Mona, realizing her mistake after Carlos’s correction, finally understood the entire situation and mumbled a reluctant apology to Karn.
"She’s my cousin and a bit clumsy. I hope you can forgive her, Karn," Carlos then said, keeping a humble tone, wanting to defuse the tension.
Karn gazed at Mona, who was pouting slightly while checking the broken items inside the box. "I was at fault too. Please forgive , Mona."
Mona lowered the box onto the nearest table and walked directly to Carlos, ignoring Karn’s apology. "Mom wanted to co here, but you didn’t allow her. Are you really coping well, Carlos? I know Grandma’s passing has affected you the most."
"Her absence has created a void in my heart that can’t be filled," Carlos asserted, his tone heavy with grief. "I didn’t allow my aunt to visit because I needed space for myself right now." He lowered himself onto the couch, looking exhausted.
At that mont, Alie and Gabriel entered the room with Noah.
"Noah, did you enjoy the air and scenery outside?" Alie asked her son, whose face was resting comfortably on her shoulder. Her other hand was gently soothing his back. She stopped in her tracks, seeing a new, unfamiliar person in the house.
"Are you Alie?" Mona asked, quickly walking toward her.
"Yes. And you?" Alie waited curiously for her response.
"Mona Starseeker," she answered cheerfully. "Is this your baby? He’s adorable! Can I hold him? My hands are clean."
"Noah is just settling down to sleep now. Maybe later, when he’s awake," Alie politely but firmly refused to let her hold Noah, prioritizing his rest.
"I see. Babies do get sleep any ti, anywhere," Mona stated, though her tone suggested mild disappointnt.
"Yes," Alie answered. "I’ll be back soon after putting Noah into the crib," she added and walked away.
"I want a baby too," Mona said in barely a whisper, a genuine desire hidden beneath her usual boisterousness. She then turned to Carlos, and found he looked more than just troubled; he seed completely weighed down by grief.
Carlos was her distant cousin, but she always treated him like a brother, though he habitually kept his distance from everyone. Walking over, she sat gently beside him and turned her head to look at his side profile.
"The Witches Organization wanted to have a grand after-burial ceremonial event for Grandma," Mona revealed softly. "They were waiting for your final response."
Karn, realizing they were shifting into a private family conversation, quietly excused himself, leaving the two of them alone in the living room.
"I don’t like such show-offs," Carlos refused imdiately, clearly not wanting to be a part of such a public event.
"It’s not a show-off, Carlos. It’s for Grandma," Mona stated earnestly. "You know how much everyone respected her in our kind, especially within the magical community."
"Is this the reason you’ve co all the way here?" Carlos asked, tilting his head to glare at her, his tone indicating suspicion about her true motives.
"No. I truly wanted to et your friends and wanted to see you as well," Mona stated sincerely, trying to soften his rigid expression.
"You can leave. You already upset one of my guests," Carlos said in an icy cold tone, refusing to believe her and referring to the incident with Karn.
"I don’t know why you feel that we all are against you and your choices," Mona pushed back, her voice earnest. "We all loved Grandma Ravenna dearly. Since you distanced everyone from yourself, it beca difficult for them to even co near you. Also, you constantly refuse to take up your duties. Carlos, you need to open your heart and accept us. We are your well-wishers."
Carlos didn’t pay much heed to her words. "Since you’re done, you can leave, Mona. Also, I have no intention to keep people close to who once hurt . I’ve been through a lot from a young age. And I’ve seen people around were eager to befriend only for the powers I hold. Do you think I built this sternness in a single day? I’ve witnessed the naked selfishness in people’s hearts whenever they were near my grandmother. I have seen it all."
Seeing the deep conviction and the intimidating gaze in his eyes, Mona took a deep breath and wisely decided not to comnt further on his past trauma.
"Alright. As you feel is right," she murmured, conceding the point and rising to her feet. "Carlos, I will always understand you. No matter what, you’re my brother, even if we aren’t blood related," she stated, offering a final olive branch. "Please take care of yourself."
With that, Mona left his sight. Carlos rubbed his fingers on the temples of his forehead before letting out a deep sigh.
Alie overheard the end of their conversation. She walked over to Carlos and sat across from him, holding an empty milk bottle in her hand.
"I was going to clean the bottle, but I ended up hearing you and Mona speak," Alie began gently, causing Carlos to lower his hand from his face and open his eyes.
"They are only doing it for a show," Carlos said, referring to the grand ceremony.
"Let them do it then," Alie replied simply. "At least your grandmother will receive wonderful prayers from everyone. I know it hurts that they weren’t present around you when you needed them the most, but it’s okay to accept their efforts now, even if their motives aren’t pure."
Carlos chuckled softly, a genuine, rare smile lingering on his lips.
"What? I didn’t say anything that would make you smile," she remarked, surprised by his reaction.
"No. You’ve a way to make smile with your words," Carlos answered.
She smiled for longer than a second before speaking, "By the way, we will be leaving tomorrow. I didn’t want to go but..."
"I understand, Alie. This isn’t your ho," Carlos stated.
"It’s not like that, Carlos. You’re my family, so so obviously, it’s my ho as well," Alie answered.
"Of course, you should go back. You’ve your own leftover battle to win. I’ll co to you once I feel better," Carlos stated in seriousness.
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