Today is the day of fresh rosemary. On the eve of winter vacation, there was a small event where graduates sang a song featuring rosemary, symbolizing a beautiful reunion.

The hall, adorned with fresh rosemary, was filled with people entering wearing rosemary on their chests, causing the warm scent of grass and forest to overflow in the hall. Although not as many people attended as a large event like a graduation ceremony, a considerable number occupied the seats below the stage, and near the snack table, there were lively discussions among the attendees.

The busy schedule was not only happening below the stage. Behind the red velvet curtain-covered stage, about fifty lower-grade students gathered and checked their formation.

“Sparrow class, this way. Yes, Duck class, please move a little this way!”

The responsible teacher, a middle-aged woman, skillfully moved her hands here and there. When the children, wearing green fairy dresses and small rainbow-colored wings, moved to their positions following her guidance,

“Yes, everyone, please remember that spot. Got it?”

“Yes!”

Unlike the congratulatory voices from the graduates under the stage, there were refreshing voices of excitement from the children, giving off an invigorating atmosphere. The teacher in charge of the graduates couldn’t resist a bright smile, and as she turned her head to the half of the Sparrow class, she felt an unfamiliarity.

Certainly, the faces of the children around her were bright, but one child with a particularly dark complexion was looking down.

‘That black-haired child seems to have been in Emily’s class…’

She tried to recall the homeroom teacher, but she was too busy to pay attention to such details.

“Teacher Alena, even if you’re busy, could you please check the stage equipment?”

“Ah, yes. Okay, everyone! Now you can wait freely.”

Finally, to check the last-minute preparations with the man who approached her, she left with him.

“Nia, see you later!”

With anticipation filling her plump cheeks, Charlotte, whose two cheeks were pushed up, waved her hand.

And it wasn’t just Charlotte with that kind of face.

“Maja, Nia! Roy worked so hard, make sure to expect…oops!”

“Roy! Are you going to ruin everything!?”

“Sor, sorry, Ivan… Hooing…”

Except for Nia, the kids were full of excitement.

Watching the faces of such friends, the child who couldn’t hide the dark expression had now given up.

“…Umm. I’ll be back in a bit…”

Unable to say anything to the kids who disappeared hastily without even listening to greetings, Lucia took care of Nia while greeting the other ladies.

In the meantime, Hys, who came to take care of Nia instead, stood behind her, observing the situation.

“Are they your friends? Doesn’t seem like it.”

“… ”

Even if there was no ill intention, it was a painful remark right now. Although she could have confidently said no under normal circumstances, today the child couldn’t say anything.
“Now, today is the day when the Rosemary fairies sing and bless, cheering for the future ahead and the day we will meet again. Everyone, please welcome!”

A teacher in a splendid attire for the occasion came forward with outstretched hands.

As the red velvet curtain lifted, the fairy choir appeared. Dressed in outfits resembling a lively forest, adorned with small wings that seemed to have just settled, the adorable fairies gathered closely, and as they began to sing, a refreshing melody filled the air.

The raindrops knock on the door.
The bright sun taps with sweat.
Memories are always with you.
Like beautiful rosemary, like fragrant rosemary.

Rice grains knock on the ripe rice.
Snow falls on the roof.
We are together in all four seasons.
Like beautiful rosemary, like fragrant rosemary.

Knock, knock.
Rosemary tapping on memories always…
‘Always remember our meeting in green.’

Unusually melancholic lyrics today. Could it be that it stirred the child who was holding back tears?

Nia looked at the children around her. The kids were laughing so brightly that even if one friend disappeared right now, it wouldn’t be noticed.

Surely, this was something that seemed normal until half a year ago, something she was very accustomed to.

However, the feelings she had built up with these special friends weren’t something that could disappear for Nia in a single moment.

In the end, the child couldn’t bear it and burst into uncontrollable sobs.

“Wu, wueee… Huaaang…”

The child’s crying wasn’t that loud, but it was enough to cause a dissonance in the song being sung.

As the audience looked at the ruined stage, some expressed concern, and some furrowed their brows.

Among the spectators, Lucia rushed out with quick steps.

She tried to go up to the stage to console her child who was crying, but the teachers prevented her.

“Madam, please calm down. It’s okay.”

Perhaps because such incidents commonly occurred with 5-year-olds, another teacher had been prepared backstage.

As the teacher who appeared quietly on the stage calmed the children who were about to cry, it was time to take Nia away.