Confusion
5 October 2005
by O'donna Dean

"Takako-san, do you want to sleep alone tonight?" Nikana asked. He then saw the look on Takako's face and realized that he hadn't phrased his question correctly. "That is to say, this place is not safe, would you like me to sleep in your room tonight for protection?"

Takako smiled, bowed her head, "Hai, thank you Nikana-san. I would welcome your protection." The companionship would also be nice but now is not the time for that.

The confusion in Takako's mind was only getting worse. She loved her dead husband and always would but the thought of being alone for the rest of her time on Earth was not a welcoming or happy thought. She was also beginning to enjoy the company and friendship of Nikana-san. He was an intriguing samari. He was a samari who enjoyed spending time in quiet contemplation in a garden. Being in a quiet garden while contemplating the beauty of what surrounds her was also something Takako enjoyed. He was honorable in everything that he did like her dead husband. He also feels the need to protect her and that was something she hadn't had in almost 2 years. And lastly, he was hiding something and that intrigued her.

Takako woke in the middle of the night and was momentarily confused because she could hear the gentle breathing of a man, and she could smell the musky smell that a man gives off. These were the things that she had been missing for 2 years. She smiled and fell back to sleep.