Conclusion

Conclusion

 

 

The seabirds swam through the air.

When Misao looked up, their wings looked black against the light. Or maybe the birds really were black. They spread their wings wide and slipped easily through the blue sky.

Masaomi stood beside him, looking up at the sky as well. His eyes were squinted against the brilliant light. The flaps of his black flocked coat fluttered in the wind, like another seabird joining the flock.

Misao smiled to himself, and Masaomi looked over at him. There was a question in his eyes, so Misao nodded.

His long hair frolicked with the gusting wind, but he pushed it behind his ears.

He inhaled deeply, filling his nostrils with the scent of salt water.

His eyes twinkling, he gazed out over the pure nature that spread out before him.

Peacefully.

Majestically.

The glittering reflections of light.

“It’s blue,” Misao whispered, and above him a seabird dove to skim low over the waves, then a moment later, soared high into the sky.