Chapter 11 - THE GIRL NAMED LILY
Hannah invited me to Lily's grave in June.
I had never asked to go.
It was something she needed to choose.
We drove to a quiet cemetery outside the city.
She carried white lilies.
I carried nothing.
At the small headstone, she knelt.
I stood a few steps away.
The inscription read:
LILY COLLINS
FOREVER LOVED
Hannah placed the flowers carefully.
Then she began talking.
Not to me.
To her daughter.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Her voice trembled.
“Mommy's here.”
I looked away.
She told Lily about nursing school.
About Leo.
About the apartment she was moving into.
About the first time she'd laughed without immediately feeling guilty.
Then she turned toward me.
“Would you like to say something?”
I hesitated.
Then knelt beside her.
“Hello, Lily.”
My voice broke.
“I wish I'd known you.”
Hannah began crying.
I looked at the small headstone.
“Your mother saved my son's life.”
I swallowed.
“And she's helping me become a better father.”
I placed my hand on the grass.
“I promise I'll never ask her to forget you.”
Hannah covered her mouth.
Then she leaned against me.
I held her.
For a long time, we stayed beside Lily.
When we finally stood, Hannah looked at me.
“Thank you.”
I shook my head.
“For what?”
“For not trying to make this easier than it is.”
I took her hand.
“Some things aren't supposed to be easy.”
She smiled through tears.
Then she kissed me.
Softly.
Briefly.
A choice.
Not a debt.
May you like
Not gratitude.
A beginning.
