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Sunday was outside in the garden picking flowers to make into a flower crown. Today was his mothers birthday, so he wanted to do something really special for her!
His sister was leaning against his back, talking out loud of what kind of gift she should give their mother.
“It has to be something really good right? I would draw a spell for her but I’m still learning…” she moped, slouching forward. Robin was still in the beginning phases of learning how to do magic, soon enough the two of them will be off with masters to learn.
Something about the reminder made him feel bittersweet, he doesn’t know if he and Robin will have the same master…
Mentally he shook those thoughts away, they still had a year, now’s not the time to dwell on that right now, “what about that tune you were humming? Are you working on a new melody?”
Robin shifted off of Sundays back to lay down on the grass, picking at it, “Yeah…I think I’m almost done with it but I don’t know if mama would like that…she deserves something special!”
Sunday set his flower crown to the side, ruffling his sister's lilac hair, “Silly, mama will adore anything you sing! Remember how her eyes lit up when you sang your first original song? Of course she’ll love it!” He exclaimed, remembering the memory fondly.
A giggle was heard from the younger sibling as she pushed Sunday's hand away, “That is true! Alright then I’ll do that! Thanks brother!”
The two remained in the garden, Sunday finishing up his flower grown, while robins singing filled the air. They stayed out there until the sun began to set, only then did the two start heading back inside.
They huddled close to the two, giggling as they whispered down from three. Then at the same time both of them opened the door, “Suprise! Happy-“
A happy day, a day for celebration, a day for a wonderful memory, was soon shattered as they saw the sight in front of them. There on the floor laid their mother, her skin was pale as a ghost, her once shining eyes looked distant, and the most horrifying part of all was seeing a blood trail down from her mouth.
“Mom!” Sunday cried out as he rushed over, the flower grown he spent so long to make was quickly disregarded. As soon as the petals hit the ground they immediately wilted and shriveled up.
He collapsed next to mother, urgently shaking her shoulder, “Mom? Mom please wake up!” He begged, trying anything to wake up.
Nothing worked.
“Robin, go get help! She needs a-“ he called looking behind him…only to not see Robin there. She was there just a second ago! Where did she go!?
“Robin! Robin, where are you! This is not the time to play games!” He cried out only to be met with silence.
Just then the room seemed to have shifted, the wooden walls of their cabin turned into stone bricks, the floor beneath where the rug used to be vanished and was replaced with cold stone, the lighting that once held so much warmth dimmed to almost complete darkness.
Footsteps echoed around Sunday. He hunched over his mother trying to protect whatever was in here, it was all he could do.
“This is an easy fix Sunday.” A voice spoke out in the abyss, one that sent a chill down his spine every time he heard it, “You can easily help your mother, you know how to do it, I taught you how.”
“No! I-it’s forbidden magic! We can’t…we aren’t allowed to…” he shouted back to the voice, holding his mother closer.
The voice tsked, “so many rules and for what? Don’t you want your mother to get better? Don’t you wish that everyone who deals with a sickness like this doesn’t meet this fate? Shouldn’t we all be living in a paradise where magic can cure diseases? Heal injuries? Maybe even cure death?”
It all sounded so tempting, because magic should be able to help people, why couldn’t they just heal the body? He didn’t understand. He didn’t want to lose his mama. But he couldn’t, it was a law for a reason, besides if he tried anything like that, and if the knights found out then he would forget everything…he would forget his mama, he would forget how to do magic…he would forget about Robin.
“With you and me together the two of us can make all these laws disappear, and we can create a new one in our ideal paradise! Where there is no non-witches, where we can cure anything! Doesn’t that sound wonderful Sunday? Your mother thinks so.”
The body laid in Sunday lap shift, a raspy gasp leaving his mothers mouth as her eyes looked up to him, “…don’t you want mama to feel better? Do you still love me?”
Tears flowed down Sundays face his whole body shaking as his mother sat up, more blood poured from her mouth as her ice cold hands cupped his face.
“Fix me, my sweet child, you know how.”
“N-no I don’t, I-I want to, I do!”
“Liar!” She hissed, some of her blood spitting onto his face.
He wanted to run, he wanted to push her away, wanted to scream. But he couldn’t, this was his mother! But he didn’t know…
“P-please mama stop, you're scaring me! I really don’t! I barely can do basic magic!” He pleaded, wincing as her finger nails dug into his cheeks.
“LIAR! LIAR! LIAR! YOU DO NOT LOVE YOUR MOTHER YOU HORRIBLE SELFISH—“
Sunday bolted up gasping, his frame trembling, a cold sweat dripping down his forehead, as tears poured out of his eyes. His golden eyes frantically looked around his surroundings, there was no body of his mother, there were no stone bricks or cold floor, there was no voice of gopher wood. Instead he saw his wooden desk; the lamp was still on and his journal was still open, his red and black cloak hanging off the back of the chair. He looked at the door that was the frame of the express’s, not like the one at his old cabin. Then he looked out the window, it was still dark out, with overcast sky’s covering the moon and stars.
Only then did he finally let out a shaky breath, running his hands through his hair, “Just a dream…I-it was just a dream.”
Was it though?
He smacked his head, trying to get rid of the thought. Usually when he had nightmares they were mainly about Gopher Wood, how he treated him, doing the forbidden magic the man wanted him to do. He rarely ever had dreams about his mother, the only time he did was when…
Slowly Sunday got out of his bed, walking over to his journal. Glancing at the top left corner of the book was a date, ‘09/17/XXXX’.
Assuming it was early in the morning now it was the eighteenth…which meant it was his mothers birthday. And also the day that she died.
He shut the journal. Placing it to the side not wanting to look at the date anymore.
Instead of returning to bed - it’s not like he would go back to sleep anyway - Sunday sat on the floor below the window. He brought his knees to his chest, resting his forehead against his knees, and just sat.
It’ll just be like every year. Don’t make a scene in front of your new masters and companions.
March 7th, the twins, and Dan Heng were all in the study car, either practicing spells or doing some reading.
Caelus and Stelle were huddled up around the table, examining the lightning ball they had created. It was still a little unstable but it was better than last time when sparks were flying everywhere, so that’s good!
“I think we needa adjust a few things, but improvement!” Caelus chimed high-fiving Stelle. March 7th walked over to the two, her eyes sparkling seeing their creation.
“Nice work you two! It’s much more formed compared to your first attempt!” She giggled, making the two faces heat up. The lighting ball soon faded, Caelus placing the spell in his note book before grabbing another book and flipping through the pages.
“We wanna expand on this a little more to maybe make something out of it, not entirely sure yet but we gotta get the basics down first!” Stelle crossed her arms with a grin on her face.
The door to the car opened revealing Welt, he had a grin on his face, walking over to the three at the table to ruffle their heads, “how’s studying going?”
“Good professor! Me and Caelus' lighting spell has improved a bit more! Caelus shows him!”
The gray hair nodded, flipping his note book back open again to the spell. He connected the lines, seconds later small electric sparks formed, they were at first long strips before curling into themselves to make a sphere shape, a small buzzing sound could be heard as it was taking shape. Welt leaned in slightly to examine, seeing how the lighting sphere would shift but form back together again.
The smile already one his face grew more to one of profoundness seeing the improvment, once again ruffling the twins hair, “very nice you two! Your work is paying off!”
“Thanks professor!”
March 7th then tugged on his sleeve, a grin from ear to ear in her face, “Can you come see my spell next professor? It’s not much but I think you would really like it!” Welt chuckled but nodded, letting March 7th guide him over to where she was working.
On the ground were three sculptures of ice, one was of a Pegasus, another was of some bunny creature, and the last one was of a Brushbud. Though what was the most surprising was that none of them had melted yet.
“I’ll call it six phase ice! The ice lasts longer compared to normal ice spells! I’m still working on it but I thought it was good practice with making cute little ice figures!” March exclaimed, picking the bunny creature up and placing it in welts hand.
Another surprise was that the ice wasn’t too cold, it was cooling his hand but not drastically so, “This is wonderful March! The little figures are very adorable as well. Good work kiddo!” He passed the ice sculpture back to her, patting her pink hair, earning a giggling before she sat back down and got back to work.
Welt then glanced over to Dan Heng who was sitting on one of the couches. He hadn’t spoken much since welt entered, keeping his eyes focused on the book he was reading. Welt walked over sitting next to him, “how about you Dan Heng? Working on anything?”
The question got the other to lower his book slightly, shaking his head, “Not today. Just reading about some history of the time before the pack, I’m mostly just in here so the twins don’t explode anything, again.”
“Heyyyy-!” They both whined from the side, then contemplated, “ok fair.”
Welt couldn’t help but laugh at that, it wouldn’t have been the first time, and probably wouldn’t be the last. Though he can confidently say neither of them have done that in the past several weeks, so that too is also improvement.
As he glanced around though he had noticed there was one apprentice missing. Thinking back to this morning as well, Sunday hadn’t joined them for breakfast, Welt had assumed he may have been asleep still, but it was now afternoon and he was still nowhere to be seen.
“Has anyone seen Sunday by the way?” The question made all of them pause for a moment, they all glanced at each other before back to welt shaking their heads.
“No…I went and knocked on his door earlier to see if he wanted to practice with us,” March began, clutching onto one of her sculptures, “But he didn’t answer, I just thought maybe he was still asleep or something…”
Silence settled upon the room, it wasn’t usual for Sunday to sleep in this late unless something happened the night previously. The fact he hasn’t shown his face at all concerned the older man.
Pushing himself up with his cane, he looked to them all, “I’ll go check on him, you all keep working.” He said softly before leaving the car.
The four kids stayed quiet even after welt left, concerned forming in all of them. Sunday hasn’t been with them for very long, but they all cared about him a lot, there were some days before where something like this happened. Usually by now he would come out of his room and just sit silently with them but something must’ve happened…something really bad to make him do this.
“I hope he’s ok. Now that I think about it he looked kinda…bad yesterday.” Caleus mumbled, fidgeting with the edge of his paper.
Dan Heng frowned remembering how little food Sunday had eaten last night. Before they went to bed he tried to ask if he was alright, but Sunday just smiled and said he was fine. Not wanting to push or pry Dan Heng just…let it go, now he sorta regrets that…
“I’m sure professor Yang will help. When Sundays need it, we’ll be there for him like he was for us in the past.” He said softly, placing his book to the side. Everyone nodded in agreement, all they can do is wait.
Welt stood in front of Sunday's door, he hadn’t knocked yet. Merely just listening for a moment, though all that greeted him was silence. Finally he raised his knuckles and knocked against the wood, leaning in slightly, “Sunday? Are you awake?”
Nothing.
His frown only deepened, he knocked again, “Kiddo is everything alright? You weren’t at breakfast this morning or didn’t respond to March earlier…” he paused for a moment, waiting for any sorts of response, when he heard nothing he continued, “Sunday I need some sort of confirmation to know you're in there, I’ll give you a minute but I am gonna have to come in if you don’t answer by then.”
Luckily though it didn’t have to come to that, soft scuffling could be heard on the other side, before the door cracked open.
When Amber's eyes saw the boy his heart was cracking. Sunday looked like a wreck, his hair was disheveled, pajamas crinkled, there were dark circles under his eyes, and it looked like he had been crying…
With some effort Welt had knelt down to Sunday's eye level, “Sunday? What happened?” He asked gently, not wanting to bombarded him with so many questions while in this state.
Sunday shrugged, hiding more behind the door. This was ridiculous, he was already making a scene of something he should’ve gotten over years ago. It didn’t matter, and yet why did every year came around this time, did it hurt so much?
“Do you want to talk about it?”
It felt like such an easy question, like something simply he can just do. But it wasn’t, it was never easy, he rarely ever talked about his mother, he doesn’t think anyone beside Robin and Gopher Wood actually knows what happened to her. When he was still under gopher woods apprenticeship and the day of her death came Sunday couldn’t mourn, gopher wood stated that ‘people die all the time, you can grieve for a little while but it shouldn’t be years.’. He said that it would make Sunday lose his focus with studying, and look where he was. Enclosing himself in his room not doing anything but crying.
This is why you should never doubt him, you should be the one with your memory wiped, not him. You're nothing but a waste of space anyway. He would probably just laugh at you, just like gopher wood, knowing that you're still crying about your mother who died years ago. And you did nothing, you didn’t do anything even when you could, you killed her, you killed your own mother.
“Sunday?” Welts' voice called out, making Sunday snap back into reality realizing he hasn’t responded yet. There was worry in his eyes, making a knot form in his stomach.
He opened and closed his mouth, trying to form words but nothing came out. Instead he went back into his room to grab his journal. Flipping to yesterday's entry before walking back to welt holding it out to him. Grateful the man didn’t question his trembling hand as he reached the journal.
Welt scanned the words on the paper, there wasn’t much to read, but it gave him every context he needed to know. And it broke his heart even more.
“09/17/XXXX,
It’s going to be another year tomorrow. Exactly 7 years since mom died…My nightmares have been getting worse, I don’t feel like eating, should I get flowers? I don’t know. I haven’t in the past so what would change now?
I miss her.”
“Oh Sunday…I’m so sorry I…I had no idea.” He whispered, lowering the book. Welt had a small suspicion something must’ve happened to Sunday's parents because no one else came to visit him when he was at the medical spire, and the only person he contacted was his sister through letters. He may have thought it was a similar situation to Dan Heng, but this…
Sunday sniffled rubbing his eyes, “I don’t really talk about it…it happened a long time ago, but yet I-I’m still a mess every year when it happens.” He huffed a laugh, more tears forming in his eyes, “it’s dumb, I’m supposed to be over it by now but-but-“
Before he could say more welt stopped him, “Sunday, you have every reason to grieve about what happened to your mother. She was someone very important to you, and how you’re reacting shows that she loved you and your sister very much.” He started holding out his hand, Sunday took it and welt squeezed it gently, “it doesn’t matter how long it has been, mourning a loss of a loved one is not dumb, she was your mother, your family so it is more than ok to cry about her loss.”
The tears couldn’t stop falling, stifle sobs left his trembling lips, as he grasped onto Welt's hand tightly.
Stop crying, embarrassing yourself, your being weak, man up for once in your pathetic life!
But he couldn’t, he couldn’t because it hurt so much, and for the first time in years he could openly grieve about how much it hurt. Maybe later he would regret it, maybe later he would shun himself for being so childish. Right now though he just missed his mom.
“I-I miss her so much…! She died on her…on her birthday! I-it was supposed to be a happy day and she…!” He sobbed, welt pulling him into a hug that he desperately clung onto, “it’s not fair! She shouldn’t have died…! It’s not fair!”
All welt could do was rock Sunday back and forth, whispering apologies and condolences. The boy continued to sob and sob, saying over how much he missed his mother.
It took a long while before Sunday eventually calmed down where his sobs were just sniffles. He pulled back looking down, feeling slightly embarrassed Welt had to deal with one of his break downs, again. It happened a lot since he’s gotten here, he really doesn’t understand how or why, he used to not be like this at all. But since becoming Welt's apprentice he feels like the complete opposite sometimes of how he used to be…and he still doesn’t know how to feel about it.
One of Welt's hands remained on his shoulder, a grounding presents, “is there anything you would like to do? Either for you or her?”
A minute passed, conflicted about the question. When her anniversary of her passing would come usually Sunday would just be holed up in the library at Gopher Woods old manor, whether he liked it or not. Usually it would help distract him, keeping himself busy until the day was over…but he wasn’t there anymore, meaning that he could actually…visit her.
“…could we go to her grave? I-I haven’t done it in a long while but…when I was younger I would make a blue flower for her.” He muttered, folding his hand together, preparing for welt to disapprove like gopher wood did everytime.
“Of course we can, would you like the others to come too or just you and me?”
It still sometimes surprises Sunday how very different and kind welt was. Even when sometimes Sunday doesn’t deserve it at all.
He nodded, “t-the others can come. I…I wanna tell mama about all the new friends I’ve made.” And for the first time today a small smile twitched upon Sunday's face.
Welt smiled in return, “ok, I’ll go tell the others and you do what you need to before we leave alright?”
“Ok. Thank you professor.”
As welt stood he patted Sunday's head, “Of course kiddo, I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you again.”
A few hours passed since then, the Astral Express group were walking along the gravel path. Himeko and Welt took the lead while the kids walked behind them. It was mostly quiet amongst the group, unsure what to really talk about.
Sunday was between Dan Heng and March 7th. Holding a bouquet of different colors of blue flowers he had grown before coming here. When he was younger, and was still allowed, he would always bring his mother blue flowers. It was one of her favorite two colors, right next to purple. Though he wasn’t the only one as well that brought a bouquet.
In March 7th free hand that wasn’t wrapped around his arm, she was holding pink flowers, Dan Heng were teal and white, the twins yellow and golden, Himeko red, and welt were a mixture of ferns and grey flowers. When he first saw them all making their own it got him a little choked up, wondering why they would do this, all of them stating they too wanted to show her respect and give a present. It made him happy than they could ever know.
They climbed upon a small hill, until reaching the top where a tree with yellow leaves that looked like the sun were. Resting underneath the shade was a singular gravestone, in front already laid a bouquet of purple flowers.
It shouldn’t have surprised Sunday, knowing that Robin was here at some point. He still hasn’t seen her face to face yet…the most the two of them have communicated was through letters. Maybe one day he would be ready to face her, to tell her about everything that has happened…but he still needed to heal a bit more.
“Would you like to go first Sunday?” Himeko asked, glancing behind her, “we can set up while you talk to her?”
Sunday glance to the grave stone before returning to Himeko, nodding and clutching his bouquet slightly more to his chest.
Before he walked over, Dan Heng had tugged at his sleeve, “do you…want any of us to come with? Or would you like to be alone?”
He contemplated for a bit, appreciative of Dan Heng’s offer, “I’ll…I’ll be ok, thank you though.” With that he walked over to the grave. Despite it being years since he’s last visited, it was still well taken care of, the carvings in the stone were neat and clean, nothing had overgrown onto the stone, and the little stone carving of a bird still laid intact on top.
For a moment all Sunday did was stood there, he could hear the shuffles and soft chatter of everyone else behind him as they set up a little picnic. Welt had suggested that they could have a small lunch, picnic thing, to celebrate. At first he thought it was a silly idea, who would celebrate a dead person's birthday? But the notion was really nice, so he couldn’t say no.
Carefully he knelt down, worried if he did anything else he would crush not only his flowers but robins too. Sunday settled the bouquet against the stone, placing his hands back onto his lap, grasping his pants.
What was he supposed to say? He felt so…awkward talking to someone that won’t hear his words. What should he even talk about? He would rather not mention anything about the whole gopher wood situation, after last night's dream…
Do you really love your own mother? You haven’t seen her in years, couldn’t even bother. You should be ashamed of yourself, you are so ungrateful that you don’t deserve to live. Just do it no one would care, go-
“Hi mom…” his words were so quiet, barely above a whisper, “Sorry it’s been a while. I probably look a lot different compared to how you last saw me huh?” A strained smile was plastered onto his face.
Idiot.
“There were…reasons, some out of my control, but I am…happier with where I’m at now.” He continued despite his mind whispering venomous words, “I changed my masters, Professor Yang is really nice, Miss Himeko takes really good care of us. I think you would like them, and with how Robin speaks fondly of her master I’m sure you would’ve liked her too. So…” Sunday sniffled, it’s barely been thirty minutes and he was getting misty eyed, “So we’re ok, y-you don’t have to worry or-“
It was supposed to be easier, it was supposed to be nicer. Just a little chat, a picnic, a gathering. Yet here he was crying once again. Why had he become such a cry baby again? Welt said it was ok for him to cry, to mourn, but a part of him still hated this part about himself.
A hand settled upon his shoulder, causing him to flinch. Looking back it was Stelle, she had a slight frown on her face, she probably heard him sobbing and came to check in on him.
You don’t deserve it.
Caelus wasn’t too far behind, that same worried expression that Stelle had. The two really were twins, down to every facial expression they make they were nearly the same.
Sunday wiped his eyes, “S-sorry, I’m fine just having a little moment.” He tried to play it off, but it was easy enough that they both weren't buying it.
The two sat down on either sides of him, stelles hand remaining on his shoulder, while Caelus had placed down their flowers they had brought against the grave, “Hope you like them Miss Elowen.” He mumbled before grabbing one of Sunday's hands into his.
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound was Sunday's sniffles and shuttered breathing.
“I’m sure she would be really happy and proud to see you now. Probably be gushing about you and Robin to everyone she knows.” Stelle smirked, earning a small laugh from Sunday. It wasn’t much but she’ll take it. Her and Caelus didn’t know if they had any parents, or really any other family besides them, so they couldn’t really understand the pain Sunday was going through right now. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t still be here for him.
They would ensure Sunday wouldn’t feel alone again. As well as everyone else too.
Soon enough March 7th and Dan Heng also joined, placing their flowers down along with the others. They circled around Sunday, March resting her chin on his shoulder, while Dan Heng sat back giving some space. Himeko and Welt joined soon enough, same as the others placing their bouquets down before sitting next to everyone.
No one said anything, just simply letting the silence flow through like the breeze surrounding them.
Why did it make Sunday want to break down even harder? It was so ridiculous, he couldn’t understand any of his emotions anymore. It was really pathetic, he was supposed to be a witch, witches shouldn’t have so many melt downs in the past twenty four hours. But no one judged, no one criticized, no one pushed. They just sat there, giving him quiet support. It still felt so odd to him, how people could be so kind, but for years he didn’t get any of it until only recently.
Slowly he turned around to face March, before practically collapsing onto her. It startled the pink hair, but she understood the message as she wrapped her arms around him tightly. She gave good hugs, one that felt like it could cure any sadness.
He felt more arms wrap around him until his whole body was consumed in warmth. He sobbed, maybe even wailed, he wasn’t sure everything felt so muddled to him right now. Time just seemed unreal at the moment, but he was glad it was. Because he was with good people that cared about him, and not alone.
At some point they wandered over to the blanket they had placed down. Everyone ate the lovely lunch himeko and welt made for them, the first meal Sunday had in a bit. He nibbled on some fruit, Dan Heng gently encouraging him to have more, Sunday did eventually. Caelus and Stelle were doing some tricks in the air with their soar-boots. It cheered him up a bit. At some point too March had shown off her new spell that made small ice figures, she had made one for him in the shape of a bird, it was really nice. Even with everything going on inside of him, he was still able to smile with the nice gestures.
The sun dipped further down in the horizon, meaning it was time to go. Everything was packed and the window way was situated up, everyone pretty much had gone through except for Sunday and welt.
The older one looked to the silver hair, “do you want to stay a little longer? I don’t mind waiting.”
Sunday shook his head lightly, pulling out his note book flipping to a specific spell. When he activated it, small orbs of light sprouted out from the page, as they drifted towards the grave they took on more of a shape. They grew slimmer, wings growing from their side, as a small halo formed on the back of its head. When they reached the grave they held hands, circling around, lighting it up as it grew more dark.
“I just didn’t want her to be in the dark…” Sunday spoke, placing his book back into his pocket before joining the man. Reaching up to grasp his hand.
Welt squeezed it, smiling slightly as he glanced back over to the grave, “I’m sure she appreciates it.”
The two of them went through the window way. One second they were outside in the cool air, the next they were back in the comforting air of the express atelier. It was nice to be back after such a taxing day.
For the rest of the evening everyone kept him company, doing little things to either keep him distracted or perk him up a little. Dinner rolled around quicker than expected, they all ate, cleaned their dishes, and soon enough headed to bed.
March 7th had asked him if he wanted to do a sleepover, to which Sunday had declined. While he appreciated what everyone did for him today, he needed the rest of the night alone. Everyone had given him one last hug before retiring.
Closing the door Sunday glanced around his room, exactly how it was when he left this morning. The bed was made perfectly, chair tucked in, cloaked folded with cap placed on top of it, everything neatly in its place. He walked over to the desk, pulling his journal out and opening to a new fresh page. Just like every night he wrote down the date, though for his actual journal entry he paused, unsure of what to write.
So much had happened today, good and bad, a lot of different complex emotions like he dealt with everyday since being here. He really didn’t know where to begin with it all, similar to the rest of his journal entries because he’s learning so much about…everything. But this was different, it was a different subject compared to all of that.
A thought crossed his mind, as he put his pen on the paper and began to write. It wasn’t much but thought it would be appropriate.
“09/18/XXXX
Happy birthday mama, I hope you like the flowers. I promise I’ll visit more, I’m sure everyone else wants to as well. I’ll see Robin soon and the two of us will come see you together. Rest well.”
Sunday closed the journal, placing back where it belonged. He then changed into his night gown before settling in his bed, as soon as his head hit the pillow exhaustion quickly overtook him.
For the rest of the evening Sunday remained asleep this time. The nightmares didn’t get to him tonight, instead he had a good dream. His mom was there, Robin was there, and everyone in the atelier was there. Even if he was asleep a genuine smile formed on his face, it was a wonderful dream.