In the Season of Cherry Blossoms

by Cherry

He got a call from hospital.
He ran out from his office.
When he arrived her sickroom,
She seemed to fall in a deep sleep.
He sat on the chair next to her bed.
"I love you."
He whispered to her.
There was no answer.
But when he griped her hand,
She barely whispered these words.
"I love you, too."

Those were the last words, she said. When he raised his head,
He could see the cherry blossoms through the window.
It was just beautiful.

"I'm sorry that a promise to go to see cherry blossoms together couldn't come true forever."
He burst into tears.

Ten years later...

Now it is the season again.
He is seeing beautiful cherry blossoms.
Through the window from his bed.
But he is not alone.
She is always in his heart.
They are still fighting together against AIDS.
In the Test Room
Minako Takeda
"Next please."

A high school girl came in.
She looked upset.
She began to speak firstly.

"Today I am absent from school.
But my mom thinks I am in school now.
I can not tell a truth that I want to take a test for HIV.
So..."

"Do not worry.
You don't need to tell any information,
even your name."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

"So it can be a secret between only you and me.
You can just take a test.
Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay now."
She smiled.

"Now let's begin"

"Next please."

A young man came in.
He looked nervous.
He had no words during taking a test.

After the test,
he asked one thing.

"How much?"
"You don't need to pay money.
You can just take a test."

"Thanks."

He made a little bow.
Then he went out.

Next day

There is a sign board on the wall.

WE DON'T NEED YOUR NAME.
WE DON'T NEED FEES.

YOU CAN JUST TAKE A TEST.
YOU CAN SAVE YOUR PARTNER.