Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 6

With the plans firmly in place, the trio set out to gather everything they needed for Peony's birthday celebration. They visited various stores, picking out decorations, party supplies, and materials to create a truly memorable event. Each item they selected was carefully chosen to honor Peony's memory and make the day as special as possible.

Once they had everything, they headed back to Matsu's estate. The house staff greeted them warmly and began to assist with setting up the decorations. Matsu, Calie, and Marie worked alongside them, arranging flowers, hanging streamers, and setting up the tables and chairs. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and sadness, each step in the preparation process bringing them closer to the celebration they had envisioned for Peony.

As they worked, they also started preparing the invitations. They crafted beautiful cards, each one carefully designed and written, inviting their friends, family, and everyone who had been important in Peony's life. The invitations were a blend of elegance and personal touches, reflecting the love and care that had gone into every detail of the celebration. Once they were finished, they mailed them out, making sure that everyone would receive their invites in time for the big day.

The day's work was long and exhausting, but there was a sense of accomplishment and purpose in their efforts. As the sun began to set, they finished up what they could for the day. The house staff had gathered all the ingredients needed for the food to be prepared the following day. Matsu thanked them for their hard work, telling them to take a well-deserved break.

The staff, with smiles of appreciation, wished Matsu and the girls well. They reminded him gently, "You're allowed to grieve your daughter, Matsu. We're here to help, and you don't have to carry this burden alone."

With the staff's encouragement, Matsu, Calie, and Marie took a moment to relax. They sat together in the living room, the room now filled with the soft glow of ambient lighting from the decorations they had put up. The atmosphere was calming, and they were grateful for the chance to sit and unwind.

Calie leaned against Marie, and Matsu sat beside them, feeling the warmth of their presence. The trio shared a quiet moment of reflection, thinking about Peony and all she had meant to them. They reminisced about the memories they cherished, and their hearts, though still heavy, felt lighter with the support they had from each other.

"Tomorrow will be beautiful," Marie said softly, breaking the silence. "We've done everything we can to make it special for Peony."

Calie nodded, squeezing Marie's hand. "Yes, and we'll be surrounded by people who love her and love us. It'll be a day to remember, for sure."

Matsu looked at them with a mixture of gratitude and love. "Thank you both for everything. For today, for tomorrow, and for being here with me."

The three shared a comforting hug, their bond as strong as ever. As they continued to relax, they allowed themselves a few moments of peace, readying themselves for the emotional and heartfelt celebration that awaited them the next day.

Then Matsu's heart ached with the weight of the memories as he suggested they take one final step for Peony's birthday celebration. Calie and Marie exchanged glances, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and understanding. They nodded in agreement, though they were unsure of what this step would entail.

Hand in hand, the trio made their way to Peony's room. The hallway was quiet, the only sound being the soft shuffling of their footsteps. Matsu reached the door and paused, unlocking it with a sense of reverence. The doorknob felt cool under his fingers, and he took a deep breath.

On a silent count of three, they opened the door together.

The room was exactly as they remembered it, preserved in time. The walls were adorned with Peony's drawings, vibrant and full of life. Her shelves were lined with toys, and the ones she had played with often were scattered on the floor. Her books were neatly stacked, and the bed, untouched for years, still held the indentation of her small frame. The photo of the family, younger and happier with Peony at the center, stood proudly on her bedside table. Next to it lay Azzy's old collar, a small but poignant reminder of their beloved cat.