August 25, Summer, year 20

Pony called earlier, and wanted to know if I needed any company It's easy to hear that she's been crying. My poor little sister. I told her I was alright, but if she wanted me to come over for a while I'd be there.

I might just do it tomorrow anyways, despite the fact that she said I should take care of my own farm… Poor thing, even with Gray there, Mom and Dad's loss is still so hard for her.

I don't think anyone's going to be at the beach tonight, so I can float my flower in peace. Muffy offered, but she has work, and no one else likes going to the ocean at night.

But it's okay. I think I'd rather it just be me floating a flower tonight. Getting back is going to be fun… There's a storm blowing in, so it's going to be black as pitch soon. I'd better get moving.

Claire felt melancholic, but not overly sad, despite it being a sad sort of festival. She was the only one who'd lost family at sea, so it made sense that she was the only one who was going to float a flower for her family's spirits.

She had ordered the flower special from Basil over in Flowerbud village, and had dug up the moonlight stone herself. It would float on the waves, a small light for the souls of her parents to see and ascend to.

The walk down was almost silent. Creatures were dug in to weather out one of the final storms of the season, people were at the Bar or at home, and it was just how Claire wanted it.

No one to give her sympathy, or pity, or even just to watch. Just a girl carrying a large flower and a glowing rock down to the beach. Oddly enough she actually started feeling a touch… jaunty about the whole thing.

"I swear, there's something wrong with me," she sighed as she passed Gustafa's yurt. "Being cheerful on such a solemn night… What the heck?"

But she couldn't stop a faint smile from crossing her lips as she stepped onto the sand.

The beach was absolutely deserted, and Kai's snack food stand was closed down, had been closed since past six, as she well knew. Absurdly, she found herself wanting one of his shaved ices, and promised to treat herself to home-made ice cream once she was done here.

She kicked off her shoes and waded carefully into the water, cradling the flower gently in her hands. She hadn't planned to say anything, but the solitude of the beach prompted her.

"Hey Mom, hey Dad," she said softly. "I just want you to know that I'm doing okay, and so is Pony and Jack. Jack's engaged to Eve and they're gonna get married this winter. And I'm pretty sure Gray is close to proposing to Pony!"

Her mother would have loved to help with the wedding, Claire knew. And she could almost hear the scolding over herself not having someone as well. Wanting to quell her 'inner mother,' she kept on.

"I've met someone too. He's really annoying sometimes, and one of the People of the Moon, but he's kind underneath it all. I don't know how much he might like me, but I care for him quite a bit. So don't worry, okay? Go up to the heavens and know that all three farms are being looked after well.

"Mom… I love you Mom. You too Dad. Thanks for always letting me go my own way."

She swallowed hard a couple of times, fighting tears, and placed the flower on the waves, then stood and watched it until the tiny star could be seen no more, taking the time to regain her control

For a few seconds, the sea breeze wrapped around her, caressing her gently like the hands of her parents. A tear fell then, but only the one, and she gave a brave smile to the cloud-covered sky overhead.

"It's okay…" she whispered. "I'm okay…"

And then she turned, and made her silent way home.

I feel… fine, actually. A little sad, a little lonely but.. good. Something's easing in me, I think.

Haa… The wind's picking up. Better go to bed before I get jumped by unhappy kitties.