Hearts On The Highrise

Epilogue

I sat cross-legged on the grass, the sun casting a warm glow over the cemetery. Maya, my two-year-old daughter, sat on my lap, happily playing with her doll. Her innocent laughter was a stark contrast to the somber surroundings. I took a deep breath, the weight of the moment pressing down on me, and looked ahead at the gravestones.

"Mommy, look! Dolly's flying!" Maya giggled, lifting her doll into the air and making swooshing sounds.

I smiled down at her, smoothing her dark curls. "That's wonderful, sweetie. Dolly's having a great time."

From my pocket, I pulled out a weathered letter, one that Pichy had written to me before she passed away. I hadn't read it in a while, but today felt like the right time. Holding it in my hands, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. My heart tightened as I unfolded it, her familiar handwriting bringing back a flood of memories.

"Dear Engfa," it began, "If you're reading this, it means I'm no longer there with you. I've thought a lot about what to say, and there are so many things I want you to know. First, I want you to be happy. Truly happy. You deserve it more than anyone I know."

I paused, my eyes misting over as I continued. "I know you're going to meet someone who will love you just as much as I did, if not more. Someone who will make you laugh and hold you when you're sad. And that someone will be Charlotte."

Maya looked up at me, her tiny hand reaching up to touch my face. "Mommy, why are you crying?" I wiped a tear away and smiled at her.

I continued reading, "Charlotte is a wonderful person, Engfa. I can see it in the way she looks at you, the way she cares for you. She will be your rock, your light in the darkness. Hold on to her and never let her go."

Maya, still clutching her doll, leaned her head against my chest. I hugged her closer, kissing the top of her head.

"Losing Chayann was the hardest thing we ever faced together. I remember the nights we cried ourselves to sleep, holding on to each other because that was the only way to bear the pain. I still feel his presence sometimes, as if he's watching over us."

The letter continued, "I believe that Chayann and I are together now, watching over you. We want you to know that you are never alone. We will always be with you, guiding you and protecting you. When you have another child, please tell them about their big brother. Tell them how brave and strong he was, and how much he loved life, even though it was so short. Let them know that they have a guardian angel in heaven who will always look out for them."

I finished the letter, my voice trembling. "Promise me, Engfa, that you'll keep moving forward. Love with all your heart and never forget how precious life is. Take care of yourself. I love you always, Pichy."

I looked up at the gravestones, my heart heavy yet filled with a sense of peace. I had loved deeply and lost much, but I had also found new reasons to live and love again. I took another deep breath and smiled at Maya, her innocent presence a reminder of the future that still lay ahead.

Maya stood up, her little legs wobbling slightly as she made her way over to the gravestones in front of us. I watched her with a soft smile, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. She reached out with her tiny hand and gently touched one of the gravestones, her fingers tracing the engraved letters with curiosity.

After a moment, she turned back to me, her eyes wide and filled with innocent confusion. "Mommy, where is Mama? I want to see her."

I opened my arms to Maya, my heart full of love for this little girl who carried so much of our past and future within her. "Come here, sweetie," I called gently.

Maya turned and ran back to me, her doll clutched in one hand. She wrapped her tiny arms around me, and I hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth and innocence of her embrace. She pulled back, flashing me a bright smile, and then suddenly, her face lit up with excitement.