Delh was a woman of action. In no time, she had a notebook out and had scribbled down nearly a page full of guest names.


    So, she spent the evening making calls, bubbling with excitement.


    Mirabe initially thought it was all a bit over the top, but seeing how thrilled her parents were, she kept her thoughts to herself.


    Well, money does make things easier.


    While Delh and Shawn were downstairs finalizing the guest list, Mirabe finished her dinner and headed to her room. After a moment''s thought, she decided to video-call her grandmother, Catherine.


    When Catherine answered, she was lounging on the sofa, half-watching TV. Hearing that her granddaughter had aced her final exams made her eyes glisten with joy. "...My Mira is just amazing," she beamed.


    Mirabe couldn''t help but smile at her grandmother''s radiant face on the screen. "Mom and Dad are throwing me a celebration party. They''d love to have you over for a bit. Would youe?"


    But Catherine shook her head with a gentle smile. "No, dear. Grandma''s not as spry as she used to be, but thank them for me."


    Seeing her resolve, Mirabe tried to convince her a bit more but eventually gave in. "Alright, I''lle visit you when I can."


    "Mhm." Catherine nodded softly, then as if remembering something, she added, "By the way, the locket I sent over with James for the holidays, are you keeping it close?"


    "It''s at home," Mirabe replied, lounging back in her chair, "Is there something special about that locket?"


    Catherine paused for a moment before answering, "Not really. It''s just a locket meant to keep you safe. Make sure you wear it." After a beat, she added, "Grandma just wants you safe and sound."


    "Got it," Mirabe said, tapping the table lightly.


    They chatted for another fifteen minutes before hanging up. Mirabe set her phone down, pondered for a moment, then opened a drawer to take out the locket box.


    The locket, with its delicate fish design, gleamed coldly in her hand, not appearing particrly special.


    She put it back without further thought, her mind drifting to what Grady had mentioned about Chester that evening. She pulled out a notepad and began listing some herbs.


    Heart conditions were always tricky, and picking the right remedy was crucial. She scribbled, crossed out, and pondered over variousbinations before settling on


    a final list. She snapped a photo of it and sent it over to James next door.


    **


    Downstairs, as Delh and Shawn continued their party nning, Shawn suddenly remembered a phone call Delh had taken a few days ago. He looked up at her, "Aren''t we expecting someone from the Song family? Should we invite them?"


    The smile instantly vanished from Delh''s face. "You heard that call?"


    Shawn nodded, "The door was open when you took the call. I couldn''t help but overhear."


    Delh fell silent for a couple of minutes, then replied in a cooler tone, "I cut ties with the Song family a long time ago. No need to bother with them."


    Shawn took her hand, sighing, "You don''t always have to consider what I think. If you want to see them, just do it."


    "It doesn''t matter whether I see them or not," Delh forced a small smile, turning her head away. "Let''s not talk about them anymore. They''re not important."


    With that, she picked up her phone again and dialed the next friend on her list. Seeing her decision, Shawn closed his mouth, letting the subject drop.