Ezra woke to sunlight.
Not the pale, filtered light of rain and cloud —but real morning, warm and golden, slipping through the curtains like it had been waiting for him.
He breathed in slowly.
No dizziness. No whisper. No cold pulse from the locket.
Just the distant sound of waves.
"Hey," Mellody murmured beside him, eyes half-open. "You're smiling."
He realized she was right."I feel… better. Actually better."
She smiled back, relief soft but unmistakable."Told you. Fresh air fixes broken souls."
They bathed together in quiet comfort, steam filling the room, sunlight catching droplets on skin.Afterward, Ezra dressed simply — a light blue shirt with white leaf imprints, shorts, his golden locket resting calmly against his chest.
Mellody stepped out wearing a white summer gown scattered with yellow and orange flowers, her four-leaf clover locket glowing softly in the light. She topped it off with a wide summer hat, laughter in her eyes.
Ezra paused, taking her in.
"You look like you belong here," he said.
She tilted her head. "Funny. You look like you finally escaped the rain."
They glanced down together —sunlight gleaming off their wedding rings, bright and undeniable.
"Back home it's always raining," Ezra said."Storms, fog… everything feels heavy."
Mellody squeezed his hand."And here — sunlight. Warm wind. Different rhythm."She smiled gently. "Different life, maybe."
They decided not to cook.
"Hotel breakfast," Mellody said firmly. "We're on honeymoon. No chores."
The resort restaurant was open-air, white stone and wooden beams, sea breeze drifting through. Guests spoke in languages Ezra didn't recognize — laughter mixing with cutlery and the sound of waves.
A waitress approached, polite and warm."Good morning. Welcome. May I take your order?"
They ordered simply — local breakfast, fruit platters, coffee.
The waitress smiled knowingly."You're newlyweds, yes? Honeymoon?"
Mellody laughed softly. "Is it that obvious?"
"We have a newlywed offer," the waitress continued."It includes our special Triplet Fruit — grows only here on the islands."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Sounds rare."
"Very," she said, proud. "You'll like it."
When it arrived, the fruit was round like an orange, skin deep red, warm to the touch.They sliced it open together.
Inside — green flesh, bright and fresh.
Ezra took a bite.
Sweet.But not sugary. Clean. Almost… grounding.
"That's… different," he said, surprised.
Mellody nodded. "It tastes alive."
They ate slowly, trying other local dishes, breakfast stretching lazily into morning.
The waitress returned, hesitating slightly.
"Excuse me," she said to Mellody. "May I say something?"
"Of course."
"My twin daughters… they're sixteen. Alicia and Lucia."Her smile softened. "They talk about you all the time. TechChar. Your leadership. Your confidence.""You're an idol to them."
Mellody blinked, genuinely touched."That's very kind. Thank you."
"Would you mind waiting five minutes?" the waitress asked."They would love to meet you."
Ezra smiled. "We're not in a rush."
A few minutes later, two girls approached — bright-eyed, nervous, smiling too wide.
"Alicia. Lucia," the waitress said proudly.
Mellody knelt slightly to their level."Nice to meet you both."
They talked — about dreams, technology, travel, courage. Ezra took a photo of them together, sunlight behind, smiles honest.
"You don't have to know everything yet," Mellody told them gently."Just stay curious. And don't let anyone tell you what you can't become. And don't go for cheap thrills."
The girls beamed.
When they left, the waitress bowed slightly."Thank you. Truly."
Before leaving, she added warmly,"If you're looking for a place to start your day — the water theme park and aquarium are just five hundred meters straight from here."
Ezra glanced at Mellody.
She grinned. "Sounds like a perfect honeymoon morning."
They stood, fingers intertwining naturally, and stepped back into the sunlight —walking toward laughter, water, and wonder.
Ezra felt light.
For now.
And that was enough.