Early the next morning, Karen knocked on Alessia’s bedroom door. Alessia called out in response, then swept open the curtains, flooding the room with sunlight.


    There was a new frame on her desk, disying the photo they’d taken just yesterday.


    She hadn’t really noticed it before, but the collection of photos on her wall kept growing–snapshots with Parrish and Jade, pictures with Xander, group shots of the Morton family, and photos of Ivan and York together…


    So much had happened over the past six months.


    “Lessie, are you ready yet?”


    “Yeah,ing.<i>” </i>Alessia slipped on her coat, slung her bag over her shoulder, and stepped into the hallway.


    “You’re not wearing enough–where’s your scarf? Go put one on, you’ll catch a cold like this!” As soon as Alessia came out, Karen gently steered her back into her


    room.


    Helpless, Alessia dug out a scarf and wrapped it around her neck. When she came out again, she saw Cole emerging from his room, equally resigned, already wearing a scarf of his own.


    Before either of them could say a word, Karen waved them over.


    The dining table was covered with various things.


    “Mom, what’s all this for?”


    “This is for cleaning–paper towels and wipes. When you get there, tidy everything up first. I’ve put bottled water in the bag as well,” Karen said, exining each item as she packed it all into arge tote.


    “Make sure you clean every corner, understand?”


    They both nodded obediently.


    “These are some pastries. When you arrive, set them out the way I’ve arranged them here. Let your parents try them too.” She carefully ced the pastries into a box.


    “Oh, and these.” Karen held up two bouquets of flowers. “I picked out the prettiest


    ones this morning at the market. Just put them there when you arrive, okay?”


    <i>1/2 </i>


    12-40


    Cole watched as Karen meticulously checked through everything and nodded.


    “Thank you, Mrs. Morton.”


    “It’s nothing, dear. Go early ande back soon–I’ll cook your favorites for lunch,” Karen said, giving his arm a gentle pat. Her voice was soft and warm, radiating a quiet grace.


    Unlike Jade’s blunt cheerfulness, Karen was more like a gentle breeze, nurturing everyone around her without a word.


    She had a strength beneath her calm, a trait Alessia had inherited, even though for much of their lives they’d been little more than strangers connected by blood.


    Karen came from a family of schrs, her early life smooth and privileged. Even after losing everything, her first instinct wasn’t toin, but to encourage her family and do whatever she could to help.


    Her presence was always soothing–even York, usually so lively and mischievous, became calm and well–behaved in herpany.


    After Karen’s repeated reminders, the two finally set out. Cole carried therge tote, while Alessia held the flowers.


    Following Karen’s instructions, they divided the tasks: first cleaning the gravesite, then arranging the flowers, and finally setting out the pastries and fruit.


    In previous years, they simply left a bouquet and that was it. No one had ever suggested doing more.


    “Happy New Year, Mom, Dad. Lessie and I are here to see you,” Cole said, bowing respectfully before the headstone.


    The cemetery was empty except for the two of them. Cole spread out some newspaper on the grass, and they sat down without ceremony.


    He took Alessia’s hand, absently tracing her fingers.


    “This year, Mom’s keeping youpany, so you shouldn’t feel lonely, right?”


    “Don’t worry about me–I’m doing alright. People have been looking out for me, and Lessie’s parents even gave me gifts. We had dinner with Mr. Dawson on New Year’s Eve. He seemed really happy, and we’ll keep visiting him. I know you two are off enjoying your own little world now, but don’t forget me. Drop by in my dreams sometimes and catch up, okay?”