The morning sun filtered gently through the canopy above as Luna tied the laces of her hiking boots, her hair still damp from a quick shower and face fresh with the scent of floral sunscreen.
Kana adjusted her cap beside her, Mary bundled in a thick but stylish hoodie despite the sun, and Auren, surprisingly chipper, carried a compact med-kit in his backpack—just in case.
Their final day at the VIP cabin felt almost surreal. It had been three days of laughter, indulgence, and moments of quiet healing. Now, they set out on one last memory: a short hike to the hill by the lake where wildflowers swayed in the breeze like colored whispers across the earth.
The trail was easy but scenic—ribbons of sunlight danced through the trees, the air warm but not oppressive. Birds chirped in the distance, and the occasional rustle of small creatures kept them company. Mary walked slowly but steadily, supported gently by Kana on one side and Auren's casual conversation on the other.
When they reached the top of the hill, a collective breath left them. Below, a field of flowers stretched like a soft mosaic—lavenders, blues, oranges, and whites—all trembling in the mild wind. The lake shimmered beyond, the sky a crisp canvas of soft blues and scattered clouds.
"Amazing," Mary whispered, awe in her voice.
"We're rolling down this hill. No arguments," Kana announced suddenly, grinning.
A beat passed, and then, without further warning, Luna took the lead. "No backsies!"
She launched herself onto the slope with a laugh, rolling down the soft grass, limbs akimbo, hair catching in the wind like a banner of joy. Kana followed immediately with a whoop, Auren half-protesting but giving in, and even Mary carefully scooted a third of the way down and laughed harder than she had in days.
They sprawled at the base of the hill, flushed, messy, happy. Someone, maybe Luna, mumbled something about needing another nap, and soon all four were lying in the flower field, the sun warm above them, the scent of grass and pollen sweet and grounding.
A couple of hours passed in this gentle lull, like time bowed to their peace.
That night, unwilling to let the end come quietly, they summoned the cabin staff for one last decadent dinner—steak carved tableside, smoked trout with citrus glaze, garlic truffle potatoes, roasted vegetables crisped to perfection, and even gold-dusted tiramisu. Laughter filled the veranda under the stars once again.
Before eating, Luna excused herself and stood by the railing, phone in hand.
She dialed.
"Dad."
"Luna," Emmerich said warmly on the other end. "Right on schedule."
"You sound like you were waiting by the phone."
"I was."
She laughed. "We just ordered the most ridiculous meal."
"Good. You deserve it. Take photos. Videos."
"I did," she replied, eyes softening as she looked at her friends. "Sending them now."
A flurry of files went out. Emmerich replied immediately: You look happy.
After dinner, they all went to bed with heavy stomachs and light hearts.
Luna curled up on her bed and couldn't help but reach for her phone. She opened her phone again, thumb hovering over Edward's contact. Her heart fluttered.
She typed.
We're wrapping up the trip. You'd have hated how many carbs I—
She stared at it.
Backspaced.
Typed again.
Hope your mission's going okay.
She hesitated.
But then she locked the phone and turned the screen down.
He's probably busy.
I'll save it for tomorrow.
She closed her eyes, thinking of sun-drenched hills, Edward's calm voice, Auren's quirky grin while sliding down the hill, and Kana's arms wrapped protectively around Mary.
Then sleep finally took her, as the lake outside shimmered under the moonlight.
The morning mist clung softly to the trees as Luna, Kana, Auren, and Mary prepared to leave the VIP cabin that had become their temporary haven.
Suitcases and bags were neatly packed and loaded into the car by the ever-efficient cabin staff, who bowed politely and wished them well. The air smelled faintly of wildflowers and fresh dew, and the tranquil surface of the lake reflected the soft gold of the rising sun.
Before they could pile into the car, Mary clapped her hands and turned to Kana. "Group picture," she said with a small but insistent smile. "Before we go."
Kana laughed, "Of course."
Auren set up the timer and balanced Luna's phone on a stone post. The four of them huddled close—Kana looping her arm around Mary's shoulder, Luna flashing a peace sign with a cheeky grin, and Auren caught mid-chuckle between them all. The shutter clicked just as the wind caught Mary's hair and lifted it gently.
Click.
The photo popped up on the screen: bright smiles, warm sunlight, a hint of the lake in the background, and an unspoken connection captured in a single frame.
Mary stared at the image longer than the others. Her eyes glistened.
"It's perfect," she said softly, almost to herself. "Thank you, cabin," she added, turning to the wooden walls as if they were an old friend. Her fingers brushed along the porch railing one last time before she stepped down.
The drive back was quiet at first. Mary leaned against the window, eyes distant, thoughtful. Her fingers absentmindedly touched the locket she always wore, and her lips curved slightly—not in sadness, but a kind of quiet acceptance.
Meanwhile, Luna and Kana, seated up front, took turns humming and softly singing along with the songs playing on the car's playlist. The rhythm was soft, the atmosphere cozy despite the melancholy of parting.
Auren, squished in the backseat with Mary, suddenly groaned. "I just realized how many emails I haven't read… and the patient files—ugh, the patient files." He slumped dramatically in his seat.
Luna turned her head back and raised a brow. "Should I send you a fruit basket as compensation for your trauma, Doctor?"
"I'd prefer cash," Auren deadpanned. "Or maybe free food for a month at that cat café of yours."
"I'll think about it, Doc," Luna replied as she threw a bag of chips to Auren.
Auren immediately opened it and stuffed his mouth.
"You're lucky you're cute," Kana said, smirking.
"Everyone always says that," Auren replied with a mock sigh, "but no one ever buys me cake."
Laughter erupted in the car, light teasing bouncing back and forth between them like a well-worn game. Even Mary let out a soft chuckle, resting her cheek against her palm and watching the trees blur past.
Eventually, the skyline of the city greeted them again. When they pulled up in front of Mary's apartment, the mood shifted—less playful, more tender.
Auren got out first and stretched. "Alright. Time to dive back into reality. Thanks for dragging me along. It was… more than I expected."
Mary smiled gently. "You made it better."
He scratched the back of his neck and gave a small wave. "Take care, Mary. Kana. Luna."
As he walked off down the street, the remaining three lingered near the car.
Mary turned to Kana and Luna. Her arms wrapped tightly around Kana first, then Luna, fragile strength holding on a little longer than usual.
"This was a great trip," Mary whispered. "Thank you. Really."
Luna's eyes softened. "We'll do it again."
"Definitely," Kana added with a resolute nod.
Mary didn't respond at first—only smiled, as if that promise was too precious to hold too tightly. "Take care," she finally said, stepping back.
Kana and Luna waved as they got back into the car, the engine purring softly to life. Mary stood by the curb, one hand raised in farewell.
She stayed like that, watching, until the car disappeared around the corner and the city swallowed them whole.
Only then did she lower her hand.
And turn slowly back to the silence of home.
The city lights sparkled like scattered stars as the car pulled up in front of Kana's condo. The hum of the engine settled into silence as Luna put the vehicle in park and stretched slightly in the driver's seat.
Kana opened the passenger door but paused, turning to Luna. "Good night," she said, her voice softer than usual.
Luna offered a small, crooked smile. "Night."
But Kana didn't get out right away. Instead, she leaned a little closer. "Hey… thanks. Really."
Luna blinked. "Kana. Come on. It's what best friends do."
Still, Kana reached out and playfully pinched Luna's cheek, earning a half-hearted swat. "No, I mean it. You finally have time. And cash to throw around. It's kind of magical, honestly."
Luna chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. If you get too sentimental, fate might reconsider my cushy new life as the daughter of a CEO."
They both laughed at that, the kind of laugh that released the tension built from months—maybe even years—of quiet burdens and sleepless worry.
Kana finally stepped out, slinging her overnight bag over one shoulder. She leaned through the window with a grin. "Drive safe, heiress."
Luna snorted. "Get inside before I start charging rent for my emotional labor."
With a last shared grin, Kana waved and disappeared into the condo building, her silhouette quickly swallowed by the automatic lights of the lobby.
Luna sat there for a few moments longer, the warmth of their conversation lingering like a soft blanket. Then she shifted gears and pulled into the quiet streets leading to her father's home—her home now, too.
As the tires rolled gently over the paved road, her thoughts drifted.
She was glad Kana was honest with her. Glad for the late-night singing, the terrible hiking jokes, and the sight of Mary smiling despite the shadows that loomed over her.
And… she was glad her father, Emmerich, was generous enough to share his world with her. But even more than the money or the private drivers or the freedom…
She was simply glad to have a father.
Someone who cared enough to worry, to call, to wait up for her every evening just to make sure she was still alright in this fast-spinning world.
Her fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel as she exhaled softly through her nose.
No matter how complicated things get... I think I finally have something solid to hold on to.
The glow of the city slowly faded into the warm security lights of her gated home as she pulled into the driveway.
And as Luna stepped out, the wind brushed against her, cool, gentle, and real.