Wait, really?

Akira: Yes. It’s actually pretty dire.....

Heathcliff: So we need to go back as soon as possible.

The orange tree nods. He looks a little lonely, but his smile is as warm as ever. Another gentle breeze blows through.
Perhaps Heathcliff heard his words: his gaze trembles, as if a drop of rain has struck the quiet surface of his blue eyes.
But he covers it with a smile, and exclaims.

Heathcliff: But I’ll come back to see you again!

Heathcliff takes Shino’s hand and mine, and chants his spell.
The rainbow-colored light shines in from the ceiling once more.
Amidst the brilliance, I spot the orange tree waving to us with the warmth of the sun.
The next moment, we’re back in the orangery.
I look around and see the worried expressions of all the wizards peering into our faces.

Akira: (.....Where’s Shino!?)

Heathcliff: Shino......!

Heathcliff shouts his name and darts out of the orangery.

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: ..... Hm....?
Oh. Guess I’m back.

(Woosh)

Heathcliff: Shino!

Shino: Hey, Heath. It’s not often you come swooping in from the window.
Remember how we did the same thing when we were little?
I would always ride my broom to your room to surprise you. But now it’s the other way round.

Heathcliff: ....Thank goodness......

Shino: What’s wrong? Why’d you just fall to the ground? Does your stomach hurt?

Heathcliff: Sigh..... Do you even realize how worried I was.....?
Why in the world did you head to the orangery alone anyway?

Shino: I wanted to clean up while you were asleep, so I could show you a nice and tidy orangery in the morning.
Because I knew you were always fond of it.

Heathcliff: ....You dummy.
But thank you. And welcome home, Shino.

Chapter 8 << | index | >> Chapter 10