Sylphy hears my call and immediately begins to move.
We're on the same wavelength.
Sylphy takes them out from under the table.
Two large, beautifully wrapped boxes.
Sylphy hands one to Roxy.
Then Sylphy and Roxy each take one to Aisha and Norn.
"Happy 10th!"
"Happy birthday!"
Norn and Aisha both look completely baffled.
"But, we're already 11...?"
First time I have ever seen Aisha so baffled.
From the look on her face, even Aisha didn't expect that she would be receiving a present.
"Um. We didn't have a chance to celebrate for your 10th. Even though it's a little late, but Paul said within a year is fine."
"Onii-chan...?"
Aisha looks rather moved, hanging tightly to the box.
Then, she looks towards Lilia.
Lilia gently nods towards Aisha.
Aisha, unable to contain her excitement any longer, turns back to Sylphy.
"Can I open it?"
"Of course!"
With that said, Aisha and Norn begin to move.
Ready to tear through the wrapping paper.
But, in sync, they suddenly realize something.
Then slowly they unwrapped the ribbons and remove the pretty wrapping paper.
No clue why they're so in sync right now.
They really are sisters.
"Wah~, boots! Norn-ane what did you get?"
"Look, Aisha, I got a jacket!"
Looking over their presents, they laugh happily.
With them so happy, even us givers feel gratified.
Then, Lilia and Zenith come beside them.
"Mom, mama! Look look!"
Norn shows off her new jacket to Zenith.
As expected, no reaction from Zenith.
I feel a little pained seeing this.
Zenith used to be so frolicky in these situations.
She was so excited for my 5th, [How is it? I know exactly what Rudi wanted, right?] with those feelings she gave me a book as present.
If she was her normal self.
Then she would definitely be riled up like a little kid with Norn.
But the Zenith right now.
Looks blank.
Seeing that, I feel glum.
If she ever recovers and hears about Paul's death, will she show any pain?
But still, seeing her completely emotionless right now, it makes my chest hurt.
While I was thinking, just a for a brief moment--.
-- Zenith smiled.
"... Eh?"
And quickly her smile disappears.
Just for a moment.
Maybe only I saw it.
"Did she just... smile?"
No.
Everyone saw it.
Lilia, Aisha, Sylphy, Roxy too.
Everyone looking towards Zenith in shock.
".... Mother?"
The one that witnessed that smile face-to-face, with wide open eyes, tears gushing out as Norn looks at Zennith.
"..."