88 days: Haruka Yamamoto’s Last Sakura

Today, I spent a peaceful afternoon wandering through the Sengan-en Garden, where every turn revealed a new detail to enjoy. While sketching the view of the distant Sakurajima volcano, I met an elderly woman named Haruka. She was sitting quietly in the shade of a maple tree, looking at the garden with an air of quiet nostalgia.

Curious, I approached her and we began to talk. Haruka told me that she used to visit the garden often with her late husband, who was a landscape artist. The sengan-en holds many memories for her, and she comes here regularly to feel his presence among the trees and flowers he once admired. Despite her age, her eyes sparkled with life as she talked about their shared love of art.

Haruka showed me a small watercolor she carried with her, a delicate depiction of a single sakura blossom framed against a hazy blue sky. It was one of her husband's final works. I was deeply moved by her story, inspired by the depth of their bond and the subtle power of her memories.

As we parted, I felt a renewed appreciation for the places that hold our most cherished memories. Haruka's quiet strength and grace stayed with me as I finished my sketch, adding a touch of sakura pink to my canvas.