10:45

PART 28

After the baptism of the twins, Claudine, Marj, and Tina, along with the rest of their family and friends, headed straight to Rico’s resting place. This was a special day, not just because of the twins' baptism, but because it was the first time Claudine would bring their children to visit their father. Six months had passed since Rico's death, and although life had moved forward, the pain was still there, fresh and real in Claudine’s heart.

As they arrived at the cemetery, the mood shifted to a quieter, more reflective tone. Everyone knew how important this moment was for Claudine. It was a moment to introduce her children to their father, even though he wasn’t physically there anymore. After a few minutes of silence, Claudine gently asked for some space, wanting a private moment with the twins at Rico's grave.

Marj and Tina understood right away and gave her the privacy she needed. They stepped back, along with the others, allowing Claudine to sit by the gravestone with her two babies. She carefully held each of them in her arms, her heart aching but full of love at the same time.

As she sat there, facing Rico’s gravestone, tears started falling down her cheeks. She looked at their son, Richo, who had dimples just like his father. She thought about how much Rico would have adored holding him, seeing his little face light up with every smile. Then she gazed at their daughter, Ricodine, a perfect blend of both her and Rico. She imagined Rico’s proud smile, knowing that their love had brought these two beautiful lives into the world.

Claudine softly spoke, her voice trembling but filled with emotion. “Rico, these are our babies,” she whispered, as if Rico could hear her from wherever he was. “I wish you were here to see them. They’re so beautiful. Richo looks exactly like you, and Ricodine... she’s a mix of us both. I promise, I will raise them with all the love we shared.”

She gently placed a hand on the gravestone, feeling the coolness of it, and closed her eyes for a moment. In her heart, she felt a connection, as if Rico was there with them, watching over them, smiling down at the family he had always dreamed of having.

The twins, though still so young, remained calm in their mother’s arms, almost as if they, too, could sense the importance of the moment. Claudine stayed like that for a while, talking to Rico as if he was right beside her, sharing stories about their babies, and letting him know how much she missed him.

As the sky started to change colors, signaling the end of the day, Claudine wiped away her tears and kissed both her children on their foreheads. “We’ll come back to visit you, Rico,” she promised softly. “I’ll make sure they know everything about you. How much you loved them, even before they were born.”

Before she stood up, Claudine felt a sudden breeze, light but comforting, and it made her smile. She took it as a sign that Rico was still with them, in spirit, guiding her through this journey of motherhood. With one last glance at the gravestone, she whispered, “I love you, Rico.”

As she turned back to where Marj, Tina, and the others were waiting, Claudine felt a sense of peace. It was still painful to think of all the moments Rico would miss, but she knew she had to be strong for their children. She had to live for them, and in doing so, she would also keep Rico’s memory alive.

Marj walked over to her as she approached. “Are you okay?” she asked softly, noticing the tears still lingering in Claudine’s eyes.

Claudine nodded, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “I am. I just needed that moment with him,” she replied, looking down at the twins. “They’re so lucky to have a dad like Rico, even if he’s not here with us.”

Marj smiled and placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “And they’re lucky to have you, Clau. You’re doing such a good job with them. Rico would be so proud.”