Well you see... in my home, as beautiful as these flowers are, they're a little bit associated with the curse. If they're plucked, they can lead to someone dying—at least for the black flowers. I know that sounds scary but... the story that I was told when I was young was that Death came to our island and spoke to one of my ancestors. Death demanded that the lycoris noirges be looked after so that he could make a bouquet for his bride in the future. If the noirges were ever allowed to wilt, then he would kill everyone on the island.

I know it sounds morbid! But... [ a little bit of a sheepish laugh, fond ] The only times I remembered being loved before I came here... were with my grandfather. He'd take me by the hand and we'd go out and he'd look after these cursed flowers, and love them as much as anyone else. Isn't that the makings of a wonderful person? Someone who can love flowers, no matter what.

[ a dreamy little sigh ]

I took over him, at some point. I became the Guardian of the Lycoris, and so when I give my friends this token... I hope they remember them for the lovely flowers that are waiting to be given to the girl so loved that a bouquet has been prepared for her for generations. That they symbolize the same type of love that I feel—one that endures so patiently.