As the light gradually faded, Emily found herself standing in a warm garden. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, while a faint floral fragrance filled the air. She looked around and suddenly realized that this place was not unfamiliar to her. The sense of familiarity washed over her like a wave, reminiscent of the beautiful moments she had spent with her grandmother during her childhood.
"Emily?" A gentle, familiar voice came from behind her.
Emily's heart skipped a beat. She turned around, tears instantly welling up in her eyes. "Grandmother!" she exclaimed almost uncontrollably.
Standing before her was her beloved grandmother. She still bore that warm, loving demeanor, with a gentle smile on her face, wearing the floral apron that Emily cherished most—just as she remembered. Her grandmother smiled and opened her arms wide. Without hesitation, Emily rushed into her embrace.
"I've missed you so much, Grandmother," Emily sobbed, her voice choked with emotion as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I've missed you too, my dear," her grandmother replied softly, gently stroking Emily's hair with a voice full of tenderness. "Look at you; you've grown so tall."
Pipi and Lulu stood nearby, their eyes glistening with tears as they quietly wiped away the moisture at the corners of their eyes. Even the Memory Guardian could not completely hide the warmth and emotion in his gaze.
Her grandmother took Emily's hand and led her to a bench in the garden, where they sat down together. With a gentle tone, she asked, "How did you find your way here?"
Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm the excitement within her as she began to recount her journey. She shared the invitation from Mr. Moon, the strange adventures in Moon Garden, the trials posed by Shadow Guardian, and the choices made at Memory Pool. She left no detail unmentioned, as if each moment had become an essential part of her life.
"You truly are a brave child," her grandmother said after listening intently, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "You’ve gone through so much just to see me."
"None of it matters," Emily replied softly, holding her grandmother's hand firmly with determination in her voice. "As long as I can see you again, I would pay any price."
Her grandmother gazed at her quietly, seemingly pondering something deeply. Then she suddenly became serious and asked, "Speaking of price, Emily, are you really willing to give up that memory of your birthday?"
Emily's heart raced slightly, yet she nodded. "That is my most precious memory, so it means the world to me to use it to see you."
Her grandmother's gaze softened, and she smiled, her eyes filled with love and understanding. "Do you remember what I said when I taught you how to make a cake?"
Emily lowered her head, pondering for a moment before recalling her grandmother's warm voice. "You said... love is like making a cake; it requires the best ingredients and patience for it to grow."
Her grandmother nodded gently. "Exactly. And the most important thing is that true love never fades, just like that cake recipe. Even if one day we forget the specific steps, the sweet taste will forever remain in our hearts."
As she spoke, her grandmother pulled out a small box from her pocket and handed it to Emily. "This is for you."
Emily was taken aback for a moment before accepting the box and carefully opening it. Inside was a yellowed piece of paper, and as she examined it closely, she realized it was the recipe for the first birthday cake she had made with her grandmother. Tears welled up in her eyes instantly; this time, they were tears of happiness.
"I've kept it all this time," her grandmother said with a smile, a hint of emotion in her voice. "Waiting for the day I could give it to you myself."
Emily clutched the small box tightly, her heart filled with warmth and gratitude. She finally understood that she had not lost anything. All of the memories were right here, never to disappear. Even if this birthday memory was exchanged, it remained deeply buried in her heart.
"Time is running out," the Memory Guardian softly reminded, breaking the moment's tranquility.
"I know," her grandmother replied quietly, turning to Emily. "Dear, remember that no matter where you are, I will always be by your side. Whenever you think of me, just make a cake, and I will be in your heart."
Emily's heart overflowed with these words, yet she still felt a pang of reluctance. "But, grandmother, when can we meet again?"
Her grandmother's smile remained warm, like sunlight on her face. "As long as you remember our shared memories, we have never been apart. Look at you; you've been so brave. I am truly proud of you."
At that moment, Emily felt a slight tremor, the light began to blur, and the garden scene gradually faded, as if the time of their reunion was slowly slipping away.
"Grandmother!" Emily clung to her tightly, her voice almost breaking with emotion.
"Don't worry, dear," her grandmother's voice grew more distant. "Remember, love is like moonlight; it will always illuminate your path. I will always be in your heart."
When Emily opened her eyes again, she found herself back at the edge of the Memory Pool. The surface of the water still reflected like a mirror, but her heart no longer held any regrets. She knew that although her brief reunion with her grandmother had come to an end, she had gained something far more precious—a love that was deeply rooted within her.
"Are you okay?" Pipi asked with concern, worry evident in his eyes.
Emily wiped her tears, lifted her head, and revealed a smile brighter than ever before. "I'm better than ever." She held tightly to the small box in her hand and whispered, "Because I know my grandmother is always with me."
The Memory Guardian nodded slightly, his eyes filled with approval. "You have not lost your memories; instead, you have gained something more valuable. This is the power of love."
"Yes," Emily replied, her heart brimming with determination and strength. "Now, it's time for us to go back."
As they turned to leave the Memory Pool, Emily felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment wash over her. Her steps were no longer light but were resolutely steady.
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