"Come on, Gin, Hiro, let's go!" Sasa shouted, having finished packing her things.
The late morning sun cast long shadows across the path leading to Grandma Laura's grave. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. Birds chirped in the trees, their songs mixing with the distant sound of a river flowing gently.
"Wait," Gin replied, showing Hiro his chickens. "Look, Hiro, my hens have laid eggs."
"Wow," Hiro said, eyes wide with amazement, momentarily distracted from their task. "How can those hens lay so many eggs?"
"Oho, you're interested," Gin said with a grin on his face. "Let me show you something cool." He walked over to the coop and picked up one of the hens, gently cradling it in his arms. "See how healthy and happy she is? That's why she lays so many eggs."
Hiro reached out a hand, tentatively stroking the hen's feathers. "She's so soft," he murmured, his fascination growing. "Do they always lay eggs like this?"
"Pretty much," Gin replied, carefully placing the hen back down. "It's all about taking good care of them. Feeding them right, keeping their coop clean, making sure they're safe."
"Can I help take care of them?" Hiro asked eagerly, his earlier apprehension forgotten.
"Sure," Gin said, ruffling Hiro's hair. "We'll make a farmer out of you yet."
Little did they know, Sasa was standing behind them, her fury evident in her eyes like a dragon that spews flames.
"Didn't I tell you two to prepare yourselves?" Sasa said, her voice stern. "Go wash up, you idiots."
"Yes ma'am," Hiro and Gin said in unison, their heads bowed.
"Sorry," Hiro added.
"Don't apologize to me, apologize to Grandma Laura," Sasa said firmly. "Hurry up."
The two boys quickly washed up and dressed, returning in a few minutes.
"We're done," they announced.
"Good." Sasa replied. "Mom, Dad, Chief Helga, we're leaving."
"Yeah, be careful," Sasa and Gin's mother Penelope said as she washed the dishes. "And don't forget to bring Aunt Laura some flowers."
"We will," Sasa assured her, before turning to leave.
As they walked down the path towards the cemetery, the vibrant tapestry of roses, lilies, and daisies lining the way filled the air with their sweet fragrance. The soft rustling of leaves provided a gentle background noise, accompanied by occasional bird songs echoing through the tranquil atmosphere.
Gin and Hiro lagged behind a bit, still chattering about the chickens and their eggs. Sasa glanced back at them, her expression softening. She slowed her pace to let them catch up.
"Hey, Sasa," Gin said as they walked, "do you remember the stories Grandma Laura used to tell us about the fairies that lived in her garden?"
"Of course I do," Sasa replied, smiling at the memory. "She had such a wonderful imagination. She could make even the smallest flower seem magical."
Gin looked up at Sasa, his eyes shining. "Do you think there are really fairies in Grandma's garden?"
"Maybe," Sasa said, her voice gentle. "Grandma Laura always believed in the magic of nature. Who knows? Maybe the fairies are still watching over her garden."
"Umm..., Actually, Grandma has some fairies contracted to her," Hiro said.
"What?" Sasa and Gin said in unison, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity as they received this shocking revelation.
"So all those years, you're saying that there are actually fairies in your garden?" Gin asked, leaning in closer to Hiro, eager for more details.
Hiro nodded, his eyes wide with excitement. "Yes, but only those who have mana can see them. Grandma told me."
Sasa looked at Hiro with a mixture of disbelief and wonder. "Did you see them yourself?"
Hiro hesitated, furrowing his brow as he tried to recall. "Well, when I was 8 years old, I could see some of them. They were tiny, with wings like dragonflies. They would dart around the flowers and trees, making everything seem magical. But after about a month... Ahhh... wait, I can't remember much after that," he said, touching his forehead as if trying to clear a foggy memory.
"Okay, that's enough of that," Sasa said gently, noticing Hiro's discomfort. She reached out to comfort him, rubbing his shoulder reassuringly. "Let's continue our walk. Maybe Grandma's garden still holds some mysteries for us."
As they reached the grave, the old oak tree greeted them with a gentle breeze. The grave itself was well-tended, a testament to the love and respect Grandma Laura had earned in her lifetime. The headstone was simple yet elegant, adorned with an engraving of a rose, her favorite flower.
Sasa sat down on the grass, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. She smoothed out her skirt and adjusted the flowers she had brought, placing them neatly beside the headstone.
"Good day, Grandma Laura," Sasa said softly, her voice carrying over the peaceful surroundings. "It's been one week since you left us. Hiro still misses you so much, please guide him." She whispered the last part, her voice trembling.
Hiro stepped forward, his small hands clutching a drawing he had made. He knelt down beside the grave, placing the drawing carefully on the grass.
"Hi, Grandma," Hiro began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I drew this for you. It's our house, and you're in the garden, like you always loved to be. I miss you so much. I wish you could come back and tell me more stories. I'm trying to be brave like you told me. Please watch over us."
Sasa put her arm around Hiro's shoulders, squeezing him gently as she gave Hiro his time, talking to his grandmother's grave.
Hiro took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "I've been taking care of myself, just like you told me to. Chief Helga and Sasa's Parents helps me a lot too. I know you always said we should take care of the things we love, and I think I'm gonna go out and adventure the world beyond ours. I hope I'm making you proud."
He paused, glancing up at Sasa for reassurance. She nodded encouragingly, her eyes moist with unshed tears, and Hiro continued. "And Chief Helga, she's been so strong. She's looking after me, just like you did. But I know she misses you too cause she's your only friend, even if she doesn't say it."
Hiro's voice wavered, and a tear slid down his cheek. "I promise that I will take good care of myself. I promise I will remember all the things you taught me and I promise that I will be strong. I just wish I could hear your voice one more time."
Sasa tightened her grip on Hiro, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We love you, Grandma Laura. And we'll always keep you in our hearts."
Gin stepped forward then, holding a small bundle of flowers he had picked along the way. He placed them gently beside Hiro's drawing. "Rest well, Grandma. We won't forget you," he said softly.
The three of them stayed there for a while, each lost in their own thoughts and memories of Grandma Laura. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the grave, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a peaceful symphony that seemed to echo Grandma Laura's love for nature.
Finally, Sasa stood up, helping Gin and Hiro to their feet.
"It's time to go," she said gently, her voice carrying a sense of closure. "But we'll come back soon. We promise."
With one last look at the grave, they turned and walked to Hiro's house. As they walked, the afternoon breeze carried the lingering scent of blooming flowers, a poignant reminder of Grandma Laura's favorite garden.