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“I was expecting you for Solstice.” Star smirked as they opened the door.
Rayn knew they shouldn't have come. Too long a time had passed
A few long moments passed in tense silence before Star moved away from the threshold, leaving the door open, beckoning Rayn to get the hell in already. There was a cauldron roaring in the heart, an old kettle on the potbelly stove that smelled of herbs and spices, and candles all around.
“Why don’t you start on the noodles while I finish the stew?” Star prompted.
It took Rayn a moment or two to get started, but all too soon, they joined their twin in the small kitchen area, and as if it was always done so, they both fell into a rhythm. A rhythm they probably never have had before.
There was something quite comforting about this and Rayn’s heart clenched around it. It kindled the hope that no matter how different and far apart they have been over the years, the two of them could always find the way back to each other. That the bond has always been there, no matter what, and somehow always would be.
Rayn only hoped there wouldn’t always need for some major cataclysm to happen for them to reach out to one another.
Rayn’s mind drifted back over both their lives as if looking at an old, frayed movie reel. They remembered all the small moments that had slowly created distance between them and Star. They all looked so insignificant and stupid somehow.
Was it because hindsight is always 20/20?
Was it because both of them were now grown and more mature?
Rayn had kept up tabs on Star, even if it was from afar. They loved their sibling a lot, no matter what. Still, that mix of emotions they had accumulated over their formative years lingered. They had yet to process all those feelings of being misunderstood, not heard, the jealousy, all those expectations their family had placed on both of them.
A pained sight escaped their lips. With a sobering shudder Rayn realised that there was the very real possibility that they might have wrongfully blamed Star for it all.
The two siblings continued working in silence, seamlessly moving around each other in harmony in the small kitchen space. Every once in a while, Rayn would look over their shoulder at what Star was preparing, in awe of their sibling’s skills. After all, cooking was magic in of itself, and Star had always had that inner attunement to it.
For the first time in forever, this didn’t bring a pang of envy and jealousy in Rayn’s heart.
Being here felt like home. Rayn was jarred by the unexpected feeling, suddenly overwhelmed by emotion.
“I hope you remembered to bring fruit.” Star’s voice broke Rayn’s spiral, anchoring them back to the moment.
“Yes, of course. The perfect oranges and mandarins. You always loved them,” Rayn answered quickly, a wetness in their words they made sure to wipe away.
“Well, they are traditional for the Lunar New Year celebrations.” There was no mistaking the fond smile warming the edges of Star’s words.
They settled on the floor before the roaring fire, around the small wooden table laden with the many dishes they had prepared together. Rayn marvelled at the selection of what could only be described as comfort, tradition, whimsy, and Star’s unique flare. Everything on that table had meaning. From the longevity noodles, to the Lion's Head Meatballs and, of course, the sweet rice balls. Rayn was sure that Star had chosen everything purposefully. After all, their sibling never did anything half measure.
As they ate in companionable silence, Rayn considered the message Star had crafted with that meal. The symbolism was inescapable–apart from the health and prosperity, happiness and longevity–there was a strong emphasis on family togetherness and unity.
There were also the nods to the comfort of their early childhood, remembrance of simpler days.
Rayn had a lot to think about. But there was no doubt.
Star was opening a door, holding out a hand.
Maybe it was high time to keep the past in the past, to move past what had been and start on a clean page.
Small steps. Perhaps Rayn could start on that journey…
Later on, they climbed the rackety stairs to the roof to light up and fly lanterns.
Star hugged Rayn tight as they watched their hopes and wishes for the new cycle fly to the sky, along with their silent tears.
As they both sat down at Star's window afterwards, talking tentatively about the future, Rayn promised themself to keep on making time for their twin, to keep the bond of family strong and never ever take this for granted again.
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