Letting Go Ch. 12
By Maia

Sakura sat solemnly in her hotel bedroom. No one was physically hurt, so everyone returned to talk things over and get some sleep. Of course, Terry made them promise to return to the police station tomorrow for witness reports.

She gave a sigh and stared blankly out the window.

*Rain*

“Ugh. Weather fits the day.” She noted.

She took note of the way Ryu cared for Chun Li. She may be young, but not dense.

‘I wish that I could be like her. Beautiful, sweet, caring…’

Letting her upper body drape over the side of the bed, she plucked a small notebook from under the bed. It was her writing journal. In some ways, she had always felt that it was the only way to truly express herself. Flipping aimlessly through it, a piece of folded paper fell out. Slowly picking it up, she read it silently.

February 11, 2000

In my opinion, envy is the desire to posses something that you do not withhold at all, or to an extent. Someone could envy an item that is material, or rather a thought, feeling, or ability.

Before giving much thought to the matter, I had always viewed envy as a weakness. I believed that envy could corrupt one’s mind and blind them of their own good fortunes. For most of my life, I had always viewed envy as a negative; something that could only restrain a person from acknowledging the main importances of life.

Now, however, I believe that envy can also become a positive influence. In another perspective, this desire could enhance one’s determination to reach their specific goal.

I, myself, have envied many people. If not for their abilities, then for their money, popularity, looks, or even lifestyle. I had always seemed to wish for more and not be grateful for the things that I did possess. Thankfully, I have realized the categories of the things that are important, apart from the things that re just held too high. I cannot say that I do not envy worldly things, but I have learned to control it to a minimum and become extremely thankful for everything that I ‘do’ have.

-Sakura

She stared at the entry.

“Gee, I guess that I didn’t learn to control it…and this is definitely not one of those positive ones.”

An unseen light began to flicker deep within her. She slightly smiled.

She stood up from the bed. Somehow, she felt her strength regained and walked proudly out the door.

~In Ryu’s room~

“Chun Li, please eat this.”

“Ryu, I’m not hungry.” Chun Li replied, pushing the food away.

Ryu sighed, “I give up.”

Ken laughed in amusement, but abruptly shut up by the killer look he was receiving from Ryu.

“Hey, what happened to Vega?” Ken asked, trying to steer his way out of the bad situation he had just placed himself in.

Chun Li’s lips formed a straight line. “I don’t know and I don’t care.” She replied, obviously not wanting to talk about him.

The two got the hint and took the conversation no further. Then, the group turned toward the door as they heard it slightly open.

Sakura walked in and slightly smiled. “Am I interrupting?”

Chun Li smiled. “No, of course not! Did you want something to eat? Ryu’s been trying to chuff food down my throat.” She gave a laugh, as did Ken. Ryu rolled his eyes.

“He just cares.” Sakura replied simply.

The laughter stopped.

Ryu got up from his position. “Sakura--”

“Ryu, can I speak to you in the hallway?”

Ryu nodded and glanced briefly at Ken and Chun Li before following her out the door.

As the door closed, Ken took Ryu’s place beside Chun Li. She seemed distracted and unknowingly spaced out at the door. Just then, she felt something crammed down her mouth. She looked up and found Ken smiling with a spoon waving in his hand.

“Ryu’s right. You ‘do’ need to eat.”

She gapped at him and grabbed the pillow from behind her. With all her force, she proceeded to smack him over the head profusely.

“Hey! Watch the hair!”

Then, the tickle fight followed.