Sitting under a tree

The rain fell softly. An early spring drizzle slightly stronger than mist, but only just.

From beneath the branches of the pine tree near the coy pond, Kana was dry. Years of pruning and training had turned the needles into a carpet so thick the cat could walk on it. She sat with her back against the dark, scratchy trunk. The smell of rain and wet earth swirled around her like the most expensive incense.

In the pond, the coy bobbed and sucked at the drops of rain disturbing the surface. Their shining sides coiled and rolled together like a knot of orange, black, white, and gold dragons.

Kana closed her eyes, collecting each detail of the scene in her mind. Soon she would have to leave her father’s house for her husband’s. She would have to leave these familiar gardens. The buildings. The faces.

She couldn’t deny that part of her was excited for the adventure. Still, she wondered if she would ever be able to sit under the pine tree in the early morning rain like this again.