Chapter 429: Return to Moonville
The pair arrived at the airport forty-five minutes early. Being the nearest weekend toward Christmas, the place was buzzing with the holiday rush. Most of them were heading back to their hometowns.
"Calling for the passengers of..."
"Mom, Grandma called! She told us to be careful!"
"Darling, our gate is over there."
The passengers’ voices overlapped with the rolling suitcases, announcements and holiday songs. Despite being in a rush, a sense of joy enveloped them.
Even though the crowd was huge, Ruediger and Lariette didn’t need to wait long to check in their luggage. After passing through security, they stepped inside the calmer atmosphere of the VIP lounge.
"Want some hot cocoa?" asked Ruediger as he guided Lariette to a cozy corner. Warm, orange lighting softened the sleek space.
"Just some plain water, or black tea," she smiled while sinking into the couch, "And no need for any pastries, honey."
Lariette had eaten a lot before leaving home. Even though the heating system was excellent, she still craved hot drinks.
"Okay, wait for me here."
Ruediger had no objection. He gently patted her head before heading to the bar. Soon, he returned with a steaming cup of black tea.
Lariette cradled the cup between her palms, savoring its warmth while Ruediger leaned back. He watched her with fondness in his gaze.
Time passed slowly until boarding was announced. The pair entered the plane, finding their seats with ease. The business class was generally quieter, even when all seats were occupied.
Lariette sat beside the oval window. Leaning closer, she watched the sky stretch wide, heavy with gray clouds. Her eyes glimmered with anticipation.
Soon, they would step foot in the place where they first met over two decades ago.
The plane landed right within its arrival timeframe. When Lariette and Ruediger stepped outside, they could feel the crisp northern air greeting them despite still being inside the airport.
After collecting their luggage, the pair made their way outside. Ruediger had already booked a cab to bring them all the way to Moonville.
As Lariette pulled her scarf tighter, she said, "I’ve texted Aunt Mel. They’re still worried about us. I told them our cab is already here."
Ruediger hummed, understanding what she said. Previously, the Campbells had offered to pick them up at the airport. Reluctant to bother them, Lariette turned them down a few times.
"They care about you, Lettie," Ruediger gazed at Lariette, a small smile tugging on his lips, "You’re like family to them."
"Aunt Mel and Uncle Paul have always been kind," she sighed in helplessness, "But I didn’t want to trouble them."
"I know, my love."
Ruediger had only met the Campbells a few times when he accompanied Lariette back to Moonville, but he could tell how genuinely they treated her. The years she lived far away and the huge distance between them didn’t matter.
Soon, the pair settled themselves in the backseat of the cab. Their suitcases were kept safely in the trunk.
The vehicle rolled along the wider city roads before reaching the narrower winding roads of the countryside. Along the way, they watched the snow-covered landscape unfold.
As they approached Moonville, Lariette and Ruediger saw that the houses were lined with twinkling lights as the rooftops were blanketed in white. Each door had a wreath hanging, painting the perfect winter wonderland.
"Eddy, look!"
Lariette excitedly pointed outside as the cab slowly rolled past the village square. Infected by her joy, Ruediger leaned closer, also looking in the direction.
"Oh, it’s the village square," he still remembered this place. Although the last time he saw, it was still alive with greenery and bright colors.
Even from a distance, one could see how alive the area was. Market stalls, lanterns and a towering Christmas tree shimmered against the gray sky.
"Just as I remembered," Lariette whispered, her eyes sparkling, "Every year, they make it so magical. I usually could only come back a few days after Christmas, but I’d still enjoy it. They won’t put the decor down until after the New Year."
Lariette had forgotten the last time she celebrated Christmas right on time in Moonville. Perhaps before she moved to the city. Since then, she had only returned a few days later.
Even then, she was able to enjoy the festivity. And this place offered her greater happiness than in the city.
Ruediger turned his gaze from the window to Lariette. Reaching for her gloved hand, he gently squeezed it, "Shall we go there tonight? Or tomorrow?"
"Maybe tomorrow," she smiled, "Aunt Mel told us to have dinner with them, remember?"
"Alright. Tomorrow, then."
Melissa and Paul wanted to celebrate the pair’s return. Lariette and Ruediger easily agreed, accepting the husband and wife’s goodwill.
The cab slowed, then came to a stop in front of a familiar house. Lariette’s breath caught for a moment as she looked at where she used to live with her late grandmother.
Even after years, the sight of the cottage brought her a wave of nostalgia. She exhaled slowly, feeling both happy and sad within.
Sensing the slight change in Lariette’s mood, Ruediger placed a reassuring hand on her back. He murmured softly, "We’re home again, sweetheart."
"Yes," she replied, her eyes brightening slightly.
While Ruediger paid the cab fare, Lariette opened the gate. Instead of being surrounded by a thick layer of snow, the yard was relatively tidy. She knew the Campbells took great care of the old cottage.
"Grandma," she whispered, her eyes glazed with tears, "Eddy and I are back."
At that moment, a soft breeze blew past. As the frozen twigs rattled together, they produced a gentle, melodic chime.
The beautiful sound lingered in the still winter air. She felt as if her grandmother in heaven was smiling warmly, welcoming them home after a long time away.
Ruediger approached Lariette with the suitcases. Realizing that she had been standing before the open gate, he reached for her waist before kissing her temple.
"Honey," she glanced at him.
"Yes, sweetheart?" he smiled affectionately.
She chuckled, "I feel like Grandma is here to welcome us home."
His smile deepened, "Because she is."
Even after years, her spirit remained alive.