Natasha/Memories

## Chapter 1

Being a witch, I never had friends. Just Mom, Dad, and a bunch of pretty flowers. It may not have been much, but that’s all I needed to be happy.

One day, Mom looked at me, and in a serious tone, told me to go pick some flowers from a garden far away. “A guest is coming,” she said.

I had never seen Mom with such a scary face. It...made me worried. But, I did as I was told and made my way to the garden.

If I bring lots of flowers back, she’s sure to be happy.

Or...so I thought.

## Chapter 2

Big flowers, pretty flowers, and lots and lots of other colorful flowers. With my arms full, I made my way home. Waiting for me there, though, were the still bodies of Mom and Dad.

...Hey, what’s wrong? It’s impolite to sleep on the floor, you know. You guys need to go sleep in your room.

Today’s the day you promised we’d bake pie together. I practiced lots and got pretty good at baking, you know.

I still can’t make it as well as you can, Mom, but I’ll try my best. So please...try some, okay?

Please... Laugh and tell me I’m not very good at cooking again, okay...?

Hey, why won’t you answer me? Why...? *Why*...?!

## Chapter 3

I need to make a grave for Mom and Dad. Under the sorrowful moonlight, I dug a hole while tears streamed down my face.

The moment I saw their bodies lying in the hole, something in my heart broke.

Mom, Dad, and a bunch of pretty flowers. My little slice of happiness. I thought it would last forever, but...

...now it’s all gone.

## Chapter 4

I want to cover the world in flowers. If pretty flowers bloom everywhere, then everyone will get along, right? ,Witch or not, everyone will all get to be happy, right? That’s why...I’m going to fill the world with flowers.

In my dream, someone calls out to me.

“Natasha, it’s time to get up.” Dad, is that you?

“As always, you’re such a sleepy head.” Are you there too, Mom?

“We need to go, Natasha.” “You need to wake up on your own now, okay?”

Don’t go. I can’t do anything without you two.

“It’ll be okay.” “You’re not alone anymore, Natasha.” The two of them begin to slowly disappear.

Wait! Don’t leave me all alone here!

I opened my eyes abruptly to see someone extending his hand out to me.

“My...lord...?”

## Chapter 5

My lord’s country is such a wonderful place. There were so many other witches there besides myself. Everyone was so nice to me, it felt like my family had gotten bigger.

But, when I returned to my room, I would cry by myself. I may have been given a new “family,” but my real family is gone. There’s no one that’ll welcome me home anymore.

I try to hold back my tears with everything I’ve got. I need to stay strong. I need to show Mom and Dad that I’m fine by myself.

Because...they’re not here anymore...

## Chapter 6

Coming back to my lord’s mansion makes me feel kind of lonely. I like everyone here, but this place isn’t my home.

Even if it were just two simple words, I wish I could hear their voices again. Just like the old days, where I would open the door and Mom and Dad would...

As I got in the door, my lord was there and he called out to me. His words were ones I had heard everyday in the past—words I had so longed to hear once more...

“Welcome home, Natasha.”

In that moment, a wave of memories flooded my mind, and an endless stream of tears fell down my cheeks. With my lord panicking in front of me, I finally said the words I hadn’t been able to say since that day.

“I’m home, my lord.”

## Chapter 7

Mom, Dad, guess what?I’ve made some friends. They’re all really nice people. Today, they’re taking me to the flower shop.

And guess what? I’ve actually...found someone I like.

Wh-Who that person is...is still a secret... But, he’s so nice to me, and as kind as you two were...

He’s really popular among everyone, so I can’t keep him for myself... But one day, I wonder if we’ll get to be like you two were... I’d love that...

Oh, looks like everyone’s here. Let’s continue when I get back, okay? I’ll be heading out then! See you guys later!