[melon]

Gently, Spring lowered me onto the damp grass, her tail thumping softly. She looked happy, but I'd known her long enough to recognise the shadowy look in her eyes. She's worried about tomorrow.
"Summer, I know you think you're prepared, but-"
I cut her off mid-sentence. "I'm all grown, sis. I can take care of myself now. I'll remember all I've learnt, and I'll make this Summer the best you've ever had!" I caught her gaze and held it, trying to make her believe that I was serious. I wanted her to really feel that I was ready. But the look on her face was not what I had expected.
We'd had multiple conversations.... or lectures, just like this one. I knew the drill now. She was always the over-protective big sister that was 'looking out for me' or whatever, while I tried to make my mark on life, take risks, and have fun. She just didn't understand what I wanted. But then again, I didn't really understand what she wanted either. Our disagreements seemed almost pointless. They always led to the same conclusion in the end.
She'd mention Mother. My one weak spot.
Spring would start by saying how proud Mother would be of my bravery and self-motivation if she could see me now. And I would believe her. Then she'd say how precious I was. And how horrible Mother would feel if I ended up with the same fate she had. That would make me think about that horrible day. The day we lost her.
I could never hold up an argument up after that, and my big sister knew it. Mother was a very touchy subject for me. Luckily, I would always have warning. Spring's eyes had a sort of glint to them when she spoke about her. A sort of- longing -look.
But today was different.
She looked almost as if she was.... hiding something.

I listened to the wind tousling the grass around us as I waited. Spring didn't move. I began scratching the ground, as I always did when I was anxious. Something cold landed on my paw. It was a drop of water.
I lifted my head to look up at my sister. She was.... crying.
What was I supposed to do? I paused for a moment, then nuzzled into her fur. She stared at her paws. "I promise you, I won't be irresponsible," I mumbled. But she didn't seem to react. I tried to think of something else to say. If only I knew what.
We lay there, the chills of the night before beginning to fade away. The sky was growing brighter. I thought I even heard a bird singing. Spring's breathing grew shallow. I felt the rythm of her heart become irregular and rushed. I licked her chest to try and comfort her. "I love you, Spring."
She smiled. Her eyes began to glow. "I love you more, and always will," she murmured.
I really felt like something important was happening.
She lowered her head and licked me. I saw the fading stars and pink clouds of the sky reflecting in her eyes.
"I'll miss you. But I believe in you. The world can count on you for bringing them another lovely season."
Miss me? Where was she going?
She saw the anxious look in my eyes. "It's your time to shine, Summer. Maybe one day, I'll see you again."
That was when I realised why she'd been crying. And why she hadn't brought up Mother.
I was next. I had to give the world Summer. And at the end, Winter would sweep me away, shrivel me up into Autumn, then sweep me away and take over himself. Maybe then I'd meet Mother.
I took one last look at Spring and saw the pride in her eyes. We touched noses. And then she was gone.

"First thing's first. I have to raise the sun."

[Nals]

D8 So...pretty!! :dies from prettyness: xD It's amazing; great job~

[melon]

Thank you so much! You just made my day! ;D