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Kaori has this disease. Stuck in her affection for a deceased friend and classmate who has long since disappeared, she finds it hard to go on in life, coughing up lotus blossoms and cactus spines and erica petals whenever her friend's face come to mind. Yet, she can't bear to part with the feelings that would inevitably fall away if she went through with a surgery to remove the disease. XX
She can't bear to lose the love for her friend, even if it cases pain. XX
One day, just as Kaori is beginning to lose hope and resign to her fate, a young boy transfers into her class and is the only person in a long time to make any effort at befriending her, or talking to her at all. Kaori is blindsided by his acts of kindness and simple generosity, his friendly nature, and change begins to take place. XX
Color slowly seeps back into her life, dying the greyscale of her perspective in shades of pink and baby blue. The flowers come up less often, though when they do, the pain is excruciating. As time passes, Kaori begins to wonder if perhaps not all is lost. Perhaps there is yet a reason for her to live, if there is a reason for her life to hold a meaning beyond the petals deep in her lungs. XX
It takes time for Kaori to realize just where the changes began, to realize just why the grey is gone and the pain is lessened. It takes time for her to understand, and when she does, it is difficult to accept. But time heals, and so does love. Kaori will wait and see. XX