The first light of dawn filtered softly through the small window, spilling into the quiet room where everything felt still and gentle. Nik and Dmitri moved carefully, speaking little, as if even their voices might disturb the morning peace.
In the corner stood a wooden table—their altar. At its center rested a framed photograph of their late mother. Her emerald eyes and red hair shone faintly in the morning light—Dmitri's features a clear reflection of hers.
On either side of the photo, candles flickered softly, their flames steady and warm. A vase of fresh yellow flowers added a touch of color to the sacred space.
The kitchen was already warm with the scent of food the maid had prepared. A pot of rice had just finished cooking, and a plate of boiled chicken was neatly arranged.
Dmitri carried it over carefully while Nik arranged the fruits, placing them with deliberate care so everything looked balanced and respectful.
Three small cups of tea were placed near the photo, along with a cup of water. At the edge of the table, incense sticks waited quietly in their holder.
When everything was ready, they stepped back together.
Dmitri glanced at Nik, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Are you sure you're fine?" he asked softly. "If you're tired, we can do this in the evening instead."
When Dmitri returned yesterday, he could sense something was off, but Nik simply told him he would explain everything later.
That night, Dmitri felt abit hungry and was on his way down when he noticed a light glowing from the living room. He knew it was Nik and was ready scold him. But then he noticed another familiar figure–Ash.
And from what he was seeing it's like Ash was handling things, so Dmitri just let it go.
But now looking at him, he seemed like he hadn't had enough sleep.
Nik shook his head lightly.
"I'm fine," he said simply.
Dmitri studied him for a moment longer but didn't push further.
Nik picked up the incense sticks and lit them. A small flame flickered briefly before fading into thin trails of smoke that rose slowly upward. He handed a few sticks to Dmitri, and together they held them gently between their fingers.
They stepped closer to the altar.
Both bowed once… then again.
When they straightened, Dmitri closed his eyes.
"Mom…" he whispered. "We're here… and we miss you so much. Especially Nik."
Nik turned to look at him immediately, but Dmitri only let out a soft chuckle.
"What?" Dmitri added, a faint smile on his lips. "It's true."
Then, gesturing toward the food, he continued, "We brought all your favorites."
Nik exhaled softly before speaking, his voice gentle.
"Mom, Dmitri is still as stubborn as ever… but we're doing okay. So don't worry about us."
Dmitri immediately frowned and shook his head.
"That's not true, Mom," he said, half serious, half teasing. "Don't listen to Nik."
A faint warmth lingered in the room as the incense smoke curled upward in slow spirals, as if carrying their words somewhere beyond what they could see.
They stood in silence for a while. No one moved. No one spoke.
After a moment, They gently placed the incense sticks into the holder. Together, they bowed their heads in a quiet prayer, letting the stillness of the morning settle around them.