It was early on New Year''s Day, and the brisk morning air was filled with excitement. After exchanging warm wishes and having breakfast, Jade, along with M and Eugene, set off to St. Michael''s Cathedral to offer prayers for blessings.


    During the drive, M asionally checked her phone, hoping for messages. Besides the flood of greetings from friends, there was nothing more. She had already video-called her great-aunt and her mother-inw to extend her New Year wishes.


    But there was still no message from Adrian. Perhaps he was still asleep after staying upte to ring in the New Year? She sighed, having not expected much. M turned off her phone and decided to let it go.


    ...


    The car rolled into Westridge Heights, and the trio stepped out into the crisp air. They walked through the misty, evergreen forest and passed through the ornate stained ss gates, entering the cathedral.


    Along the path, blooming golden daffodils lined the way, truly living up to their reputation as the crown jewels of Kingsford. However, the crowd was overwhelming.


    Jade frequently donated to the cathedral, and her generosity was well-known. It wasn''t long before one of the clergy members approached them, inviting them into the inner sanctuary for tea and a brief rest.


    After noon, when the chapel reopened, the three of them entered to pray. Inside, a massive sculpture of a reclining Christ dominated the altar, eyes half-open, exuding a benevolent and majestic aura.


    Jade approached first to light a candle. Kneeling before the altar, she silently made her wishes known-


    "May my great-niece''s divorce go smoothly, and if she remarries, let her find a kind, capable, and understanding partner."


    "Blessed Lord, if my prayers are answered, I will return to offer my gratitude."


    Her heart full of hope, she bowed reverently.


    Eugene, having never visited such a ce with his family elders, followed suit, lighting a candle and kneeling to pray.


    "Although I don''t really believe in these things," he mused, "please, Lord, my brother doesn''t deserve this. If you''re listening, help my sister get through her divorce sessfully, and make sure to take me with you on this journey. I promise to repay the favor!"


    He almost got up but added one more thought, "And maybe, let my brother grow old alone. Thank you, Lord!"


    He bowed with utmost sincerity.


    M was thest to offer her prayers. She lit her candle, knelt down, and inhaled the rich scent of the incense as she made her earnest petitions.


    "Lord, please bless my great-aunt with long life and health, let my mother-inw find peace and joy, and keep Adrian safe and healthy. May Eugene find his ce of belonging and harmony with the family."


    "And to all those I''ve met who have treated me well, may they enjoy health and happiness."


    Finally, she added a silent plea-


    "Let my divorce proceed without furtherplications;"


    "And may those who have wronged my family, friends, and me meet their just deserts!"


    After offering their prayers, Jade joined Father Benedict for tea and conversation, while M and Eugene strolled leisurely around the cathedral grounds.


    The daffodils in the garden were in full bloom, clusters of vibrant yellow. M and Eugene chatted casually, admiring each flower, though the crowd made it difficult to capture any photos.


    As they walked, M was in midughter when a fleeting silhouette caught her eye. It seemed so familiar.


    She paused, wondering if her eyes were ying tricks on her. Could it be him? How was that possible when he had been abroad all these years?


    Her mind was skeptical, but her feet moved of their own ord, propelling her towards the disappearing figure, not hearing Eugene call after her.


    Navigating through the bustling crowd, she followed the path where the figure had vanished, weaving through corridors and among people, until she stopped before an ancient oak tree draped with red ribbons and charms.


    This was where the figure wasst seen.


    Was it truly just her imagination?


    As she pondered this, a breeze rustled through, causing the bells tied to the tree to tinkle softly, the red ribbons danced, and a charm slipped off a branch,nding on her head, its red ribbon twining through her dark hair as it fell to the ground.