Emily sat cross-legged beneath the oak tree, her fingers tracing the rough bark as she inhaled deeply, savoring the tranquility of the evening. Beside her, Jake was busy arranging the small cake they had brought out, a simple yet heartfelt gesture adorned with Lily’s favorite daisies.
"Remember when Lily tried to teach us how to dance under this tree?" Jake chuckled, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and melancholy.
Emily smiled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She had such a way of making everything seem magical," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Emily carefully lit the candles, each flame a beacon of their love and remembrance. Jake watched silently, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken words. "Happy birthday, Lily," she murmured, her voice carried away by the gentle breeze.
Jake leaned back, resting his head against the sturdy trunk of the oak tree. "Do you think she can hear us?" he asked softly, his gaze fixed on the twinkling stars above.
Emily nodded, her heart filled with a quiet certainty. "I believe she can. And I think she's smiling right now," she replied, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
Emily closed her eyes, allowing the memories to wash over her, each one a cherished moment frozen in time. Jake reached for her hand, their fingers intertwining, a silent promise of togetherness and love.
"We'll always celebrate her, no matter what," he affirmed, his voice strong and unwavering.
Emily and Jake watched as the final candle flickered out, its smoke curling upwards like a gentle whisper. "Goodnight, Lily," Emily said softly, her words a tender farewell.
Jake echoed her sentiment, his heart full of love and longing. Together, they sat beneath the old oak tree, enveloped in the quiet embrace of the night, their hearts forever tied to the sister they cherished so deeply.
