While Vilasini never did truly get to know her true parents, the girl had thankfully been adopted by an older shifter who she considered a mother. It was just unfortunate that the older woman had passed almost seven years ago and even now Vilasini still mourned her passing. Unlike the fuzzy memories of her parents she still recalled Vera with vivid details and so much fondness. The way she smelled of baked bread, the warmth of her hug and the odd trill of her laughter whenever something truly amused her. Just thinking about all of those things made Vilasini tear up as she curled up in her bed at night with the loneliness aching in her chest. Thankfully as the years passed with Rek the pain somewhat grew dimmer or rather she grew around it and adapted to life without the kind shifter who had originally saved her so many years ago. Still, it was hard not to cry some nights when she was left alone while Rek went on his ventures for work but at least now Sini cried more out of bittersweet feelings instead of just pure sorrow.

The worst time was the anniversary of Vera’s passing but at least Sini never dealt with that alone since Rek would always make certain to be home for that week to be by the girl’s side. The pair of them would light incense in memory of the older woman and place her favorite golden flowers around her grave so that she would never feel lonely. Sini had even managed to get a shrub of the flowers to grow around the isolated burial site, the scent of the flowers always catching her attention whenever she stopped by to spend time with Vera and tell her the latest stories of her life with Rek.

“Did you know that at first I thought Rek absolutely despised me? I felt like some stray who he couldn’t get rid of but had to endure.” Teased Sini during one of the visits as she reflected on things. “When you passed he seemed so strange in that house and then later when we moved to Neued I thought it was because he hated living back at the place we had shared. But he actually went out of his way to try to find a safer place for me to stay while he worked! Can you imagine? Your son was so very considerate and kind after all, Vera. He’s just like you in a way but a bit more stoic so at first it’s hard to tell.” But the more Sini stayed around Rek the more she realized how caring he truly was and how he had gone out of his way to take care of her once Vera was gone. She too wanted to help take care of him now out of actual affection instead of feeling indebted to him because of his mother’s help. So in a way she had truly been adopted as family and felt like Rek was almost an older brother if not a father to her. “Thank you again Vera for taking care of me.” She whispered as she left another flower and waited for Rek to join her. They always spent the morning taking care of the burial site before spending the afternoon together cooking Vera’s favorite meal and sharing it for dinner.

“Pass the curry?” Rek called towards Vilasini, breaking her out of her reflections, and the girl blinked before handing over a bowl of the steaming curry. “It seems a bit spicier this year.” He mused as he tried a spoonful before carrying it over towards the table where a tray of bread and other side dishes awaited them. There were crisp veggies, rice cakes and everything that Vera enjoyed making for them. Sini had worked so hard to learn how to cook them during the years and thankfully Rek turned out to be an amazing cook already. Something about traveling all the time and learning how to take care of himself? Either way Sini could only smile as she followed him to the table and set her own bowl down. “I think we did a good job.” She commented with a grin towards the older Shifter. “Vera would be proud.”

“She would indeed.” Mused Rek with a sad smile before passing some of the freshly baked bread towards Sini. “She would also want us to make certain that we eat every bite so prepare yourself.” Sini could only grin at the thought before the pair started quietly eating while their thoughts roamed towards Vera and all of the happy memories their shared.

[774]