The Matsumoto clan's eldest son, Momo's twin brother Hiro, is ready to be the clan's leader, it was a role he had been groomed for since he was young.
It was a time of peace, a time of prosperity. But it was also a time of change. Her brother is r...
It was the next morning, and the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon. The air was crisp and cool, a light breeze rustling through the trees. The funeral for Matsumoto Hiromi would take place at the family shrine, a quiet and serene location where they could pay their respects.
Hiro woke early, his mind filled with thoughts of his grandmother and the weight of his new responsibilities. He dressed in traditional funeral attire.
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Hiro's outfit, the picture is not mine
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He tied his hair back into a neat topknot, then kneeled before his dresser to offer a prayer. Chika and Nanami, who both had been up even earlier to prepare for the day's events, knocked softly on the door. "Hiro, it's time."
Hiro nodded, standing up and following them out of his room. They made their way through the silent halls of the Matsumoto household.
In Momo's bedroom, Io was helping her put on her funeral attire. "Are you sure you want to wear this?" Io asked, her voice laced with concern. "It might be a bit much for you to handle right now." "No, it's alright," Momo said, her voice steady. "I want to honour my grandmother in the best way I can." She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
"Ok," Io helped Momo put on her kimono and haori jacket, then did her hair in the traditional style.
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Momo's outfit, the picture is not mine
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When they were done, Hiro, Chika and Nanami came into the room to see Momo, she turned around and saw them. Looking regal and elegant in her funeral attire, Hiro couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for her. "It's time," He said as he took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and together they all made their way to the family shrine.
The funeral was solemn and respectful. As the priest chanted prayers and sutras, the Matsumoto family and their closest allies gathered around the stone altar, offering prayers and incense for the departed soul of their beloved matriarch.
Hiro was beside Sayuri, she was holding his hand as she wiped away a tear from her eye. Chika was on the other side of Hiro, her hand resting on his shoulder.
Nanami and Momo stood a little bit further, their eyes closed as they all stood there, silent and respectful, as the priest continued with the funeral.
After the service, they all followed the priest to a nearby hillside, where they released doves into the air as a symbol of Matsumoto Hiromi's ascension to the heavens. The birds circled overhead before disappearing into the distance, leaving the family with a sense of peace.
As they made their way back to the house, the servants had already begun preparing a lavish feast in honour of the departed.
Hiro found himself sitting next to Momo at the long, elegant table. They were surrounded by their family and close allies, all of them wearing formal attire and engaging in quiet conversation. The food was exquisite, served on delicate plates adorned with flowers.
As they ate, Hiro found himself occasionally glancing over at Momo, admiring the way she gracefully handled herself throughout the day. She was every bit as strong and resilient as their grandmother had always believed she would be.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and affection for her. The servants were quick to refill their cups with tea, and the conversations around them became more lively and animated.
The evening wore on, and as the last of the sun's rays disappeared below the horizon, the guests began to leave. The Matsumoto family retired to their bedrooms, where they could finally let their guard down and mourn their loss more openly.
Hiro found himself alone with Momo in her room, the two of them sitting on the floor, sipping tea from delicate porcelain cups.
"I'm sorry if I've been distant today," Momo said, her eyes downcast. "I just needed to be strong for everyone else."
Hiro reached out and took her hand. "You've been more than strong, Momo. You've been incredible. I'm so proud of you." He squeezed her hand gently, hoping to convey his sincerity.
Momo looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "Thank you, Hiro. It means a lot to me, coming from you." She wiped away a tear that had escaped down her cheek.
Hiro nodded, feeling a lump forming in his throat. "I'm here for you, Momo. Always. You know that, don't you?" He squeezed her hand gently.
Momo smiled weakly. "Yes, I know." She took a deep breath, composing herself. "Do you think...do you think she's really happy up there?" she asked softly.
Hiro considered her question for a moment. "I like to think so," he said finally. "She lived a long and full life, and she was strong and honourable. She's with Ojīchan and Father watching over us from above, proud of who we've become." He paused, his eyes distant. "And I think she'd want us to continue".
Momo sniffled, wiping away another tear. "You're right," she said softly. "She always did have faith in us." She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm going to miss her so much."
Hiro wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "I know we will," he said gently. "But we'll get through this together, just like we always have. And we'll honour her memory by living our lives to the fullest, just as she wanted."
The room was dimly lit, lit only by the flickering flames of the candles with the scent of incense wafted through the air. A soft breeze came through the open window, rustling the curtains and sending a shiver down Momo's spine.
