A four-wheeled black vehicle cruised along the highway, its sleek design cutting through the ambient hum of the city.
Modern buildings and intricate structures lined both sides of the road, their clean, angular designs illuminated by neon lights and LED displays.
The world outside was vibrant, a symphony of technological advancements that painted a stark contrast to the mystical charm of Airet.
This place, however, was far removed from the Airet universe—another realm entirely.
The black car maneuvered skillfully through the busy streets, its destination a quiet residential area nestled away from the bustling city center. Eventually, the vehicle slowed and came to a stop in front of a modest but well-kept home.
The door clicked open, and a middle-aged woman stepped out. She was clad in an office uniform, her blazer slightly wrinkled from a long day's work. Fatigue etched lines across her face, and faint dark circles shadowed her tired eyes.
Her steps were slow and heavy as she made her way to the house, pausing briefly at the front door to gather herself.
Once inside, her movements grew hesitant. Her shoulders sagged under an invisible weight as she walked through the quiet hallway, stopping in front of a particular bedroom door.
The polished wood gleamed faintly under the dim lighting, and her hand reached out to gently caress its surface.
A soft sigh escaped her lips, breaking the heavy silence.
This room… Until a few weeks ago, it had been occupied by someone who had been her entire world. Someone she cherished as if they were a piece of her very soul.
And now, that someone was gone. Not for a trip, not for a brief separation, but forever.
Her hand lingered on the door for a few moments before dropping limply to her side. Dragging her feet forward, she made her way to her bedroom.
Once inside, she sat at the edge of the bed, her posture defeated. The weariness in her expression deepened as she reached for the drawer beside the bed, her trembling fingers pulling it open.
From within, she retrieved a simple card, its design minimalistic but warm.
It was a birthday card.
She had read it countless times over the past few weeks, each word burned into her memory, yet the urge to read it again persisted. As she opened it, her lips quivered, and her eyes glistened with tears that refused to be held back.
The moment she opened the birthday card, the familiar handwriting greeted her, just as she expected. The script wasn't perfect—mediocre in form—but the elegance of its cursive strokes imbued the words with a heartfelt charm that elevated their significance.
She discovered this card a few weeks ago while cleaning Ren's room. It had been tucked neatly in the drawer of his study table, hidden away as if waiting to be found.
Her trembling fingers brushed against the edges of the card as she began to read, each word carrying the weight of memories she could never reclaim.
To My Beloved Mother
Mom, for all the love you have nurtured in me,
I humbly embrace the blessing you bestow.
Through the agony of giving me life,
Your resolve and love shone brightly,
Guiding me as I opened my eyes to the world—
And the first sight I cherished was you.
From that moment, until this very day,
You have been my light, my solace, my strength.
As a toddler, my stubbornness tested your patience,
Yet you, with the embodiment of grace, endured.
You never raised your hand in anger;
Instead, with gentleness, you guided my steps.
When my mischief knew no bounds,
You corrected me, not with force, but with love.
As a child, you molded me into a soul of kindness,
Teaching me lessons both academic and moral.
I still recall, with deep admiration,
The day I discovered you secretly studied my math textbook—
All to ensure I received the best guidance.
When I was a teenager, though less strict than before,
You continued to nourish me with your wisdom,
Filling my life with kindness, experience, and care.
In those years of uncertainty and change,
Your unwavering support became my anchor,
And your wisdom, a lantern to light my way.
As I stepped into young adulthood,
Your teachings became my compass,
Guiding me through the hardships of life.
Yet, even as I faced dark and twisted roads,
You were always there, steadfast and ready,
To offer your strength when mine faltered.
Now, as a grown man, I realize—I still need you.
You remain the source of my courage,
The wellspring of my resilience and hope.
Your love knows no bounds,
Transforming me from a fragile seedling
Into a sapling reaching toward the sky.
When despair clouds my heart,
Your face becomes my medicine,
Your smile—a bloom of cherry blossoms,
Radiant, warm, and soothing to my weary soul.
Your eyes pierce through my darkest thoughts,
Dispelling shadows with a mere glance.
Your ears, more open than a saint's,
Hear my silent dread and offer comfort.
Even from miles away, you sense my unease.
Your touch, your embrace—a sanctuary,
Wrapping me in serenity, like wings of light.
And when I stray from the path of light,
You pull me back, an unseen force of love,
Drawing me to your side once more.
It is through your endless effort and care
That I stand here today, strong yet humble.
It might be selfish of me to ask,
But as I grow into a sturdy tree,
Could you still nourish me with your love?
For no words of gratitude can suffice,
To repay the countless ways you've shaped me.
I know your heart delights in white peonies,
Their pure, delicate beauty a reflection of you.
Though I couldn't find them in bloom nearby,
Nor risk their petals to a distant journey,
I've created something small and humble—
A token of my love, drawn from my heart.
The woman's vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, slipping down her cheeks against her will. She struggled to keep them from falling onto the card, not wanting to mar the precious keepsake.
Her breath hitched as she reached the final lines. With trembling hands, she flipped the card to its last page, revealing a delicate sketch drawn in intricate detail.
It was a monochrome illustration of a white peony.
Rendered in precise black-and-white lines reminiscent of manga art, the petals appeared soft and layered, their edges curling inward gracefully. Each vein of the flower was captured with care, giving the illustration depth and a lifelike quality.
At the bottom right of the drawing, more words awaited her.
I hope it brings a smile to your face,
Though nothing could compare
To the love you have given me, boundless and true.
Happy Birthday, Mom.
Her composure crumbled entirely as she clutched the card close to her chest, her sobs muffled by the stillness of the room. The raw ache in her heart resurfaced with unrelenting force.
"Ren… my boy…" Her voice broke into a whisper as she closed her eyes, letting the memories of her beloved son wash over her.
"Mom misses you…"
Her tears continued to fall, unrestrained and endless, as she remained there, clutching the card as if it were her last tether to the boy who had brought so much light to her world.