They continued walking in silence. This time Orion was in front, and she followed reluctantly. Walking, she recognized a familiar path. In the distance, she saw her sakura tree.

– We’re here! – he said.
– I can see that myself! – she answered boldly, sitting under the tree.

Orion sat right beside her.
– You don’t have to sit so close. Take the other side!
– I plan to work here, not slack off like you!
– Who says I’m slacking?!
– Well then, get the book so we can start researching.

Arabella began rummaging through her backpack. She placed the unusual book in her lap. Opening it, she noticed the inside covers were decorated with red flowers and intricate red threads. On the first page, several words were written in gold letters in an unknown language and handwriting. As she skimmed the content, she realized the book was actually written in English.

– We can start – she said.

Orion moved closer, and they began their research. She could again smell his mystically sweet scent, intoxicating her. They were close, and she dared not let it distract her. For hours, they flipped through the book but found nothing. They noticed it was a collection of useful solutions for various problems, but nothing about Deathower.

Just when they were about to give up, Arabella turned another page and immediately spotted the word Deathower written in Japanese.

– Wait! I found something! – she exclaimed loudly.

Orion moved even closer, and together they read that part. They found that Deathower has a period when it is completely dormant unresponsive to any situation, presence, or touch. It’s as if it doesn’t exist at all during this time. They read that this state occurs daily at 5:05 and lasts only three minutes. After this info, they kept searching but found nothing else.

– So, I suggest we cut Deathower plants every day at that time, – she said.
– I have to admit, that’s not a bad idea.
– I know it isn’t. But I have one more piece of information about those plants.
– What now?
– They’re poisonous.
– Really? – he said, somewhat surprised.
– What are they made of?
– I don’t know yet. I still haven’t found out!
– How do you know?
– My best friend Liv was attacked by a Deathower plant, and the doctors found that she was poisoned by it, but they didn’t want to reveal more.
– Well… that’s suspicious.

Arabella began packing her things, then stood up and headed toward her house. Orion followed her. She glanced at him and, out of curiosity, squeaked:

– I have a question.
– Okay.
– How do you know about this sakura tree?
– I know about this sakura tree, just like the others in this park.
– You’re wrong! This one is special. Different. No one knows about it.
– You know? I know? Everyone else knows?
– Yes, I know. This tree magically appeared in front of me.
– How?
– There was a meteor shower, and I was in the park. A falling meteor landed on the planet’s surface right in front of me and caused particles of black dust from which this sakura tree appeared.
– You really think I’ll believe that childish story?

– I’m serious.
– You’re crazy, now I’m even more sure of it.
– Fine. Can you at least tell me how you got to the tree?
– The path just led me to that sakura.
– Just that?! – she asked disappointedly, expecting more.
– What else should I say?
– The rest of the story that brought you to the sakura...?
– There isn’t one.
– What do you mean there isn’t one?
– Just be quiet already. I’m not crazy like you, making up all kinds of primitive stories.

Arabella said nothing. They continued walking in silence.

Arabella’s story perfectly matched Orion’s. That day, Orion had left the house and saw a path filled with particles of black dust. He decided to follow it, and it led him to her sakura. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He didn’t think the path was magical until he heard her story. Then he believed in the magic. He believed, even though it might have been just a “crazy and primitive” tale. He trusted her sparkling eyes as she told the story of the sakura. Watching her, he followed every step she took until she turned around. He was so lost in his own thoughts that suddenly he found himself in front of her house. She returned his gaze and then sarcastically said:

– You didn’t have to walk me home.
– Who said I was walking you home?
– You came all the way here and now you’re just standing, waiting for a goodbye.
– You really think I’d put up with you, an irritating creature, any longer? This is just a shortcut

He tapped her forehead with his index finger, touching the Moon mark. Then he turned and continued in the unknown direction. Arabella went to her front door.

– As if – she whispered back to him.

He didn’t belive in magic, until he met her...