A heavy sigh escapes his lips as he strolled along the quite busy town. People rushing here and there and up and about, buying things, gifts for a special day of the year…Mother’s Day. Zelgadiss bit his lip hard as his mind finishes the word. He had parted with the group recently; he didn’t part with them just because of his search for a cure (that was one of his main reasons) but it was because of this day…

Lina had decided to return back to Zefilia to celebrate the day with her mother and sister, since she received news that Luna had gotten married two years ago with an unfortunate man (as Lina would put it) and right now she’s mother to healthy baby boy. As for Gourry, surprisingly that he actually know and remembered what a Mother’s day is and that he immediately bought a simple but nice dress for his mother. And then he travelled back to his home country with Sylphiel. And Amelia…even though they knew that her mother had died long ago, she didn’t seemed too depressed about it. Saying that she could always celebrate it with her aunts, and her father. While Xelloss had decided to make a secret (figures…) party for his mother, who in the same time is his master: Zelas Metallium. Well at least he has someone to celebrate the day with, but what about him…who would he celebrate the day with?

Something caught his eyes. Through the throngs of people on the pedestrian lane, he saw a woman sitting on a bench with various kinds of flowers around her. There’s lilies, tulips, sunflowers, carnations in several colours, roses and etc. Seeing the roses reminded Zel of someone. Someone he so dearly loved and cherished…

“Mom! I want to show you something!” “What is it, Zel?” “Take a guess.” “Um…I don’t know.” “Oh come on, mom! Guess please!” he pouted adorably and she laughed softly. “A flower?” “Close enough, what kind?” “A carnation?” he shook his head. “A sunflower?” “Nope! Try again!” “Oh I give up, what is it?” she shrugged. Little Zel grinned as he pulled out his hands. “It’s a rose!” he cheered. “Oh! So that’s what it is! Where did you get it?” “I found it lying on the streets on my way home this morning! But…” his eyes fell to the floor, frowning. “What’s wrong, Zel?” “I only found one bud to give…” smiling warmly as she gathered her small child in her arms, cuddling him fondly. “It’s ok, Zel! Even if it’s a weed, I’ll still accept it because what? Because you gave it to me.” She kissed his forehead. The clouds in his eyes fade away as he look up to her. “You know what mom.” “What?” “When I grew up I’ll buy a lot of roses for you!” she smiled and laughed, ruffling his soft purple hair. “I’m sure you will, Zel. And I’ll wait for that day to come, even if it means forever…” Zel snuggled into his mother. “I love you mom!” “I love you too…”

By instinct, he managed to get through the crowd towards the florist smoothly without crashing into someone.  The florist noticed Zel approaching her. “Can I help you, sir?” “Yes, I would like to buy the roses that you have.” “Which one sir, I have only two colours with me, red and white roses.” “I’ll take them all.” The florist was stunned at first, but then regained her senses. “I…is it for someone special?” a small smile lurked on his lips “It’s for my mother…” he said softly. The shock on her face had gone, replaced by a pleasant emotion displayed on her face.

“Very well then! Let me wrap it up for you and don’t worry, I’ll make it look so fresh that your mother would think you picked it straight from a garden!”

After paying the florist, Zel eased away from the busy town. Carefully carrying the huge bouquet as not to accidentally crush it. He let his feet drag him along the road and now he felt like his feet are leading him to a certain place, a very special place. With each step he took, his heart beats a little faster, filled with a longing that had haunted him for years. He passed through a forest and went uphill. Then he took a deep breath as a beautiful but pain-striking scene came into view, a medium sized rock and a grave covered with wild flowers. It felt oddly peaceful and quiet. Zel advanced towards it, kneeling before the grave. Then he felt warm moisture damping in his eyes. He didn’t brush it away; instead he let it roll down his cheek.

“Hi, mom!” he began, choking back a sob. “How are you? I bet you’re happy right now…I always prayed that you were…every single day…” he trailed off as more tears streamed down his face. “Today’s a special day, mom…and I’m going to fulfil the promise I made to you long ago…” carefully he placed the bouquet against the grave marker. “See mom…I promised I’ll buy you a lot of roses someday, and now here it is…hope you’ll like it…” he sobbed. Leaning forwards to place a soft kiss on the marker. “Happy Mother’s Day, mom…I love you…always.”