The soft rustle of the wedding veil mimics the smell of the wind that brings memories back to life. It carries the distinct scent of petrichor and sweet grass, reminding Kelly of the massive, ancient oak tree that once provided a cool shade under the scorching sunlight for the Buenavista family. Now, that memory merely lingers in the breeze, centering on a lone tree standing exposed on the vast land of grass and wild flowers. Two years have passed since the funeral, two years since the leaves have fallen and dried up on the barren ground. The mother who brought true joy to their lives has been long gone, buried beneath the soil. Promises have been forgotten by those who swore to stay, and the village's loyalty has completely changed.
Time may change, but Kelly's love for her family will never change. Even as she takes another agonizing step down the aisle, surrounded by the cold gazes of strangers, she cherishes every single moment she once shared with her siblings, remembering how they used to chase each other through the open fields until their lungs burned. Every shared laughter and every bitter pain she experienced with them will be a sacred life lesson she will carry proudly for the rest of her life.
Each day, she always longs for the past that can never change. She deeply longs for the days her brothers and sisters were right by her side, a mother who could make her smile with a single glance, and a father who held her hand and taught her to stand firmly on her own two feet. The kind, familiar faces of her hometown, Lagarte, always made her feel at peace, a stark contrast to the severe people of Bial. Lagarte was a home that will forever be locked safely in her heart.
The Laurdy clan stands gathered in the pews, watching her slow approach. Their eyes are dark blue and twinkle like a night sky under the moon, casting a chilling brilliance through the sacred space. Yet, Kelly knows the terrifying truth hidden within their bloodline. Their gaze completely changes when their emotion surpasses human limits, and the dark blue eyes will start to shine like an ocean in the summertime, blazing with a fierce, unpredictable intensity.
The world is cruel and time will pass by relentlessly. Today's grand wedding will soon be history, and tomorrow will simply be another part of your memory. Change can be deeply disappointing, especially when it is forced upon you by destiny. If the tree dies, the bees and butterflies are suddenly nowhere to be found, leaving the landscape empty and dead. Yet, change can also be a good thing if you choose to become the gardener of the new land that you are going to create.
Looking straight ahead at the altar, Kelly locks eyes with Aiden. He remains her only anchor in the entire church, watching her with those unique, pitch-black eyes that are as dark as the sky when the moon is not present. Taking a final, steadying breath, Kelly lets go of the heavy grief of the past. She resolves to change what she can, to step out of the shadows of Lagarte, and to truly live her life.