Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 9

The morning sun filtered gently through the curtains of Matsu's bedroom, casting a warm glow across the room. Matsu stirred awake, feeling a mix of residual sadness and a quiet hope from the previous day's events. The house was unusually quiet, as Calie and Marie had returned to their own home to avoid any unplanned visits from Yuki, their manager.

Matsu slowly stretched, feeling the comforting creak of his joints and the soft weight of Azzy purring beside him. He picked up his fluffy black cat, who nuzzled against his chest, and noticed the little feline's gaze fixed intently at the door.

"Morning, Azzy," Matsu murmured, his voice still heavy with sleep. He carried Azzy to the door, opening it to the start of a new day. The warmth of the morning light greeted him as he stepped into the kitchen, the space still holding the gentle scent of breakfast from yesterday's celebrations.

He set Azzy down and began his morning routine, preparing breakfast. As he moved through the kitchen, he took comfort in the familiar tasks, the rhythmic motions of cooking a soothing balm for his soul. The clinking of utensils and the sizzle of the pan were grounding.

With breakfast underway, Matsu decided to reach out to those closest to him. He set up his video call and dialed Calie, Marie, and his sisters. The phone rang a few times before Calie's face appeared on the screen, her expression brightening at the sight of him.

"Good morning, Matsu," Calie greeted, her voice carrying a note of warmth despite the early hour. "How are you doing today?"

"Morning, Calie," Matsu replied with a tired but genuine smile. "I'm doing okay. Just getting things back to normal, you know. How's everything on your end?"

Calie's smile faltered slightly as she glanced around, as if taking in the quiet of her own home. "We're doing alright. Marie and I are just keeping busy and making sure Yuki doesn't come by unexpectedly. It feels a bit strange, but we're getting through it."

Next, Matsu called Marie, and she appeared on the screen, looking tired but composed. "Hey, Matsu. How are you holding up?"

"I'm managing," Matsu said, his tone reflective. "Just trying to keep things steady. Breakfast is almost ready, and I thought it would be nice to check in. How's everything with you?"

Marie nodded, her expression softening. "We're good. It's nice to have a bit of space, but we miss you all. It was an emotional day, but seeing Peony again... it was worth it."

As he spoke with Calie and Marie, Matsu's phone rang again, this time connecting him to his sisters. Yumiko, Iyomei, and Kamenei appeared on the screen, their faces a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Good morning, everyone," Matsu greeted. "I hope you're all doing well."

Yumiko's face lit up as she spoke. "Good morning, Matsu. We're doing okay. It was nice to have some time to ourselves after everything."

Iyomei and Kamenei nodded in agreement. "It was definitely a day to remember," Kamenei said. "How's everything on your end?"

Matsu sighed softly, feeling a sense of comfort in the familiar faces. "It's quiet, but I'm making breakfast and just trying to start the day on a good note. I thought I'd check in with all of you. I miss you guys."

The conversation flowed easily as they shared their thoughts and experiences, the connection offering a much-needed respite from the heaviness of the past days. As they talked, Matsu could see the genuine concern and care in their expressions, and it helped ease the lingering ache in his heart.

After the calls ended, Matsu finished preparing breakfast, setting out a spread of pancakes, fruit, and coffee. He enjoyed a quiet moment with Azzy, who curled up beside him as he ate. The house felt emptier without Calie and Marie, but their presence was felt in the little things—their voices in the video calls, their warmth in the memories, and their love in the hearts of everyone who had shared in the celebration of Peony's life.