English Version: Sands & Sparrow

42

The Past of Aveline

Part 2

"Papa, how's Mama in heaven? Grandpa once told me she lived there. Can we visit her?" A nine-year-old Aveline asked her father. They were walking on the beach, collecting seashells, when she tugged his hand excitedly. "Papa, let's go over there. Let's make a sandcastle." She knelt on the sand, beginning to dig with her hands. Domeng sat beside her, shading her from the sun. He then found a large seashell and handed it to her. "W-whisper into it. Y-your mother w-will hear."

"Mother will hear me?" she asked, her voice filled with childlike wonder as she gazed at the seashell, her dimpled cheeks beaming with joy.

Domeng nodded, smiling at her affectionately. The inside of the seashell was iridescent, shining with the colors of the ocean. Blues mingled with greens, sparkling beautifully in the sunlight. Aveline spoke into the seashell as if it were a telephone. "Mama, are you there? I'm here with Papa." Then, she heard a soft murmur that filled her heart with joy. She looked up at the sky, watching birds glide over the horizon. "Papa, heaven looks nice. I think it would be beautiful to fly." Aveline observed the cirrus clouds strewn across the bluest of skies.

"It's beautiful," Domeng agreed, his gaze also watching the sky.

Aveline turned to him, pressing the seashell to her ear, then whispered, "I love Papa. He's the best father in the world. Take care in heaven, Ma. I love you, Papa, and Grandpa."

"Papa, listen," she said, facing her father. Domeng knelt on the sand to meet her eye level. Aveline placed the shell to his ear. Her voice resonated within the seashell, warming the father's heart. "Papa l-loves you t-too," he said, wrapping her tenderly.

The waves caressed the shore, and a gentle wind enveloped them.

"Papa, I learned a new song at school."

"R-really?"

"Do you want me to sing?"

"P-please s-sing it w-with Papa," Domeng replied eagerly, settling himself on the beach. Aveline stood up, shaping her hands into the form of a bird, then began to sing with youthful enthusiasm. Dancing in circles, Aveline's dress billowed with the wind. Domeng watched her with pride, clapping enthusiastically. "Y-you sing w-well, Aveline."

"I want to be a bird, Papa!" Aveline exclaimed, spreading her arms like wings and sprinting across the sand. Domeng stood and, with his strong arms, joyfully granted her wish to 'fly.' He hoisted Aveline, allowing her to glide above him. "Papa! Let's chase the waves!" she suggested, pointing towards where the waves met the shore. Setting her down, they approached the water's edge, letting the wet sand envelop their feet, eagerly waiting for the next wave. Together, they would retreat from the approaching waves, laughter filling the air.

"Let's dance, Papa!"

Lifting her into the air, Domeng danced with her, twirling in sync with the breeze. The sea hummed a quiet lullaby; the magnificent sunset watched over them. In her father's eyes, Aveline would forever remain the most cherished sparrow he could ever hold.

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"Pa, why are you different? My classmates' dads are not like you." Aveline rested her head on the pillow while holding a book; then she turned the page.