We returned from Uncle Liu's tavern well past midnight. I couldn't help but feel guilty for monopolizing Wakahiko and Kunihiko's time with my non-stop stories about my late Cordelia. Initially, they listened with genuine interest, but as time passed, fatigue began to take its toll on us all. Even Uncle Liu, the elderly tavern master, had to cast us out, as we had stayed far beyond their usual working hours. We had enjoyed a few rounds of beer, but thankfully, our bodies were resilient enough not to succumb to drunkenness. Upon arriving home, I discovered that Sofia had already gone to sleep in my mother's room. She said to let her rest there, and I obliged her request. Wakahiko and Kunihiko settled into their shared room. Since Sofia stayed in my mother's room, leaving my room unoccupied, I settled in my room in the end.

The following morning, I woke up early, my mind still burdened with the events of the previous day. Sofia loved me not as a sibling? It's not that I was disturbed by the thought. It's just so sudden. As I stepped out of my room, I noticed my mother busy preparing a simple breakfast in the outdoor kitchen. My brothers and Sofia were still fast asleep. When my mother noticed me sitting in the living room, she greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good morning, dear," she said.

"Good morning, mother," I replied, returning her smile.

"It's rare for you boys to return home so late. What were you all doing at Liu's?" she inquired, curious about our late-night outing.

"It was my fault. I kept them up, forcing them to listen to my story all night," I admitted, not wanting to hide the truth from my mother.

She offered me a warm cup of herbal tea and took a seat in front of me on the table. I accepted, sip a bit to clear my head.

"So, what troubles your heart, Takahiko?" my mother inquired gently.

I briefly hesitated, contemplating whether it was the right time to share the story of Cordelia with my mother. However, as I had already made up my mind to tell her, I chose to proceed to reveal it anyway.

"I was about to introduce you to a woman whom I wanted to marry, mother. Sadly, she met a tragic end while I was away," I explained. Surprisingly, her expression remained calm, as if she had already sensed what I wanted to convey.

"What was her name?" she asked gently.

"Cordelia. She worked as a waitress in a tavern in the capital. We knew each other for three years, but only last year did we confess our feelings for one another," I revealed.

"Was she a good woman?" my mother inquired, showing her interest.

"Yes, she was," I replied calmly, my voice tinged with bittersweet memories. "She was passionate, cheerful, playful, and courageous. A bit insecure, yet she had the bravery to take the first step, which I found truly admirable. At first, I didn't pay much attention to her, but as time passed, we grew closer. She had a tragic past, having been sold to a brothel as a child. However, she was later rescued by a wealthy man and chose to rebuild her life as a waitress, living honestly."

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Curious, my mother gently probed, "What led to her death?"

My heart felt heavy as I recounted the painful truth. "She was murdered by the very man who had once liberated her. It seemed that this man couldn't have an intimate relationship with her, but he remained infatuated with her nonetheless. He paid for her freedom with the intention of having her in the future. Cordelia was unaware of his hidden intention, believing him to be a kind old man who sympathized with her."

Taking a sip of the herbal tea my mother had prepared, I gathered my thoughts before continuing the tale.

"She was hesitant to accept my proposal to become my wife because of her past. However, in time, she did accept it when I had to journey to the Harbour City for business. I had planned to bring her back to the capital and introduce her to you, but tragically, during that period, she was murdered," I revealed, my voice tinged with sorrow.

My mother's concern was evident as she inquired, "Has the perpetrator been caught? You mentioned that the murderer was the same man who liberated her."

"Yes, I managed to make him confess and recorded his admission with the help of a scribe officer. He has been disowned by his family and sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment. I've heard that his sanity has already been compromised," I explained.

"If Cordelia was a good woman like you said, she wouldn't want to see you in grief for her forever, especially your grief stems from her loss, wouldn't she?" she continued.

"I... I'm afraid that by being happy, I might forget about her someday," I confessed, my fear laid bare.

"Have you bid her farewell, Takahiko?" my mother asked, her gaze searching for something within me.

"No, I never had the chance. She was murdered, remember?" I replied, the pain of that loss still fresh.

"I meant when you buried her to return her body back to the soil, did you say your farewell to her?" Mother asked once more, her question carrying profound meaning.

"..." I was stunned.

I didn't. The truth was, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Although my mind understood she was gone, my heart refused to let go.

"My grandparents used to tell tales that if you don't say your farewell to the departed, they cannot find peace in the afterlife. They remain bound to the living, and their presence may even haunt your life. Of course, it's just an old wives tale, but it does offer guidance for the people left by the ones they loved to make closure in good manners so they can move on with their life, like find a new love for example," she paused for a moment, took a sip of the tea on her small cup.

"About your fear of forgetting her memories, I want to let you know this. Don't be too conceited about your feelings. Feelings are not something that always stay the same. It may get stronger or it may fade. But you will never forget. I can say that, since I have lost your father." mother continued.

"..."

"If, for instance, there was a man who wanted to marry me despite my age and the fact I already have three adult sons, I would still cherish your father's memory and be honest with this man," she said, her words filled with wisdom and understanding.

"I'm not you, so I cannot tell you what you should do. You're already a fine adult yourself, Takahiko. But, as a mother, I don't want to see you grieving forever. You know, your brothers, your friends, and Sofia as well, must feel the same for you."

When mother said that, her eyes seemingly not gazed at me, I realized she was looking to my behind. I swiftly turn my head and find Sofia, standing there looking sad.

"Sofia?"