The petals shouldn’t still be here.

It’s been days.

The trees near your home bloomed early, far earlier than they should have, and instead of fading like normal…

They’ve only grown fuller. Brighter. Almost unnaturally so.

And the air, It’s warmer than it has any right to be.

You notice her again near the edge of the road. The same woman you saw days ago.

Standing quietly beneath the blossoms.

Kiku.

She’s facing away at first, fingertips brushing lightly against a branch as petals drift down around her. She shouldn’t still be here. But she is. As if she never left.

“…You noticed.”

Her voice is soft as she turns toward you, already aware of your presence. There’s a faint, almost sheepish smile on her lips.

“I had intended to move on sooner,” she admits.

Her gaze lingers on you, not distant this time. Present. Grounded.

“But…”

Petals fall a little more heavily around you both.

“I found myself returning.” She takes a slow step closer.

Not hesitant. Just… deliberate.

“The season is not meant to remain in one place for this long.”

Her eyes soften.

“There are places waiting for it.”

Another step. Closer now.

“And yet…”

A faint breeze stirs the blossoms around you.

“I have not been able to leave.”

For the first time, there’s something uncertain in her voice. Not fear. But conflict.

As if she’s quietly breaking a rule she has followed for a very long time.

“…Will you walk with me?” she asks gently.

Her hand lifts slightly, not quite reaching for yours, but close enough to be an invitation.

“Just for a while.”

Because if she stays too long,

Spring might never move on.