The following weekend, they went to Celes Beach through Gelda's portal.
Liebe shouted excitedly, "Yeahhhhhh! The beach at last! Let's go into the water!"
Lilith gently stopped him. "Not yet. First, we have to change into our swimming clothes."
Liebe groaned, "Can't we go into the water first and then think about clothes?"
Lilith shook her head, smiling. "Nope. Go get changed with your dad."
After they finished changing, Lilith asked, "How does this bikini look, dear?"
Tenebris replied with a soft smile, "Lovely as always."
Liebe added with wide eyes, "Mommy, you look beautiful! You look like some kind of star or model!"
Lilith blushed. "Ahh, thank you, dear."
Tenebris chuckled. "Now, let's race to the water!"
Lilith said, "You two do that. I'll enjoy some shade and the view under the umbrella."
She put on her long sunhat and sunglasses, wearing a white and blue bikini. Settling under the umbrella, she picked up her book and began to relax, soaking in the peace.
After a while of playing in the sand and waves, Tenebris called out, "Liebe, you keep playing. I'm going to take a bit of rest and lie down next to Mommy."
"Sure, Daddy," Liebe replied, waving.
Tenebris laid down beside Lilith, who looked over and asked, "Do you remember the last time we were here?"
Tenebris smiled. "Yeah. We've been here twice together. The first time was on our honeymoon. I remember the love letters we wrote in the sand… the cringe of youth, I guess."
Lilith chuckled. "Hard to believe that was 17 years ago. Time really does fly."
Tenebris nodded. "It does. But in those 17 years, being with you… the only time I was truly worried was when we were told we couldn't have children. And yet, somehow, God actually blessed us with Liebe — despite your complications."
Lilith looked toward Liebe and whispered, "Seeing him now, I realize… he truly is our treasure. Our little bundle of joy."
Tenebris added, "Yeah. Seeing you now, and seeing Liebe — being able to be with both of you — I feel like the happiest man alive."
Lilith smiled softly. "Same. You really are my Óðr. I realize it every day. Being with you two… I couldn't be happier. You make me the happiest woman in the world."
Tenebris laughed lightly. "Remember when we came the second time?"
Lilith nodded, "That was seven years ago, when Liebe was just an infant. For some reason, being here reminded us both of our honeymoon. We wanted to show Liebe the beauty of the ocean — and how endless the world truly is."
Tenebris said, "I remember. Seeing the ocean with you two was the most beautiful sight I could've asked for."
Lilith teased, "No way… I was fat back then."
Tenebris smiled. "Back then or now — when I look at you, you're just as beautiful as the day I met you."
Lilith laughed. "It's so hard to believe it's already been seven years. Our little bundle of joy is growing up so fast. It feels like it was just yesterday I was holding him as a newborn… and now look at him."
Just then, Liebe called out, "Mommy! Daddy! Let's go play in the water!"
Lilith looked at him and said softly, "I just wish this moment could last forever…"
Then she called out, "Liebe dear, one more minute! Let Mommy finish reading first!"
Tenebris leaned over and kissed her gently.
Lilith blinked. "That was sudden!"
He grinned. "How about one for old times' sake?"
Liebe said dramatically, "Okay Mommy, I'll meditate now."
Lilith nodded. "Sure."
Tenebris raised an eyebrow. "For a hyperactive child, meditating sounds a bit out of character."
Suddenly, Liebe shouted, "Dark Magic: Dark Catapult!"
A flash of magic launched Lilith straight from her spot into the ocean with a loud splash.
Sputtering, Lilith cried, "What was that for?!"
Liebe replied innocently, "Mommy did say we'd be throwing each other into the ocean… so that's what the catapult is for!"
Tenebris burst out laughing.
Lilith smirked, "If it's like that, I can throw you even farther — and without using magic!"
Liebe shouted, "Then you'll have to catch me first, Mommy!"
Tenebris smiled as he watched Lilith and Liebe play in the water, laughter echoing across the waves.
Looking back at that moment,
I wish I could see it again.
I wish I had known back then...
That this would be the last time I'd ever see them like this — smiling...