Recovery {O}

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

Kimiko was left rather crushed both physically and mentally after her failure in the Moon Country Tournament. She still did not have the strength to travel back home, and so she was to stay in Getsu until she had recovered enough to go back to Konoha. Bandages covered the entirity of her arms, most of her legs and her torso to stop opening any wounds. Of course, with Kimiko being herself, she couldn't just lie in a hospital bed drinking fluids through a straw while feeling sorry for herself. Oh no. She had enough strength to get up and walk around, even if it was for a little while. She mainly walked from the hospital to the gardens not far away, sat there on a bench in the sunshine and fresh air for a while contemplating all she could do in order to get stronger, and then go back. The nurses hastled her if she was away for too long, or went too far. They demmanded that they should be able to see where she went.

Although she thought this rule to be rather silly, she didn't have the strength to argue or protest. And thus, she did as she was told. Today was the third day she had been waiting in the Getsu hospital, and after lunch she got out of bed, told the head nurse where she was going, and walked across the street into the park. The day was bright and airy as usual; the weather here recently reminded her a lot of Konoha. It wasn't quite as warm in Getsugakure, however. The sun was always out but there was no real strength in its rays. Kimiko walked slowly and carefully down the main pathway, cursing how much it twisted and how much it required her to move. Finally, when she reached the nearest bench, she sat down slowly on it and settled herself into the rigid seat. She gently and rather painfully clasped her hands together, looking across the park. It was quiet today which was unusual, but nice nevertheless. It gave Kimiko a clarity of thought that she didn't really have when she came here unless she completely blocked out the sounds surrounding her.

She was determined to get well soon so she could get home and train herself as hard as she possibly could. She would get better, no matter what the costs. After all, she couldn't become the Hokage by being miserable and wallowing in her own self-pity all the time. No, she had to push herself onward and upward to improve her skills. That much was something she became certain of with the hours she spent thinking.

Posts : 118

It was a fair day, the sun bright and gentle. Even though there were hardly any clouds in the sky, Mitsu felt a little cold. Maybe it was the weather; after all, Konoha boasted of much warmer climate than Getsugakure. Then again, perhaps it was the fact that Mitsu had lost a match that weighed heavily on her, and as a result, had grayed her mood completely. She was fortunate to have survived the match with less than grievous injuries, even though the burns to her right arm had been rather extensive. She still could remember staring into the explosion, that blinding, searing ball of fire, before she could perform the Kawarimi that had saved her life. The medics said she was lucky. She didn't care.

The battle of the other day had left Mitsu physically injured (something that, thankfully, she would easily survive and recover from), but if it was only pain that she had to wrestle with, she would have been content. Visions haunted her. These visions were not what one would call scary, but given their implication, they were a cause for alarm. With vivid clarity, Mitsu could remember the roars that went up from the crowd that watched Marina and herself battle against each other. The faces she remembered glimpsing, when she was chanced, did not show any pity, any remorse that they were watching two little girls rip themselves to shreds. Everyone was out for the blood, screaming when an attack missed and cheering when one landed. She could even vaguely remember the groan of disappointment she had heard when she'd managed to escape the explosion.

"Tch! Some of them would be even pleased if one of us died, huh?" she muttered irritatedly as she stood up from the bed on which she sat. Was this what the world was like? Did people really love violence so much that they didn't care whether a child or an adult was in the arena? At this rate, if the normal civilians were this bloodthirsty, would wars ever come to an end? Would there ever be peace? Her father's gravely injured body popped up in her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear it of the dark emotions that ricocheted within. But the more she tried, the more they came.

"DAMN IT!" she suddenly yelled, ramming her right fist into the nearby wall, sending a light tremor through the room.

The amount of pain that lanced through her arm was enough to delete all those emotions and let her focus on something else. She winced as she looked at the bloodied bandages on her fist. The skin was still raw, and the nurses had told her that until her arm healed, she shouldn't try any taijutsu training. But, again, she didn't care.

She removed the bandages and washed her injured hand, before taking it to the hospital to have it tended to. She expected a barrage of sermons along the lines of "You should know better than to blah blah blah" from the medics there. And she got them, with lots to spare. However, her mind was still fixed on the events of the other day, so she seldom heard whatever they were saying.

When they were done, she left. No matter how hard they'd tried, Mitsu would not hear of sleeping in the hospital. After all, her wounds were not serious, according to her. And she didn't like the restrictions. So, she would stay in her hotel room till her hand improved, and then she would return to Konoha. This meant that she had just postponed her day of return with the fresh wound she had given herself. Shrugging indifferently, she absently turned into the park, looking for someplace quiet and serene.

She noticed the other girl sitting on a bench. From the looks of it, the girl had either been involved in a nasty accident, or like herself, had been involved in the Tournament. "Well, I'm not the only one who's blue... and she looks in a worse shape than I am. This world..."

She sighed, then instinctively walked up to the girl and sat down beside her. "Ohayo gozaimasu," Mitsu said with a gentle smile, "I hope you don't mind."

She didn't mind if the girl was willing to talk, but then again, if the girl wanted to be alone with her thoughts, she didn't mind, either.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

Kimiko's vacant chocolate eyes finally flickered into reality when she heard a voice meet her ears. She turned her head and noticed a girl had sat beside her; explaining the voice she heard and the apology that came with it. She shook her head slowly in response, managing a smile of her own in return. She was still lost in her thoughts and it always took a while for her to come round, so until that time she instead observed the one who had joined her.

The girl had long, crimson hair and purple eyes. Kimiko had only once or twice seen this combination of hair and eye colour, and after quite a bit of mental kicking, she realised that the girl was more than likely in the Uzumaki family. Because of her love for all things Konoha, she made herself familiar with the families and clans most prominant in the village. That, and with her longing to be part of such a clan or family, it made her knowledge almost unshakeable in such circumstances. She seemed pleasant enough due to the smile that was on her face. Upon closer inspection, Kimiko noticed the bandaging on the girl's hand and arm. 'I bet she's also been knocked out of the Tournament... since she is a shinobi...' She realised, noticing the Konoha headband the girl wore. It was then that she realised that she had left her own headband in her hospital room, and instead she wore only bandages around her forehead.

"Hi there." She finally said in greeting, gathering her thoughts and completely resurfacing back into the world. A smile touched on her lips too. "It sucks, huh? To be kicked out of the Tournament." She suddenly said, turning her attention back out across the park. A few more people had appeared now to enjoy the nice weather, but still the place wasn't crowded; and this was always good when one needed some peace and quiet. "My name's Katsumi Kimiko by the way... but everybody calls me Kimi." She introduced herself upon realising it was rude not to after the girl next to her had joined her company. "What's your name?"

She unclasped her scarred hands and looked up at the sky for a few seconds. Kimiko could never keep still for more than a couple of seconds which annoyed the nurses who had to treat her. She could never find a position comfortable enough to sit in for more than half a minute, and then she had to adjust her legs, her arms, or her nose itched, or she had to move her hair, or she had to stand up. Either way, she hoped that this girl didn't mind how much she moved around, since it could be quite irritating to some people.

Posts : 118

Mitsu was encouraged that the girl didn't act cold, although she still seemed lost in her thoughts. Taking in a long draw at the fresh air, Mitsu looked ahead at the few people who were in the park. She was aware that the girl was looking at her closely; perhaps she recognized her from someplace. When the girl replied the greeting, Mitsu looked at her and nodded.

"It sucks, huh? To be kicked out of the Tournament."

"Yeah," Mitsu replied, with a dry chuckle, "such stuff happens."

The girl introduced herself as Katsumi Kimiko, and asked for Mitsu's name. "I'm Uzumaki Tachimitsu, but you can call me Mitsu. It's really nice to meet you, Kimi-chan," she said in response. She would have offered a handshake, but looking at the way Kimi's hands had been bandaged up, and how she moved them slowly, Mitsu felt that wouldn't be a good idea. Not to mention that her own right hand wasn't in good shape either.

Mitsu couldn't place her finger on it, but there was something unique about Kimi, something that she found... refreshing. Perhaps it was her nature; from the way Kimi had spoken, she had also participated in the tournament, and obviously, she had lost, because if she hadn't, she wouldn't be seated on this bench. Yet, there was still an aura of... hope around her, if Mitsu could call it that.

"What do you think of this tournament?" Mitsu suddenly asked, as she followed Kimi's gaze up to the sky. The question was somewhat vague, but Mitsu preferred to leave it that way. Perhaps Kimi would take it to mean what lessons she had learned from the Tournament, perhaps she would take it to mean whether she liked the tournament or not. Mitsu was interested in making conversation with this warm person; maybe she could make a good friend, and learn something new. After all, circumstances are meant to teach things.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

Kimiko smiled slightly upon hearing the other girl's reply about being knocked out of the tournament. So she had a sense of humour. This made Kimiko happy for it was rather hard to find people like that these days. She nodded, remembering Mitsu's name and rejoicing at the fact that she had guessed the clan correctly. "It's great to meet you too, Mitsu-chan." She replied, her naturally cheerful nature slowly taking back over the more she forgot about her wounds and current predicament. She grinned slowly, a hint of mischief making an obvious glint in her eyes. "Yeah; a handshake wouldn't be too smart with both of us in bandages." She laughed, ignoring the straining at the stitches on her chest. Whereas she would have laughed much longer if she was uninjured, she stopped rather soon afterwards, but her grin softened into a smile to show her laughter had been geniune.

"Hm?" She turned to look at Mitsu again, tilting her head to the side. What did she think of this tournament? "It seems okay to me. I just wasn't good enough to advance. But that's alright. Although it's frustrating, I've realised that I just have to train to make myself better for next time! When these stupid wounds have healed though." She paused and frowned down at her bandaging, flexing her arms and twisting her ankles this way and that.

"What about you, Mitsu-chan? What did you think of the tournament?" She asked curiously in return. Their surroundings stayed rather undisturbed apart from the odd person or couple milling around the park, which Kimiko was thankfull for. Although she loved loud places (since she usually added to the noise), today she was feeling reflective. That, and she enjoyed the company of Mitsu as well. The girl was quietly bright and cheery, which was refreshing after being around so many depressing people at the hospital. It was also nice that Mitsu wasn't really 'in your face' kind of cheery, for Kimiko would get annoyed due to her current state of mind.

Posts : 118

Kimi was right; in such tournaments as this one, it was the better Shinobi who won. It was true that intense bouts of training were in order, because these battles were actually watered down, compared to what entailed in the real world. Mitsu actually shuddered when she considered what would have happened if she actually faced off against Marina, or someone like her, and there were no proctors or medics to mediate. It would be a death match, and perhaps she would not survive. But then, she wouldn't try to hold back, either. The bottom line was that this tournament had opened the eyes of both girls, and Mitsu was satisfied that she had learned something, without having to sustain a crippling injury. After all, a wise man once said: "By virtue of our scars are we made stronger, but beware wounds that cripple..."

Her musings came to an end when Kimi threw the question back to her. Mitsu gave a pause before replying, not because she was not sure of the words she wanted to say, but because it wasn't in her nature to put her worries or her burdens on others. But she needed to deal with the thought that nagged her from the time the battle had been judged against her.

"Truthfully, Kimi-chan... the tournament filled me with worry. You're right on the mark when you say we need more training, but let's forget about ourselves and look at the big picture for a moment." Mitsu was looking ahead, though her gaze was vacant and tinged with worry. "The people I saw in the stadium are normal individuals, civilians, the bunch we're meant to protect. But all of them were yearning for blood as they watched us squabble to the death." Kimi would have started to get her point by now, so she wouldn't beat about the bush anymore.

"This tournament has shown me how much humanity loves violence, and it raises a question: are we fighting a lost cause, when we pursue world peace?"

Here Mitsu paused, and turned to Kimiko. She wasn't sure how her new acquaintance would reply the question, but she wanted a genuine answer.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

Kimiko tilted her head to the side curiously when Mitsu said they should look at the bigger picture. She was never one to do so; taking things at face value and having a rather innocent outlook on life. So, she listened intently to see what Mitsu had observed that she had quite obviously missed. She frowned to herself as she saw the look in the other girl's eyes. It was that spelled out worry and thought. It seemed like Mitsu had picked up on something really terrible in the tournament for it to worry her so much and play on her mind like that.

She continued listening until Mitsu had finished speaking, and then pondered everything she had been told. In truth, she had been far too focused on winning the fight against the missing ninja Keisuke to notice what the crowd did, or how they seemed. Although... when she had fainted on the battlefield with fatigue after the battle had been claimed over, there was a fading roar of triumph from everybody in her ears... maybe Mitsu had a point. But Kimiko's strong views of there being no evil in any person overshadowed any doubts she had. A smile touched her lips as she looked round at Mitsu, her thinking having come to an end. "I understand what you mean, Mitsu-chan, now that I look back on my own fight. But..."

She paused, considering her next words carefully, subconsciously tilting her head to the side. "It's true that humanity loves violence, I guess. The fact that civilians find it enjoyable to watch when the fight is with friendly intentions is worrying, but I do know this. As shinobi our duty of finding peace is never in vain. There are always people out there that need our help, our guidance, our strength. It's when we start to doubt our motives and causes that we lose our way and stray from what we want to achieve." She said, smiling at Mitsu brightly afterwards.

"That's what I believe, anyway. There is no evil in anybody; just people who make wrong choices! Remember that there's a sliver of good in every person." She nodded as if she actually knew what she was talking about; as if she had seen such people for herself. Of course she hadn't, but this was just what she believed.

Kimiko sat in the brief silence for a while, averting her gaze once more to the sky. Her smile was still wide on her face, and it was then that she wanted to ask Mitsu a random question. "Mitsu-chan. What's your dream?" She asked, turning and facing the girl one more time. "You know; your lifetime goal. Something you want to achieve." She prompted incase her earlier question had not been enough of an explanation.

Posts : 118

Kimi's answer would have sounded a little naive to some, but Mitsu liked how she put it. The thought that there were people who would actually need her help, people for whom she could strive to be strong, was powerful enough to overcome the issue of humanity's love for violence. About the issue of no evil in anybody... well, that one was questionable. Mitsu decided that she would ask Kimi about that later, when they knew each other better and if she didn't forget. But Kimi's words were inspiring in their own regard, and perhaps if Mitsu could see traitors in the same light of Kimi's beliefs, then maybe she wouldn't hate them that much. Everyone was made differently, though. In the little silence between Kimi's answer and her next question, Mitsu said quietly, a satisfied look replacing the worry in her eyes:

"Arigato gozaimasu, Kimi-chan."

Then the conversation steered to dreams. Come to think of it, almost every Shinobi had a goal in life, though they differed greatly in purpose. Mitsu didn't have to think twice about the question before her mind flashed back to that day when she opened her father's scroll. The smile Mitsu gave Kimi was as usual, demure, but it was fiercer this time, full of conviction.

"Ah, my dream. It's to become strong. Now I guess you've heard that before, and so many people want to be strong for all the wrong reasons. I want to be strong to protect my friends, my nakama and my village. To uphold the Will of Fire with my life. You talked about people who need our help, our guidance and strength, Kimi-chan. My strength will be a support to help the weak, a light to guide the erring and a sword to defend the unprotected."

It was like she was reaffirming her vow, as she placed her bandaged hand on her chest, fist tightly clenched, the pain barely registering in her brain. "Chikara, Kimi-chan is my goal. And till I attain it, I will never quit. Ever! Nin wa Shinobido da! Endurance is the way of the ninja. My way of the ninja."

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

[OOC; Sorry Zoid, I've been trying to post for ages but my internet just wouldn't have it >> I got frustrated and gave up for a while xD]

Kimiko beamed with delight when she saw the look of satisfaction replace the one of worry in Mitsu's eyes. It was nice to know that her thoughts and ideas had been of reassurance to the other girl, and it made her feel like she had done something good. "Anytime, Mitsu-chan." She said softly when Mitsu thanked her. A nice, somewhat fuzzy feeling engulfed her senses; the feeling that one would get after doing something nice for somebody else. It elevated Kimiko's overall mood above average and into happy. Ever since she had been confined into the hospital she had been without happiness for a while simply because she hadn't spoken to anybody and she wasn't back home where she wanted to be.

She then quietened to listen to what Mitsu had to say about dreams, a smile on her face while she did so. The words that the other girl spoke teamed with the passionate smile she wore on her face filled Kimiko with hope and even more happiness. Here she was thinking that she was the only one who felt so strongly about dreams and becoming strong for others, but Mitsu seemed to share the same ideals that she did.

The whole time Kimiko listened, she felt something stirring inside her; something she hadn't felt since she had been beaten by Keisuke in the tournamemt. She recognised it as the Will of Fire, something that all people from Konoha embodied in their very being to make them strong. Mitsu finished her empowering speech on her dream by talking about her way of the ninja, clenching her fist and placing it on her chest. Kimiko guessed the pain must have been blocked from the other girl's mind with the gusto of which she said the last few sentences, and the smile on her face grew and grew. It felt as if she had been cured of her injuries and the annoying pain that came with them just from that speech.

It made her feel strong again.

"Wow, Mitsu-chan! That's such an inspiring dream, and I wish you all the luck in the world to accomplish it. Although... listening to what you said... it seems to me like you've already got there. You're a strong person, and the Will of Fire burns brightly inside you like a beacon that will be sure to light the way of others. So don't you worry. You can accomplish your dream!" Kimiko said to Mitsu, turning and facing the girl with her chocolate eyes glowing brightly.

"Now I guess that leaves me to talk about my dream, eh? Well... I want to become the Hokage. Not just for power, or because it's the highest rank in the village. But because from that position, I can really protect Konoha and everybody within its walls. And to become the Hokage, I have to be the strongest shinobi in the village! It's been my dream ever since I can remember... By having such strength, I can guide others in the right directions and stop people from making wrong choices." Her body felt almost numb with the burning passion coarsing through her veins with every word she spoke. "People would look up to me, aim to follow in my footsteps! I'd have to be noticed then... as the protector of Konoha." Her eyes softened then, a small wistful smile on her face when she closed her eyes to reflect on what she had said and what Mitsu had said.

Their dreams were similar; passionate and true. She hoped that both of their dreams would come true, for especially Mitsu deserved it for having such a selfless dream. Meeting the girl and looking back on the tournament had re-kindled her Will of Fire, the burning will to make her dream come true.

Posts : 118

Mitsu smiled at Kimi. "Strength is measured in many ways, Kimi-chan. I wouldn't like to assume I'm strong just yet; there are, after all, a bunch of chinks in my armor that I need to close up. I haven't gotten there yet, but thanks for believing in me. I will get there, believe it!"

It was obvious that this was a meeting of two 'brightly burning flames of the Leaf'. Mitsu always felt inspired by her dream, and even though she intended to use her strength to protect people, the administration of an entire village was not what she would call her forte. She always respected the Hokage, and admired people who would like to pursue such a dream, based on selfless motives. As Kimi voiced her own dream, Mitsu saw that their dreams were much alike, as were their passions.

"Perhaps I've finally found a friend..." she thought, as her like for the girl grew by the minute. When Kimi was done, Mitsu chuckled. "Being the strongest Shinobi in the village is one hell of a dream... because you've got me to contend with." Her smile was teasing at first, but it then evolved to something similar to the expression she had, when she was reciting her nindo. "You know what, Kimi-chan? We can get strong together, and I'll help you to realize your dream of becoming Hokage in any way I can. What do you say?"

Mitsu didn't know much about intertwining destinies and such stuff, but perhaps the two of them were fated to meet. Perhaps each would be the stepping stone to the other's realization of their dreams, directly or indirectly. Whichever the case, Mitsu felt in her gut that something good would eventually come out of this meeting. Perhaps failing in the tournament wasn't as bad as it had originally seemed. Every disappointment might not be a blessing, but some dark clouds did have silver linings.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

Kimiko returned Mitsu's teasing grin and laughed. "Yeah. Trust me to get stiff competition!" She laughed and then blinked a few times to listen to what the other girl was going to say next. The smile that was on her face earlier soon returned at the concept that Mitsu presented. A deep friendship that involved both girls helping each other to accomplish their dreams. Now that was something right up Kimiko's street. The excitement and happiness could hardly be contained from inside her, and of course it reflected on the outside too.

"Mitsu-chan... that has to be the best plan I've ever heard." She said, turning her head to look at her new friend with a massive smile on her face. She swivelled slightly where she was sat and held out her right hand; the one least damaged, strangely enough. "So come on, let's do this right. From this day onwards, I, Katsumi Kimiko, shall help you, Uzumaki Tachimitsu to become strong. We will accomplish our dreams together, no matter what happens! Nobody can stop us, nobody can slow us down, and we will never give up." She said slowly, pouring meaning into each word she spoke. She kept her hand firmly in place for her friend to take in order to seal the promise. Kimiko took her promises very seriously, as was obviously being shown right now. No matter what, the promise would be upheld until the very end.

So needless to say, it was wise to make a promise with Katsumi Kimiko; for she would fight to the death to ensure it was fulfilled.

Posts : 118

The Uzumaki was elated when Kimi approved of their official symbiosis. There was so much that two could achieve together, as opposed to when only one person was doing it. When Kimi held out her right hand, Mitsu actually paused for a semi-fraction of a second, not because she didn't want the friendship, or she wanted to go back on her words, but because of Kimi's state of health. She wouldn't want to bring hurt to anyone, willingly, as long as she could help it. However, a second look at the outstretched hand showed Mitsu that it was capable of a firm handshake. Besides, Kimi was definitely stronger than she looked. Once a person had an indomitable will, they could transform a weak shell of a body into a sturdy iron shield. With an enthusiastic nod, Mitsu took Kimi's hand in a firm handshake.

"I, Uzumaki Tachimitsu, from this day onwards, vow to help you, Katsumi Kimiko, to become strong, through thick and thin, inferno and ice, gore and glory. Yeah, we'll never give up; let that be our nindo."

And so, from the beginnings of a day which had seemed melancholic, a friendship was born, and devotions were rekindled. Mitsu, like Kimiko, took her promises with dead seriousness, and interestingly, perhaps symbolically, her hand chose to bleed slightly at that moment. Not that it was noticeable, though.

"What do you know? This sort of resembles a blood pact..." she thought.

Two similar minds, with similar dreams, and the same fire... only they could stop themselves, and that pretty much wasn't ever going to happen.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

Kimiko nodded happily when Mitsu said that never giving up would be their nindo; their ninja way. "You got it, Mitsu-chan." She said brightly, beaming at her friend. The bond that had been formed between the two girls was probably stronger than most people made in their whole life. They were both determined girls that were the type to uphold promises to the death; perfect friend material.

Just when Kimiko was going to open her mouth and speak again, she heard the shrill calling of the nurse who kept an eye on her. "Kimiko!" She groaned and looked apologetically at Mitsu, trying to ignore the nurse's annoying voice getting closer and closer. She got to her feet and spotted the flustered nurse. It was obvious she wasn't used to running due to her size, and she was huffing a little bit when she reached her patient. Kimiko had to admit that she liked the nurse because she was jolly and sweet, but she worried too much; quite obviously. "There you are! I was worried, Kimiko-chan. You didn't come back at the time you usually do. Now come on, time to rest." The nurse said, looking at Mitsu and giving her a smile.

Kimiko got to her feet and allowed herself to be led away by the nurse. "Bye, Mitsu-chan! I'll see you back in Konoha, eh? When I'm finally free of these stupid bandages and injuries, that is!" She laughed. So today had been much more than just another day feeling sorry for herself. She had made a pact and a new friend. Not bad for a day's work.

{Exit}

Posts : 118

The inspiring moments came to a rather abrupt end, when Kimiko's name suddenly rang out from across the square. Mitsu blinked, then searched for the owner of the voice, after answering Kimi's apologetic look with an understanding nod. Mitsu spotted the nurse, a Junoesque woman who certainly didn't take physical exercise much too seriously. The nurse sounded and looked like a pleasant person. Mitsu returned her smile and rose to her feet as Kimi stood up.

"Okay, Kimi-chan. Sayonara."

Mitsu watched the nurse and Kimi leave for the hospital, and she actually remained standing there till they were gone out of sight. Then she turned and walked down the lane, a smile on her face. She was pleased with the events that had transpired today, and how she had found a friend and renewed commitment in the middle of 'defeat'. Hopefully, this day would always be in her memory to push her on to their dreams, as well as remind her that every situation could be salvageable in some way.

Like Kimiko, she would wait for her injuries to heal, and then she would return to Konoha. That might take up to a week or more, depending on how she treated her hand. She would treat it nicely then, so that she could sooner return and resume her training.

"Guess it's time for me to get all the rest that I can. Once I'm out of Getsugakure, it's serious business all the way."

Her mind drifting to much more pleasant thoughts than the ones she had woken up with, Mitsu walked slowly along a path in the park, relishing the refreshing air and enjoying the cool breeze. It was obvious that her heart would be singing for many another day...

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