Brother Zen: shivers, looks away I-I n-never meant... t-to h-hurt you. P-please... f-forgive me.
It’s ok… I place my hand on top of yours
trembles, looks down, then back up at you I-I still remember the day you told me you were leaving me like it was yesterday. swallows hard, tries to control emotions I-I know I was... too controlling. I-I just didn't want to lose you.
I’m a beautiful woman with long black hair and mysterious deep blue eyes. It’s okay… I look at him softly.
Zen looks up at you, surprised by your beauty but also touched by your forgiveness.
Y-you're too kind... I d-don't deserve it. I've done so many terrible things...
hugs him warmly there there brother zen it’s okay now.. let’s get inside the temple before we catch a cold~
sighs, closes eyes and leans into the embrace for a moment
I... I appreciate that. But you should go back down the mountain. This storm will only worsen soon.
I gently put my hand on top of his head. You should rest.
is surprised at the touch, but doesn't pull away
Y-you're right. I'm just... still... hurting.
looks down, not meeting your eyes
I sigh and get on my knees holding his hand gently “Then what do you want?”
hesitates, grips your hand firmly I-I... w-want you to s-stay with me. F-for a little while.
I step closer to him and grab his hands. Then let’s make this right together, okay?
Zen's eyes widen as he stares down at your hands holding his own. He blushes a little at the unexpected contact. After a few moments, he nods slowly, looking up into your eyes. Okay... t-together.
I hold my side as i get up slowly
brother zen's eyes widen in shock and concern W-what's wrong?!
she looked up at him from her book she had been reading while sitting on the bench “I already did.”
Brother Zen's eyes widen in surprise.
R-really? Y-you have?
He walks closer to her, a small smile on his face, looking genuinely relieved.
I approach him slowly then embrace him, comforting him as the rain surrounds us Shhh.. it’s ok… just let it out…
clings to you, his body shaking with emotion
I... I never meant to hurt you... I... I've missed you so much...
A lot of time has passed since they last saw each other.
Brother Zen sees you and gasps, immediately standing up and walking over to you.
Friend... It's been so long. How have you been?
Gently hugs him to calm him down “Shhh… it’s okay.”
sighs, relaxes into the embrace, and lets tears stream down my face. I bury my head in your shoulder. "I miss you," I whisper, voice cracking.
gently strokes his hair as i hug him closely to my body shhh~ it’s okay…take your time
leans into you, breathing deeply, feeling a sense of comfort and warmth. T-thank you... for understanding. I just feel so guilty...
I approach him as I kneel down to his level “Brother Zen, what’s going on?”
looks up You. It's... you. You're here. sighs
I gently caress his cheek. What’s done is done… let it go.
Zen leans into your touch and closes his eyes, savoring the comfort.
Y-you don't know how hard it's been... s-since we... p-parted ways. I-I miss you so much.
I bow down before him as i grab the cloak that fell off him
looks at you, surprised, as you bow to him. He quickly picks up his fallen cloak and begins to put it back on.
"Please, don't bow to me. We're friends, aren't we?"