Drip... drip... drip. Is it raining? Well, let it rain... What meaning is there now anyway? Everything... has withered away. On the once lush green prairie, now only a desolate wasteland remains, where the traces of our house rot beneath the cold rain. You and I... are just echoes in the sorrowful sound of the rain.
The rain falls, each heavy drop carrying a pale, heartbreaking taste. Back then, the rain was clear and sweet as honey, a taste we shared in our childhood, under a clear blue sky without a hint of sorrow. Now, why is the rain so tasteless? Like faded memories, only a bitter, choking feeling remains in my throat.
It's my fault, my dear. It's my fault that in this final moment, I can only helplessly watch the house of memories, each brick soaked with love, disappear beneath the cold water. It's my fault, unable to hold onto the dying prairie, waiting for the last gust of wind to carry away the ashes of despair. Forgive me... my beloved... I wasn't by your side.
I stood rooted amidst the rubble, blankly watching the world collapse into dust in the depths of my eyes. Now... even a single flash of lightning tearing through the night, I would willingly vanish into this nothingness.
...
Huh?
...
Where from...?
...
Where from... a flower? It's... a dahlia!
In the dry corners of my eyes, fragile petals suddenly appeared, it seemed to be a dahlia. These petals, why are they so familiar, as if imprinted deep within my eyes? That's right, isn't that the flower named after you... Dahlia. But how did it stray to this place? Right here on this cold, desolate ruin? A strong gust of wind blew, swirling the peony/dahlia petal in the air. "Wait! Wait for me!" - I burst out with a hoarse cry, my legs starting to pedal frantically.
No! I will definitely save you! I won't let you leave me again! I... I will save you! With all that remains in this broken heart.
My legs moved faster and faster, trying to follow the peony/dahlia petal swaying precariously in the wind. Suddenly, the petal changed direction, leading me to a field of vibrant yellow poppies, stretching to the horizon. Amidst that radiant sea of flowers, the figures of us as children appeared, playfully chasing each other under the golden sunlight. You smiled, a smile as clear as crystal, so radiant that time seemed to stand still. Your cheeks were flushed like young peach blossoms, and your charming dimples appeared and disappeared in the ringing laughter of childhood... Wait? What am I doing? I have to save you. The peony/dahlia petal has flown far. I rushed forward again.
The peony/dahlia petal kept flying, flying endlessly in the gray sky. It flew until I wandered into a dense ancient forest, where sunlight barely pierced through the thick canopy. In the silent forest, a green-tiled path stretched far into the distance. On both sides of the path, pure white and jade green orchid gardens alternated, their gentle fragrance seeping into every breath. Suddenly, the sound of giggling teenagers echoed from somewhere, as clear as the ringing of bells, causing my heart to clench. It was you and I, the beautiful years of our youth. You... the familiar wide-brimmed hat couldn't hide the inherent grace in every gesture, every step. A simple yet elegant beauty, exuding the carefulness and meticulousness you always possessed.
So beautiful... that moment... Wait? Where did the peony/dahlia petal go... Ah, not far, I'll catch up, I definitely will! I stepped forward again, each step a beating heart urging me on, a glimmer of hope flickering.
The peony/dahlia petal suddenly lowered its altitude slowly, making me realize a boundless peony/dahlia field, stretching endlessly beneath my feet. Amidst the myriad of proud, beautiful flowers, the peony/dahlia petal I was searching for still stood out, still swayed like a familiar soul. It still flew very low, enough for me to know it was you, leading the way. But... the more I ran, the peony/dahlia field seemed to expand, as if wanting to swallow me into the magical sea of flowers. I still rushed forward, despite the overwhelming colors. Suddenly, from beneath my feet, a peony/dahlia, bearing your familiar form, sprouted and embraced my ankle: "Stay with me, my love."
- !
This... this is...This familiar voice..., this figure..., this face... but deep in my soul, I knew it wasn't you: "Sorry, I'm busy." As soon as I finished speaking, thousands of other "yous" sprouted from the surrounding dahlias, surrounding me in a beautiful, overwhelming embrace that seemed inescapable: "Stay with me, my love!", "Don't leave me.", "I'm so lonely...".
- Leave me alone! - I roared, trying to break free from the overwhelming, suffocating embrace of "you."
Dark clouds swirled and gathered, the sky ripped apart by the echoing thunder and violent lightning. My arms and legs felt as if they were being torn apart, stretched to their limits. My thin shirt also disintegrated into pieces, exposing my body to nature's fury... "Stay with me..." your sweet but haunting whisper still echoed in my ears.
Could it be that I would lose you again? ...
- I'm sorry! - a heart-wrenching cry tore through the rain, echoing from the depths of my desperate heart. - Forgive me for leaving you alone... I was so foolish and blind... I was wrong... I regret it... So, please forgive me, I will definitely make amends, I will definitely save you!
In an instant, the peony/dahlia field and the overwhelming beautiful hands slowly vanished, returning me to lie on the cold floor, the smell of antiseptic hitting my nostrils. A hospital? The peony/dahlia petal I was searching for still led the way, guiding me to a slightly ajar glass door, bearing the number 333. I hesitated for a moment, my heart swelling with anxiety and breathless anticipation, but then, a strong determination surged within me, and I resolutely pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room wasn't as cold as I had imagined; on the contrary, a gentle warmth spread, mingled with a familiar, strangely peaceful scent. By the window, where the warm sunlight gently touched a soft blanket, a fresh peony/dahlia lay quietly in your arms. You lay there, still sound asleep, your face slightly turned towards the sunlight. So beautiful... It had been two years since I left, you had become so thin... I'm sorry.
...a bitter smile unconsciously bloomed on my face...
Even in deep sleep, you still maintained your lovely flushed cheeks and a graceful, elegant posture... That gentle charm had never faded. My trembling hand reached out, slowly taking your thin, pale hand.
- Dahlia, I'm back... I... I'm sorry.
Everything gradually darkened, the gentle fragrance lulling me to sleep in your arms.