The night progresses, and a pervasive sense of unity lingers in the air, as if all presents were interwoven threads in a tapestry of celebration. Even those who once regarded Emilia with disdain are now integral to this shared joy.
Laughter, cheers, and wine flow as the festivities unfold. Amidst the revelry, I endeavor to restrain Emilia, concerned for her well-being amidst the exuberance.
However, she liberates herself from my grasp with a playful determination.
"Look at what I have created," I remark to Rem, who stands beside me, also holding a wine glass. Otto is in the midst of attempting to halt Emilia, who seems determined to fully embrace the revelry.
"Miss Emilia must have exerted considerable effort, but she will be fine," Rem responds, taking a sip from her glass. Despite my concerns, the excitement in the atmosphere is palpable and contagious.
The passage of over three hours has not diminished the warmth and energy of the moment.
Though my feet begin to resent the constant dancing, I cannot help but smile at the cheerful insistence of the young women and surprisingly, the single mothers, to share a dance with me.
I suppose my position as the mayor of Irlam has unexpectedly made me an attraction at this celebration. Rem, with her characteristic mischief, playfully nudges me in the side.
"Who would have thought, eh? Marco, the gentleman sought after by both young women and single mothers. Your fame is growing."
I smile with a touch of discomfort, aware that this situation is part of my position and the festive atmosphere. Several women have requested a dance with me, and to maintain the spirit of the party, I have accepted every invitation, regardless of the requester.
My gaze settles on Rem, appreciating the elegance and beauty of the dress she wears. I cannot help but notice how sophisticated and lovely she looks.
"Did you design that dress?" I inquire, intrigued by her ability to create something so charming.
Rem smiles, an expression that seems to illuminate the night.
"Do you like it?" she responds, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, proudly showcasing her dress.
Rem is another person who has changed significantly, but no, change does not imply ceasing to be oneself.
What she was has not ceased to be.
Changing does not mean being different; it just means being a little more.
"To see someone as beautiful as you, anyone would be delighted," I tell Rem with a smile, discreetly pointing to a few men who seem eager to invite her to dance.
She responds with a giggle, clearly amused by my comment.
"Well, after you rejected me, I had to improve, right?" she teases, sticking her tongue out in a playful gesture. "But, in reality, I feel comfortable with who I am now."
I lean slightly towards her, extending my hand with a smile as I look directly into her sparkling eyes. Her surprise is evident, but she quickly recovers and accepts my hand.
"I know I rejected you in the past," I say, now determined to go with the flow. "Would you grant me the honor of dancing with you?"
Rem's eyes widen in astonishment for a moment, but then she regains her composure and gracefully takes my hand.
"Rejecting someone like the mayor could have consequences; you're a trickster," she responds with a playful smile as I stand up.
We gaze at each other, sharing a silent complicity as we approach. The music is soft and serene, a welcome respite after the more energetic rhythms we experienced earlier. Our bodies naturally adjust in the dance, with short steps leading to small turns.
I feel her warmth close, and when she looks up to meet my gaze, the connection between us deepens.
"I never imagined we would dance like this together," Rem comments with a smile as her eyes meet mine.
We haven't had a bad relationship since that episode, and what I said back then was not meant to hurt her but rather to distance her from ideas that were not good for her.
At this moment, anyone seeking a relationship with me would be in danger, and Rem's presence painfully reminds me of someone I don't want to see suffer again.
"Well, we're friends, so it's okay to dance," I add sincerely, acknowledging that we have managed to build a solid friendship.
She smiles, and my gaze meets Otto's, who watches me with a penetrating look.
"Otto, how are you?" I ask, smiling at him.
My curious and gossip-loving nature is still present; it never changes. Rem takes a moment to think as we continue moving to the rhythm of the music.
Dancing is a way to feel a unique connection with another person, a way to communicate without the need for words.
I notice Beatrice asleep in a nearby chair, reminding me of my childhood and gatherings where inevitably some child ended up sleeping in their seat. I was one of them, next to the sound systems.
Suddenly, a chuckle escapes my lips without warning, catching Rem's attention.
"Marco?" she asks when the song comes to an end, offering a brief break that, for me, is more than enough.
I nod with a smile, aware that, at this moment, letting go in the joy and camaraderie is precisely what we need.
"I'm sorry, seeing Beatrice in that state brought back a small happy memory from my own world," I explain as we watch Beatrice asleep in the chair.
"She has changed a lot; the transformation she has undergone is undeniable," Rem responds, both of us sharing a meaningful look towards Beatrice.
Yes, we all evolve over time. I wonder if I also have the right to change or if I have already lost that opportunity.
"So..." I resume the conversation, seeking Rem's opinion.
"He's a very pleasant and intelligent person, radiating a bit of your essence, making people feel they can entrust her with their problems," Rem comments, placing her hand on my chest as if trying to grasp something beyond words. "Your presence is like that of someone who has been through a lot but also like someone who enjoys helping."
I am astonished by her observation and cannot help but open my eyes with surprise as she speaks of my "aura." I watch Rem's back as she continues to talk, reflecting on the image we project to others.
"You inspire trust because you know how to listen, and that is truly important. Although what you say is valuable too, simply listening makes the heart feel a bit lighter," Rem concludes, offering me a final look before heading towards Otto.
I watch her walk away, grateful for her words and her insightful perception of me. I give a thumbs-up in response to Otto's gaze before sighing with a smile as my eyes gaze into the sky.
"Yes, we all move forward in life, but there are things that we sometimes must sacrifice," I murmur to myself, reflecting on the paths each must take.
The party continues with vitality, and as the children are led to rest, the adults remain, conversing and enjoying each other's company.
I observe Emilia, who seems to be maintaining her composure, trying not to let the celebration led her to excess. I appreciate her self-control and the fact that she has learned to moderate herself, which makes me feel relieved.
However, a small pang of pain pierces my heart.
Luan and Crusch are not here.
Although I don't really know Luan, I suspect she has a profound background, and seeing her in her current situation motivates me to want to help her. And Crusch, of course, is also absent.
But, no matter how many emotions may arise, my duty will not change.
Morning arrives, bathing us in the warm embrace of the sun. Most people have left, leaving about ten in total, engaging in lively conversations.
Emilia seems already tired, though she continues to participate in the talks.
Rem has withdrawn with Otto, while Alsten and Frederica remain together. Lucas is with his wife, the elderly man is also present, and Baltazar is accompanied by two friends.
The party has come to an end, and it is time to bid farewell. I ascend the stage, capturing the attention of all present.
As I contemplate the sun, my mind travels to another time, unearthing older memories of my life. The warm embrace of its radiance envelops me, and memories flow in my mind with such force that I cannot help but be carried away by them.
My mind plunges into the past, transporting me to those days when my father was present, sitting with me on his lap. I can evoke his voice, its gentle and loving tone.
I remember his narrative, so vivid in my memory that my heart contracts with nostalgia at the freshness of that moment.
"When the sun reveals its golden face."
His voice was so sweet, and the scent of coffee filled the air, saturating my senses.
"And light spills over the horizon."
I recall his gaze, fixed on me, as he held a book of notes. My mother watched us with a smile, radiating love and pride.
"The heavens whisper an immutable truth."
Regrets seize me. I miss them both, no matter how much time has passed.
I regret not showing them my success, not sharing with them my triumph and well-being.
I regret not visiting my mother's grave, not accompanying my father in his struggle at the hospital.
However, amid my regrets, a warm sensation envelops me, a feeling that seems to emanate from the sun itself. Its rays caress me, as if wanting to embrace me and bring forth more memories.
"A new day is born, a blank canvas."
The emotions I hold deep within my heart, the unsaid words and unexpressed gestures, seem to weigh heavier with each passing moment.
However, I know I must be strong.
"With every dawn, you have the chance to reinvent yourself."
I must move forward; I must advance.
"And start anew," I raise my voice, striving not to be overwhelmed by the pain. "Don't dwell on the past."
I miss them so much...
But I know they wouldn't want me to suffer in their name. They gave their lives to see me smile, to see me shine. They did everything possible to forge in me a strong, happy, and capable man.
Their legacy lives in me, and it's time to remember that.
A forgotten part of that memory emerges, a phrase that resonates with meaning in this moment.
"So..." I close my eyes for a moment, and upon opening them, my gaze meets Emilia's. "Open your wings."
Our eyes meet, a silent exchange of understanding and support. Emilia holds her chest, and her smile radiates warmth.
"Toward a brighter tomorrow."