Sibling Bond

A Tribute

After Ashley’s vivid dream about their mom, she felt a deep longing to find a way to keep Lori’s memory close to her heart. Inspired by Austin’s tattoo of the number 27 with angel wings, symbolizing the age Lori was when he was born, Ashley decided to get her own tattoo.
She chose the number 22, with delicate angel wings on either side, representing the age Lori was when Ashley was born. It was a tribute to her mom’s youth and the enduring bond they shared, a permanent reminder of the love and strength Lori had instilled in both her children.
The day of the tattoo appointment was filled with nervous anticipation. Ashley sat in the artist’s chair, her heart racing as the tattooist carefully etched the design onto her skin. With each prick of the needle, she felt a mix of pain and exhilaration, knowing that this tattoo would forever honor her mom.
Once the tattoo was finished, Ashley couldn’t wait to show Austin. She called him and invited him to lunch, just the two of them. They met at their favorite café, a cozy spot with memories of family lunches and laughter.
Austin arrived, noticing the excitement in Ashley’s eyes. “What’s up?” he asked, taking a seat across from her.
Ashley smiled, her hand gently touching her new tattoo. “I got something today,” she began, her voice filled with emotion. “I wanted to show you.”
Austin leaned forward, curious and intrigued. Ashley lifted her sleeve, revealing the number 22 with delicate angel wings.
Austin’s eyes widened with surprise and admiration. “Ashley, it’s beautiful,” he said softly, reaching out to gently touch the tattoo. “Mom would have loved it.”
Tears welled up in Ashley’s eyes. “I wanted to keep her close to me, just like you did with your tattoo.”
Austin nodded, his own emotions stirring. “You’re carrying a piece of her with you now, always.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their loss mingling with the comfort of their shared tribute to their mom. The café buzzed around them, but they were lost in their own thoughts and memories.
“She’d be proud of us, you know,” Austin said finally, breaking the quietude. “How we’ve kept her memory alive and supported each other through everything.”
Ashley nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “I think so too. And having this tattoo reminds me of her strength and love every day.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon reminiscing about their favorite memories with Lori, laughing through tears as they shared stories and jokes. The heaviness of grief lifted, replaced by a sense of gratitude for the time they had with their mom and the enduring bond they shared as siblings.
As they left the café, the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city streets. Austin draped an arm around Ashley’s shoulders, and they walked side by side, knowing that Lori’s spirit would always be with them, guiding and protecting them.