Chapter 8: A New Spring

A year had passed since Mei last stood beneath the ancient cherry tree, her heart heavy with goodbye. The seasons had changed, the earth turning from the blush of spring to the warmth of summer, the golden hues of autumn, and the stillness of winter.

Now, spring had returned to Lushan, painting the world in pinks and whites as the cherry blossoms bloomed once more. Mei walked along the familiar path by the riverbank, her footsteps light, her heart no longer burdened by the weight of forgotten memories.

She stopped at Moon Bridge, leaning on the cool stone railing as she watched the petals dance on the water's surface. It was peaceful here, the air filled with the sweet scent of blossoms and the whisper of the breeze.

She thought of Jun often, his smile forever etched in her mind. It no longer hurt to remember him; the grief had softened, leaving behind a warmth that made her feel whole again. She could almost hear his laughter, see his shadow on the bridge beside her, just as he had been so long ago.

But today, there was something different. A flutter in the air, a hum that made her skin tingle. Mei looked around, her eyes drawn to the other side of the bridge, where a boy stood beneath the cherry tree.

He was young, perhaps six or seven, his hair tousled, his clothes dusty as if he'd been playing all day. His back was to her, his hands reaching up to catch the falling petals. He laughed, a sound so familiar it made her chest tighten.

The boy turned, his dark eyes wide with wonder, his face bright with joy. Mei's breath caught, her heart skipping a beat. There was something about him, something in the curve of his smile, the light in his eyes.

He ran toward her, his footsteps light, petals swirling around him. "Jiejie!" he called, his voice high and sweet. "Look!" He held out his hands, pink petals cradled in his palms. "They're so pretty!"

Mei's knees wobbled, her hands gripping the railing as she stared at the boy. His face was different, rounder, his features softer. But his eyes… his eyes were the same. Dark and deep, filled with curiosity and laughter.

"Who… who are you?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

The boy tilted his head, his smile widening. "Mama calls me Jun." His face scrunched up in thought. "But sometimes, I feel like I've heard that name before. Like… in a dream."

Mei's heart stopped. Jun. The name echoed through her, her chest tightening as tears filled her eyes.

The boy blinked, his gaze growing serious as he looked at her. "Why are you crying, jiejie?" He took a step closer, his small hand reaching out to touch her sleeve. "Did I do something wrong?"

Mei shook her head, a broken laugh escaping her. "No. No, you didn't do anything wrong." She knelt before him, her hands trembling as she wiped her tears. "You… you just reminded me of someone. Someone I lost a long time ago."

The boy's eyes softened, his fingers curling around hers. His touch was warm, solid. Real. "Then don't be sad." His smile was gentle, filled with a wisdom far beyond his years. "If you remember them, they'll always be with you. Right here." He tapped his chest, right above his heart.

Mei's breath hitched, her tears falling freely as she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. He smelled of sunshine and blossoms, his body warm and alive. He laughed, a bright, joyous sound, hugging her back.

The wind picked up, petals swirling around them, a sea of pink and white dancing on the breeze. Mei closed her eyes, her heart full, overflowing. She could feel Jun's presence, warm and gentle, wrapped around her like a whisper.

"I kept my promise. I came back."

When she pulled away, the boy's eyes were sparkling, his laughter ringing through the air. "You're funny, jiejie! Why are you crying and laughing at the same time?"

Mei wiped her tears, her smile radiant. "Because… because I'm happy." Her voice wavered, her heart light as she stood, holding his tiny hand in hers. "Would you like to walk with me?"

The boy grinned, his fingers tightening around hers. "Okay! But let's race to the end of the bridge first!" He took off, his laughter echoing as he ran, his figure small and bright against the morning light.

Mei watched him, her heart swelling as she followed, her steps light. The world was bright, filled with petals and laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.

Jun had found his way back to her, just as she had promised. In a new life, in a new spring.

And this time, she would never leave him behind.