Tamori Taka: The parting of the ways

Author: HS Wift

I have been HS Wift for the longest time now, through some of the darkest hours I have known, and it warms my heart to know that the light that led me through lives on still.

May it never die.

The year passed all too quickly.

Taka and Keshintai spent every moment they could find together, exploring new tomes in the library, or playing in the forests. Keshintai even took to accompanying Taka to the firework lessons, though she didn't have the aptitude for the delicate craft.

When the year's end rolled around, Keshintai and her family stayed in town this time, and Fakura allowed Taka to once more create a display for the festival, which served as a lament for her friend's leaving.

After the fireworks, Keshintai and Taka went to the field for a private goodbye, before the more formal farewell at Keshintai's parting a few days hence.

"I promise, I'll visit as often as I can." Keshintai forced a smile in an attempt to comfort her friend, who was visibly on the cusp of crying.

"Ha, you'd better," Taka responded, fighting back the tears, "And we'd both best write often."

The girls continued into the night, alternating crying and smiling.