When the days become shorter, winter comes with a cold breeze. Lurking through the leaves, it passes through a newly built mansion. Each window, to door, to the backyard is full of memories, and those bricks, still breathe the same air of the longing, decades-old mansion. New, but familiar, just like meeting an old friend after all the highs and lows of life. An oak tree from afar, keen on bearing the marks of time, where Luke and Lily stay. And so on, new lives emerge from the puddle of ash, to bloom with all their might, once again, in this land.
Just like in the old days, the mansion was filled with the bustling sounds of the children. Forgotten and lost, finally, they have gathered here. From strangers, they become family. Together, they keep up the legacy of saving. Yet this place is not an orphanage, but a home. And now, they are all obediently awaiting breakfast. Well, not all of them, as some of the energetic ones are still running around mischievously playing with each other. The mouth-watering smell quickly tortures their stomachs. Thankfully, they arrived just in time when those little ones, unable to endure any longer, were already rushing into the kitchen. Placing those steamy plates on the table, they all ate voraciously. The honor chef silently watches such an awning scene in pure delight, giggling, and then bursts out laughing.
Then come into the room, is the head of the mansion. Showing up with a black coat and a newspaper in his hand, the children cried out in delight. It was their father, brother, and friend, Reid. Not even wait till he takes his usual seat, the younger taking his hands and hugging his legs. “Can you tell us more stories tonight?” In a sweet tone, they beg. Though under Reid’s protection, none of them faced suffering. Yet, it’s not every day they can meet this man. Always mysteriously disappears for days and always keeps the burdens on his own. How can they not be worried?
A little girl reaches out her little hands to him. The clumsy dark hair falls on her chubby cheeks. Perhaps the cold outside brings out the blush on her cheeks, making her even more adorable. The little girl smiled happily as the strong hands lifted her up to be wrapped in a warm embrace. Naturally hugging his neck, she looks at him with innocent eyes. “Will you, papa?” Apparently, she is still too young to remember names. Holding her, Reid let out a soft sigh. “Alright, wait for me in the library.” Lifting her down carefully, the big hand patting her head. “Make sure to clean up after you finish.” The young children nod and then come back to their playing. A few older children came in to check on him. With maturity, they notice the tiredness hiding in those eyes. He responds to each of their concerns with patience.
“It’s getting cold, remember to wear warm clothes, and remind the younger ones too. If you need anything, you can come to me,” he said before leaving the room.
On the way back to the study room, Reid’s steps stopped at the sight of the sky. Indeed, winter has come again. Happiness, hatred, frustrations, and betrayal, an endless loop of lost and found, yet after all, they belonged to the past now, to the journey that was worth being told. It’s time to move on. Reid draws all of the fragments that once pierced his heart into the breath he sighs. Slowly, quietly, a pure snowflake fell from the sky. Reaching out his hand, the snowflake easily lay in his hand. Its softness and coldness sent a longing feeling, he thought had been dusted for a long time. Looking at the snowflake, for a moment, every fragment of him blooming from the flower of snow. Holding the snowflakes to his heart, his lips curved into a smile.
From the noise calling for him inside, it seems a guest is coming. Looking at the soft snowflakes quietly falling from the sky one last time, Reid whispered, “I will never forget you.” He mumbled the words from deep within his heart. “Till the day we meet again.”
“Reid!” The children called him again. “Coming,” Redi said with a reluctant smile. The snowflake will forever be one with his heart.
“As expected, you are always late.” Surrounded by the children, is a woman holding a bag of treats and toys. Snow lingers on the crimson hair, on the thick coat she is wearing. The green eyes glitter when she sees the familiar sight. “Hey, I'm only 5 minutes late.” She crouched down to pinch a child’s cheeks lovingly. “It takes a while to find the best gifts for these adorable children.” Besides Reid, their favorite person must be Cecil. She never shows up with empty hands. From candies, toys to books, her presence makes every day feel like Christmas.
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“You are spoiling them.” Reid scolds lightly while pouring some tea. Now that they are alone in the study room, finally, the rare silence comes in. “They deserve that.” Taking a sip, Cecil looks at him in surprise. “You are getting more like Theodore. Even the choice of tea. How scary.” Reid sighs and casts a glance at her. “I’m not him.”, “Said the one who just sighed like he always did.” Cecil takes another sip of laughter.
Leaning on the comfortable couch, he takes a closer look at his old friend. It's strange how they used to barely see each other and now sit here and chat like this. After all the things they have been through together, it must be even stranger to not be close. The moment he realized it, his clumsy little friend had become a mature lady. The profound light replaces the innocence in those eyes, returning a reliable Cecil. “You should stay for lunch. We just harvested fresh berries.” Reid breaks the silence. “I will stay next time." She stands up just as the cup in her hand runs dry. “So it’s already that time; how fast.” Quickly find the answer in her reluctant smile. “I have visited Lily.” Reid gently pats her shoulder. “Go, don’t make him wait.”
Stepping onto the rock road, the forest greets its lost child. Sunlight caresses the leaves, falling on her soft hair. Like an instinct, she walks down the familiar path. Only this time, there is no one to gently take her hand and protect her. Cecil smiles lightly. Somehow, she starts to miss the flavor of wild berries. Following the trace of the memory, she reaches her destination. Just as time doesn’t exist in this sacred place, two graves rest peacefully under an old oak tree. Under the leaves are her most loved ones. Her family, her love. “It must be Reid.” Cecil smiles as she sees a white lily being placed on the grave. The white lily doesn’t have to be alone for too long, for now, a yellow rose will accompany it on its journey. “Your Eva has grown up beautifully, and her children too. Whenever you are, this time, please be a carefree Lily.” She smiles. “If there is another life, I will become your sister again.”
The ray shines through the leaves, casting warm light on the other grave. Her hand was gently placed on its rough surface. “I’m sorry for being late.” A glimpse of sadness crosses her eyes. "Finally, I have the courage to meet you.” The soft sound of the leaves in the wind replies to her. Strangely, how peaceful she finds this place. “Don’t you worry, I have given Uncle and Auntie tangerines. Oh, and do you know the chrysanthemums have covered the whole yard?” Leaning against the oak tree, the song of the wind accompanied her stories. Till the color of the sunset finally dyed the sky before she decided to part. Waving goodbye, she turns back home. Behind her, a red rose rests on his grave.
Leaving the forest behind, a cottage lies in the embrace of the dandelion field. The place that she calls home. Taking her usual seat on the porch, she quietly savors the white dandelions. The soft rays of the sunset bathed the field and caressed each of the fragile petals. Like a habit, her fingertips found the silver ring. A method she used countless times to seek calmness. Yet this time, she could not escape the bitterness. Then, standing in the embrace of the white dandelion, shining in the dim light at the sky's horizon, is him. “Luke?” She can’t seem to believe it in her eyes. Harmonize with the dandelions, and his ethereal figure glows softly. Finally, she is able to see the familiar, genuine smile. “Luke!” She can’t even realize her shaken voice. For so long, the longing name she yearns to call. Tears follow each other, falling down her cheeks.
“Where have you been?” She calls out in tears. “I can’t remind you to wear warm clothes, can’t tell you about my world. I can’t even see you in my dreams.” Holding the ring to her heart, she cried. “I can’t even tell how much I love you.” Yet, the man on the dandelion field only looked at her lovingly. The distant voice calling for her name travels in the wind.
Then, leaning on the soft wind, a dandelion gently touches her lips. Lingering on her hair to finally rest on her hands. The wind blows again, carrying away his figure with the dance of the dandelions.
The dandelions have finally granted his wish.