At the wedding of Alexander and Eleanor, I sat in the audience, watching the couple finally come together.
Lucas led Eleanor out.
When he handed Eleanor's hand to Alexander's, he suddenly said.
"Take good care of Eleanor."
Alexander answered quickly: "Don't worry, Lucas. Eleanor is my life."
He slowly released his hand, then watched them walk up to the stage.
On his way back, his eyes were slightly red.
I held his hand and gently comforted him.
"They're really lucky to have you as their brother."
He lowered his head and wiped his eyes with a tissue.
After a long pause, he softly spoke.
"It's us three who are lucky to have met you."
He tightened his grip on my hand.
As I looked at the couple on stage, sweetly kissing each other, I was momentarily lost in thought.
Their growth had been smooth and untroubled.
They were happy, joyful, just like the most ordinary couple, knowing each other, loving each other, and staying together for a lifetime.
—Far from the painful struggles and adjustments in the original book.
What was the meaning of salvation?
What was the meaning of my coming here?
I thought I understand a little.
The kindness released stirred the butterfly wings.
The little boy and girl who used to shyly hide behind the stairs and secretly watch me, who I waved over to, who took the apple from my hands and cautiously called me "Miss Seraphine."
Time passed nearly a decade, and the little bits of kindness accumulated into a whirlwind, reshaping their entire personalities and lives.
Now, they are confident, cheerful, open-hearted, generous, with all the glimmering traits of youth, and maintain a love for the world.
"They're doing great."
I said softly.
Turning my head to look at Lucas beside me, I thought.
If I had come here earlier, would he, too, have been able to have a beautiful childhood like the male and female leads today?
I suddenly felt a bit of regret.
Lucas saw through my thoughts.
He gently touched my head, comforting me.
"It's okay, now is also good."
I softly responded with "Mm," looking at the person before me.
Seeing him in a suit, with warm eyes, and his clear eyes reflecting the image of a rose, looking as lazy as a honorable king.
He was much more normal now.
He no longer restricted my movements.
He no longer frantically asked where I was going, no longer so sensitive, self-blaming, no longer crying while questioning why I was talking to another man in pictures.
Everything was getting better.
The sun was warm and gentle, yet the fabric of his suit felt cool to the touch.
I leaned against Lucas's shoulder.
He cooperatively wrapped his arm around my waist. "If you're tired, just sleep. I'll carry you later."
"Mm."
I smiled and closed my eyes.
My fingertips grasped the button on his chest, feeling the warmth. I had found my safe harbor in this strange world.
"Lucas."
I whispered, "I love you, very much, so much."
I couldn't change the painful memories of his childhood.
But I would smooth over those pains with the beauty of the future.
I would try my best to hold him, soothe the beast within him, and give him a happy, complete life.
