Chapter 411

Luna tiptoed to help Stella Valentine organize items, then tilted her head. "Mommy, why does everyone talk about Great-Grandpa, but he never visits us? Why are all these papers black and white?"

Her tiny finger pointed at the portrait of Mr. Edward Roland at the center of the memorial hall. The elderly man in the photo looked spirited, his dignified brows hinting at his youthful vigor.

Stella's fingers trembled slightly. "Tomorrow is Great-Grandpa's farewell ceremony. Everyone is coming to say goodbye."

"What does 'goodbye' mean?" Luna blinked. "Is Great-Grandpa going somewhere far away?"

Celeste immediately tugged Stella's sleeve. "Mommy, can we go find Great-Grandpa?"

Stella knelt and pulled both girls into her arms. "Great-Grandpa went to a beautiful place. We can't see him anymore, but we'll always remember him."

Luna's lips quivered, tears welling in her eyes. Just then, Ethan approached and gently touched his sisters' hair. "Great-Grandpa became a star. We can see him every night now."

Stella noticed the redness in her son's eyes, reminding her of Adrian Roland in his younger days. She softly added, "Yes, he'll be the brightest star watching over you."

"Can we go see the stars now?" Luna pleaded, looking up.

Celeste tugged Stella's sleeve again. "Mommy, I miss Great-Grandpa."

"After tomorrow's ceremony, I'll take you to the rooftop to see the stars," Stella promised quietly. "Great-Grandpa will be looking down, so be good tomorrow, okay?"

The next morning, the funeral proceeded as planned. The memorial hall was arranged simply yet solemnly, with a steady stream of mourners arriving.

Ethan handed out white boutonnieres, while Luna and Celeste stayed close to Stella, offering each guest a pot of vibrant green plants.

"What's this?" A guest hesitated upon receiving the plant.

Stella lightly brushed a leaf. "This was his favorite. Mr. Roland wanted everyone to remember him full of life."

Following her gaze, the guest saw Adrian in his wheelchair, solemnly lighting incense at the altar. The ceremony was understated, filled only with Mr. Roland's favorite melody drifting through the hall.

During the tribute, Stella bowed deeply before the portrait of the kind-faced old man, her eyes stinging with memories of his warmth.

After the funeral, Adrian retreated to his study alone. Respecting his space, Stella kept her promise and took the children to the rooftop.

"Wow!" All three gasped in unison, never having noticed this stargazing spot at home before.

Stella lifted Celeste, pointing skyward. "Look, so many stars."

Luna suddenly pulled chocolates from her pocket, raising them high. Ethan steadied her. "Careful."

"I want to give Great-Grandpa chocolate," Luna said, voice trembling. "Stars must be cold. He'd want something sweet."

Stella hugged her with one arm. "He'd be so happy knowing you thought of him."

Luna's tears finally spilled as she buried her face in Ethan's chest. "I won't eat chocolate ever again if Great-Grandpa comes back!"

The night breeze whispered, and the stars twinkled tenderly above them.