Alone Awaken

Epilogue

-10 years later-

The last note of the piano hung in the air as I walked towards the study. "Mommy, is daddy done?" I look down and brush the dark curls of my baby girl behind her ear. I kneel down and whisper to her.

"Yes Ally, you can go in." I kiss her cheek and she's off running before I could get back up. Her feet patter across the hardwoods and stops and waves franticly as if he can't see her little body.

I here Colton laugh and I can picture that smile. The biggest smile he's ever had since I told him I was pregnant 6 years ago. It didn't take long after we were married. It was as if this was all meant to be all along and we were just waiting on fate to bring us together. "Hi Ally, thank you for waiting like a good girl." Ally stops waving and smiles with pride that he noticed her patience.

I finally reach the french glass doors that open into our study. Filled from the ground up with books of music and a grand piano in the center looking out to the front yard. Here is where he works helping kids recover from tragedy through music.

Colton received his masters after presenting his thesis again to the music and psychology board. I told him it was ok to use our story and with further research and grants, he was able to graduate with his doctorate. Colton's work has been published and cited in numerous research papers on music aiding in recovery and I couldn't be more proud of what he's accomplished.

I peak in and see him moving around the piano with his arms stretched out to hug our little girl. His wedding ring shines in the light and my eyes see what the past did to him. Even though his right hand recovered from the break, his left hand wasn't so successful from the frost bite. He lost his index finger and part of his middle and everyday I look at it, it's a reminder of what we both went through and how we will never let that happen again. But he doesn't let it stop him from playing music. He adapted after years of practice and it's a way for kids to see strength in a weakness. I rest my hand on my chest to settle my heart. It beats fast every time I think about almost losing him.

Colton picks up Ally and gives her a kiss and plops her back down playfully. He looks over at me and gives me a wink. I love you so much.

"Can Mikey come play now?" Ally leans to the side to look around the piano and out walks little Mikey. A shy little boy, the same age as Ally, who Colton has been working with the past few weeks. He lost his mother to cancer 6 months ago and hasn't spoken since. His father brings him by a couple days a week in hopes his son can begin to find joy again. It hasn't been easy and I try my best to help Ally understand that Mikey needs time, but she's just like her father and keeps coming by to see him every time.

"Well, if Mikey wants to play you can." Colton kneels down once Mikey reaches them. "Do you want to play with Ally?" Colton was always good with kids, very calm and speaks to them like a person. He never belittles their thoughts and ideas, that way they feel comfortable to improve and open up.

Mikey slowly nods. "Alright then. Head out in the front and we can wait for your dad while you two play." Ally squeals with excitement and grabs Mikey's hand.

"Come on let's go!" She pulls him along while Mikey goes willingly. Colton takes my hand in his and we both walk outside to watch them from the porch. Colton wraps his arms around me from behind and I rest my head on his shoulder. He rubs my swollen belly humming to our second baby girl arriving any day now.

"Do you think Ally will be just as playful when the baby comes? Or be jealous? I give a small laugh and shrug my shoulders.

"Nah, she'll be obsessed with her." Colton kisses the side of my forehead.

Beep Beep

We give a quick wave to Mikey's dad as he pulls in. "Ok Ally say goodbye to Mikey, his dads here." Colton holds my hand as we walk down the porch steps towards them.

"Ok daddy." She runs over to Mikey and gives him a big hug. She starts running back to us and waves behind her without looking. "Bye Mikey!" Mikey stands there for a second, looks back at his dads car then back to Ally. Once she reaches us, she hugs Colton's leg and looks back at Mikey.

Mikey gives a quick wave. "By Ally!" And runs off to the car. My eyes bolt to Colton and his to mine. Silently saying to each other did that just happen? Mikey spoke and it was Ally who helped him. I look back to the car as Mikey gets in and I laugh in disbelief.

I look down to my baby girl and smile. "Just like her daddy."