The Teacher and the Herbalist

Then, with the brightest smile we had ever seen from her, she whispered--

 

“I’ll treasure this flower forever and ever.”

 That moment stayed in our hearts,

Thinking back, we had been truly happy since the moment we arrived in this town. If we had never met Ms. Finecia, things would have been so much harder

 But she welcomed us with open arms, offering us a place to stay, sharing  delicious meals with us, and telling us stories about the town and her past.

In this short time, we had learned so much about her. More than that, we had come to cherish her.

And today, seeing her smile so warmly… it felt like the most genuine and precious thing in the world.

Another whole week had passed in laughter and happiness, and now, the Vaeliris Flower Festival was just one day away.

 For our last day before the festival, Strixx and I took Ms. Finecia on a walk around town. She held onto us as we walked slowly, her steps light and filled with joy.

 

Everywhere we looked, the town had transformed into a breathtaking sea of colors. Every house, shop, and street was covered in flowers--bright reds, soft pinks, deep blues, and golden yellows.

Garlands hung from rooftops, flower petals were scattered along the roads, and woven flower crowns decorated doorways.

The air was filled with the gentle fragrance of blossoms, making it feel like the whole town was celebrating.

 

Ms. Finecia looked around with a warm smile.

 

“Strixx, Luca, thank you for taking me out. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a nice walk.”

 

She let out a small laugh, then said, “Let’s make a special dinner tonight. Since you two are leaving after the festival, I want to cook something extra delicious—Vael Hamburgers, just for you!”

 

With that, we spent the afternoon gathering ingredients, visiting different shops, and greeting the kind townspeople. Ms. Finecia knew everyone, and everywhere we went, people smiled and chatted with her like an old friend. It made the town feel even warmer.

 

As the sun set, we returned home and had dinner together, enjoying Ms. Finecia’s cooking one last time. The food was amazing, but it tasted even better because we were eating it with her.

 

Strixx, however, was already sobbing as she ate.

 

“Strixx will miss Ms. Finecia… and cooking… so much…” she sniffled, holding her plate tightly.

 

Ms. Finecia smiled and gently patted her head.

 

“Don’t cry, Strixx. I’ll give you the recipe for the Vael Hamburger. You love it so much, don’t you?”

 

Strixx’s eyes sparkled with tears as she suddenly hugged Ms. Finecia tightly.

 

“Thank you, Ms. Finecia… Strixx knows… how to cook a little… because Ms. Finecia taught… Strixx every day…”

 

Ms. Finecia hugged her back, stroking her hair softly.

 

“You’ve learned well, Strixx. Now, every time you make it, you’ll remember me, okay?”

 

Strixx nodded, still sniffling, but her hug only got tighter.

 

I sat there, smiling as I enjoyed dinner, watching the precious bond between Strixx and Ms. Finecia.

 

Just like a mother and daughter…

 

A pang of nostalgia filled my chest. I missed my mother too—those warm, homemade meals she used to make.

 

A little tear slipped from my eye before I even realized it.

 

As we chatted about all sorts of things, Ms. Finecia suddenly looked at me, her expression soft.

 

“Luca?”

 

Strixx turned to me as well, tilting her head.

 

“What happened, Luca? Why crying?”

 

Flustered, I quickly wiped my eyes and shook my head. “I-I’m not crying!”

 

But before I could say anything more, Ms. Finecia gently pulled me into a hug.

 

“Thank you, Luca… for being here for me, along with Strixx.”

 

I smiled and hugged her back.

 

“We’re just returning what you’ve done for us, Ms. Finecia. That’s all.”

 

After dinner, we noticed the flower we had given her, now placed carefully among her treasured collection—the old Vaeliris flowers that Mr. Roy had once gifted her.

 

It was a small but beautiful sight.

 

As always, she walked us to our room, pausing at the door.

 

“Good night, Strixx, Luca. Sleep well,” she said warmly.

 

“Tomorrow is the Festival, after all.”

 

She smiled, about to close the door when—

 

“Ms. Finecia!!!” Strixx’s voice rang out, filled with excitement.

 

“Let’s go see the Festival together tomorrow, okay?!”

 

I chimed in right after.

 

“Yeah! Let’s all go together!”

 

She looked back at us, her smile shining even brighter.

 

“We will, for sure, Strixx. Luca.”

 

With that, she walked away, closing the door gently behind her.

Finally, the day of the Flower Festival arrived.

 

The sky was still dark, the sun yet to rise.

 

 Strixx and I got up early,

we found Ms. Finecia in her herb room, preparing something. She turned to us with a gentle smile.

 

“Strixx, Luca, you’re up already? It’s still so early.”

 

“You two slept well?”

 

Strixx grinned and jumped into her arms.

 

“Strixx was very, very excited! Thinking about festival… Strixx couldn’t sleep at all!”

 

I let out a small sigh, smiling.

 

“She was so restless all night that I barely got any sleep either… though, if I’m being honest, I was kind of excited too.”

 

Ms. Finecia chuckled.

 

“Well, Looks like we’re all the same, then.”

 

Then, Strixx suddenly turned to the window, as if she noticed something. Her eyes widened for a brief moment—then without a word, she rushed out of the room and ran straight out of the house.

 

Strixx! Wait—what happened?” I called out, confused and worried.

 

Ms. Finecia glanced at me, then quickly followed after her without hesitation.

 

As we stepped outside, a breathtaking sight caught our eyes—a glowing trail of light moving up the distant mountain.

 

Strixx’s eyes widened in wonder.

 

“So pretty… what is it?”

 

Ms. Finecia smiled softly.

 

“Those are the people of Vaeliris. They’re walking to the top of the mountain with lanterns in their hands. When they reach the peak, they’ll gather and wait for the sunrise… and when the first light touches the land, the Flower Festival will truly begin.”

 

She turned to us with a warm expression, and I glanced at Strixx before grinning.

 

“Should we go too?”

 

Strixx nodded eagerly.

 

“Let’s gooo!!”

 

But just as we were about to set off, Ms. Finecia hesitated.

 

“Luca, Strixx… how am I supposed to walk the mountain path?”

 

Strixx smiled brightly before crouching down.

 

“Get on! Strixx will carry Ms. Finecia to the Festival!”

 

Ms. Finecia looked between us, surprised.

 

“Are you sure?”

 

Strixx puffed up her chest with a proud expression.

 

“Strixx is strong!”

 

I chuckled.

 

“Yeah, don’t let her size fool you—she’s a lot stronger than she looks.”

 

Ms. Finecia sighed in amusement, then smiled.

 

“Alright, alright. But wait just a moment.”

 

She disappeared inside the house for a moment before returning with a lantern, its gentle glow flickering in the darkness.

 

“Here, Luca. Hold the lantern for us.”

 

I took it carefully, and with ease, Strixx lifted Ms. Finecia onto her back.

 

With the lantern lighting our way, we began our walk toward the Vaeliris mountain.

 

As we made our way up the mountain, a cozy cottage came into view, its windows glowing with a warm yellow light against the darkness.

Ms. Finecia, still on Strixx’s back, smiled softly.

 

“It’s been a while since I last saw Mr. Vec…”

 

Strixx and I exchanged glances before grinning.

 

“Then let’s go see him first,” I suggested.

 

With that, we made our way to the cottage and knocked gently on the door.

 

A moment later, it opened, revealing Mr. Vec. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of Ms. Finecia on Strixx’s back, but then he chuckled, his expression warm.

 

“Come in,” he said, stepping aside to invite us in.

 Once inside, Strixx carefully set Ms. Finecia down, and we all gathered around the wooden table.

 Mr. Vec smiled as he looked at her.

 “It’s been a while, Finecia.”

 Then, with a nod of approval, he continued, “Every new batch of medicine you send me is perfectly made.

 You’ve truly become a great herbalist.”

 

His eyes softened.

 

“You kept your word from all those years ago. I’m proud of you.”

 

Ms. Finecia smiled warmly.

 

“It’s been a while, Teacher.”

 

She shook her head modestly.

 

“No… I only followed everything you taught me all these years. I’m nothing special. I’m just grateful I had the chance to learn from such a great teacher.”

 

Mr. Vec chuckled.

 

“You haven’t changed one bit since you were a little girl, have you?”

 

Ms. Finecia smiled back.

 

“Same goes for you, Teacher.”

 

Then, turning to Strixx and me, Mr. Vec nodded in appreciation.

 

“And you two—thank you for looking after her.”

 

We both smiled.

 

“No, Mr. Vec,” I said. “She’s the one looking after us. We’re just helping her in return, that’s all.”

 

Suddenly, Strixx shot up from her seat, beaming.

 

“Sooo! Mr. Vec, join us! Let’s go see the festival together!!”

 

Mr. Vec let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.

 

“No, no… I appreciate it, but my time for festivals has long passed.”

 

He gestured toward the window.

 

“Flower Festivals are for the young. I’m just an old man now… and with these weak legs, I wouldn’t make it up the mountain anyway.”

 

I stood up, smiling.

 

“We’re here to take you to the festival, Mr. Vec. Let’s go.”

 

Ms. Finecia smiled as well.

 

“Teacher, I may still be your student, but as you can see… I’m not exactly a youth anymore, either.”

 

Strixx grinned.

 

“Strixx will carry Mister Vec too!”

 

I sighed before patting Strixx’s head.

 

“I’ll carry Mr. Vec.”

 

She tilted her head, confused.

 

“Why, Luca?”

 

With a playful sigh, I smiled.

 

“Because I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I let a lady do all the work, would I?”

 

Laughter filled the room.

 

Then, as we all turned to Mr. Vec with expectant smiles, we spoke in unison.

 

“Let’s go see the festival, Mr. Vec!”

 

For a moment, he looked at us, then finally let out a deep chuckle, his eyes warm.

 

“Alright, alright… you win.”

 

And with that, we set off once more—Strixx carrying Ms. Finecia on her back, while I carried Mr. Vec, holding the lantern to light our way.

 

The path was clear, as expected—after all, it was the day of the festival.