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As I got out of the car, the familiar view of tumbled gravestones came into my sight. My daughter was looking down, playing with her tiny fingers, her silence telling me all I need to know. As I softly gathered her in my arms, we made our way to the memorized path. I could see other families paying respect to the dead, and suddenly, the earthy smell of rain filled my nostrils.
As I came across the gravestone, the instant feeling of sadness and regret filled me. The gravestone read Lashun Isom July 23, 1997 - Dec 24, 2023. After giving birth to our little girl, Lashun passed minutes after. The hospital contacted me due to me being the other guardian. I was surprised at the revelation that he acknowledged me as the other father.
I never got the chance to apologize for what I said to him. It's sad it took his passing for me to realize his worth. I used him for my own selfish reasons, and the agonizing feeling of guilt haunts me all the time. The night I saw my daughter, I instantly fell in love with her and I swore to cherish and protect her until my dying breath.
I looked down at my daughter as she engaged in a full conversation with Shun, and it was as if he was really here. Shit's really messed up, man. He should be here with me taking care of our daughter, but it was just his time. Tears clouded my vision at the thought, and I looked down at my daughter as she comforted me with a soft hug to my leg.
"Papa says he forgives you, daddy. He says you can't keep letting the guilt eat at you," Laya said.
"How do you know he said that, baby girl?" I asked, surprised.
"He talks to me all the time, daddy. He doesn't talk to you," she said cutely.
"No, baby girl, can you tell him I miss him?"
"He's here, silly. He's right there," she pointed in front of me.
It was weird, but I felt like he was really here. I felt a touch on my shoulder and I instantly knew who it was. My daughter and I spent the remaining time talking to Shun, and it felt good that he was here in a way.
