Kazuya woke with a start as his cat, Shinyin, had perched herself on top of his wardrobe and started meowing. “Shinya,” Kazuya groaned. “It’s not even breakfast yet”.
Reluctantly, he got up and trudged to his wardrobe and opened the door. He shoved all the kimonos and suits aside and found what he was looking for. He reached out his arm and pulled out a pure white dressing gown, embroidered with gold. The gown was the same colour as his pyjamas. He pushed open the paper door and squinted as the bright rays of the morning sun struck his face. He stepped out onto the wooden verandah overlooking the huge garden scattered with cherry blossom trees and bamboo. In the corner of the field of greenery stood the Sapphire Willow, strong and untouched. Its branches stretched out high above all else, towering over the light pink cheery blossoms. Veins of aquamarine blue ran throughout the tree, going down the branches and running deep into the roots. Bright green vines hung from the dark brown branches, with cobalt blue berries scattered amongst them. After admiring the stunning view, he passed the wooden fence gate and walked down the steps and onto the grass. He kept on walking until he found himself on a wooden structure. It stood in the middle of the garden with a woven silk and velvet blanket draped over the hexagonal pattern. Six pillars stood on each corner supporting an ornate roof. Kazuya sat down on the blanket surrounded by silver cushions.
Kazuya closed his eyes listening intently to the surrounding noises. “Meow,” Shinyu exclaimed, as she found her owner. Shinyu started to purr as she made her way over to Kazuya.
“Sshh,” Kazuya whispered as Shinyu rubbed up against his leg and flopped onto a pillow next to Kazuya. They sat there together in peace.