The Watcher found it in the garden's oldest corner.
A small box, buried beneath Anino's statue, untouched for decades.
This is for you, it told Glad. *I feel... Anino's presence. Strongly.
Glad opened it carefully.
Inside: a letter, handwritten, aged.
My dearest Gladys,
If you're reading this, I'm gone. But know this: I was never really gone. I watched you every moment, loved you every day. I chose cat form not to hide, but to stay close. To be near you always.
You've built something beautiful. I knew you would. From the moment you were turned, I knew your strength. Your capacity to love. Your power to unite.
I'm proud of you, anak. More than words can say.
Live well. Love deeply. And when you think of me, know I'm still watching. Still protecting. Still loving.
Always,
Your father
Glad wept.
The garden wept with her—immortal flowers bowing, breeze wrapping around her.
"Dad," she whispered. "I miss you."
A warmth—impossible, undeniable—enveloped her.
I know, anak. I miss you too.
His voice. In her mind. Real.
"I love you."
I love you too. Forever.
The warmth faded.
But the love remained.
Always.