Vol 1 Chapter 3: Caelan Wants to Always Be a Mommy’s Daughter

The rain fell gently in the Rose Valley.

The grey sky obscured the colourful fields, and the scent of wet soil mixed with the fragrance of roses filled the air. Inside a small hut warmed by the fire, Caelan sat cross-legged on the floor while looking at the puddles outside the window.

Currently, Caelan was thinking about what Grandma Dora said yesterday afternoon when her mother talked with Grandma Dora.

"Mrs. Marry, your daughter is very cute. I really want to have a granddaughter like Caelan," said Grandma Dora, seeing Caelan's cuteness, who was eating a red apple like a squirrel.

"Caelan, my daughter is indeed cute, I hope Caelan will always grow up healthy," said Marry while stroking her daughter's head.

"When she grows up, Caelan will be a really beautiful girl. What if Caelan becomes friends with my grandson? My grandson is a good man. I'm sure he will be a reliable man when he grows up," teased Grandma Dora.

Hearing Grandma Dora's teasing, Marry was silent. She was a little angry to see Grandma Dora trying to persuade her to match her beloved daughter with Grandma Dora's grandson. However, Marry did not change her expression. Although annoyed, Marry knew that her daughter needed a playmate her own age, so Marry reluctantly asked her daughter.

"Caelan, do you want to be friends with Grandma Dora's grandson?" Marry asked softly.

Caelan shook her head without hesitation. "Caelan only wants to play with Mama," said Caelan while hugging her mother.

Seeing her daughter's funny reaction, Marry just smiled, then stroked her daughter's head, "There's nothing I can do, honey. Caelan is indeed Mama's daughter."

Seeing the warm interaction between mother and daughter, Grandma Dora was also happy. "Caelan is indeed Mama's daughter."

"My daughter is indeed Mama's daughter."

"But Mrs. Marry, Caelan can't always be your little child, right? One day, that child will grow up, go to school, live independently, and get married, then separate from her mother. No parent would be willing for their child to leave their parents, but as a mother of 2 sons and 2 daughters, I've experienced it." Grandma Dora complained to Marry about the sorrows of raising children.

Hearing that, Marry didn't want to bother, "I know. Right now, I just want to be with Caelan."

—

Back to the Present...

"Mom..."

"Hm?" Marry answered without turning around, busy tidying up the embroidery.

"If Caelan grows up... won't Caelan be able to sleep in Mom's arms anymore?"

Marry's hand stopped. She slowly turned her head, looking at her daughter who was staring at the window with a gaze that a child that small shouldn't have.

"... Why did you suddenly ask that, honey?"

Caelan didn't answer right away. She hugged her knees. “Because time keeps moving. And yesterday Grandma Dora said, later Caelan will go to school, then live independently, get married and then—”

“Then Caelan will be far from Mom,” she continued, her small voice starting to tremble.

Marry approached, then sat down and stroked her silver hair that was similar to hers.

“Caelan, dear…” she whispered. “Becoming an adult doesn’t mean leaving Mom’s embrace.”

“But Mom will also leave one day, right?” Caelan’s voice was barely audible.

Marry’s body stiffened for a moment. Yes. Sooner or later, the world would claim her. Whether it was from the remnants of old power that were slowly eroding, or old enemies who were still hunting her. But she didn’t want this small face to be overshadowed by such worries.

“Caelan,” she said softly. “Look at Mom.”

Caelan turned her head. Her eyes were glassy.

Marry raised her little finger. “Mama promises. As long as Mama is still alive… Mama will always be the place Caelan comes home to. Even when Caelan grows up, has her own house, and even when Caelan is a grandmother. If Caelan calls Mama, Mama will come.”

Caelan hesitated, then hooked her tiny pinky.

“Promise?”

“Promise.” Marry kissed her forehead. “And you know what? Growing up isn’t scary. It just means you can protect more people you love.”

Caelan nodded slowly. But then took a breath, and said seriously, “Then… Caelan will still grow… but only a little. Just a little. So that Mama can still hug me every night.”

Marry smiled. “If it’s a little… Mama can accept it.”

—

Caelan’s Life Plan Book

The next day, after the rain stopped, Marry and Caelan went to the fields together. They planted new rose seedlings, and Caelan scribbled in a book she called ‘Caelan’s Life Plan Book’.

“Number one: Stay with Mommy.”

Marry peeked and laughed softly. “Number two?”

“Number two: Become short so you can hug me all the time.”

Marry couldn’t help but laugh. “Then Mommy should make a hug pillow in the shape of Mommy, too.”

Caelan immediately nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Mommy’s doll! It has to be one that can hug back!”

They laughed together. Marry’s heart was warm. For a moment, she forgot the outside world and her old identity.