Heart's Agony

The sun rose early that day, casting a beautiful glow over Osaka Castle. Amidst the historical beauty, I witnessed a scene even more enchanting—the love of my life, Aimi, diligently performing her duties with a smile that brightened my day.

As a samurai named Kiyoshi, I navigated the intricacies of our forbidden relationship, as the castle's law prohibited a romance between a samurai and a genin unless the former held a high rank. Undeterred, Aimi and I met in secret, our forbidden love concealed from the watchful eyes of the castle.

Our close friends were the only confidants to our clandestine affair, aware of the risks and the judgment we'd face. Despite the challenges and the courtship attempts by our head samurai, Masashi, we remained steadfast in our love.

One day, after work, I eagerly awaited Aimi at our secret meeting place, anticipating the joy of being near her. However, as hours passed without her arrival, anxiety crept in. It wasn't until past midnight that I discovered her lifeless body, undressed and stained with her own blood.

Devastation consumed me as I screamed in anger and grief, questioning who could commit such a heinous act against my beloved Aimi. Days later, unable to bear the painful reminders of her in the castle, I decided to return to our hometown.

Weeks of isolation followed, and when our friends from the castle visited, they revealed a horrifying truth—Masashi, tormented by guilt and anger, had taken his own life. His confession letter detailed his knowledge of our relationship, admitting he had raped and murdered Aimi out of jealousy.

Fury welled up within me, and though forgiveness seemed impossible, I decided to move forward in honor of Aimi. Visiting her tomb became a daily ritual, where I shared the events of my life, imagining her presence. During the Obon festival, I continued our tradition, performing rituals and attending in remembrance of her soul.

The End