10:45

PART 29

The Christmas season of 2002 was a bittersweet time for Claudine. It was the first Christmas she spent with her twins, Richo and Ricodine, but also the first Christmas without Rico. As she decorated their home, memories of past holidays with Rico flooded her mind. They had always made a big deal out of Christmas, sharing traditions and laughter, and now it felt different, quieter.

Claudine tried her best to stay strong, especially for her children. She wanted their first Christmas to be full of love, even if a piece of her heart was missing. Her family, as well as Rico’s family, helped her a lot. They came over to spend time with the twins, making sure Claudine didn’t feel alone. Rico’s parents, in particular, showered Richo and Ricodine with so much love and care. They treated the twins like a reminder of Rico, making sure they were always surrounded by warmth and affection.

Claudine was grateful. The twins were lucky to have so many people who loved them, and she could see how much Rico’s family adored them. She felt happy knowing that his parents were there for them, but at the same time, a dull ache remained in her heart. She wished more than anything that Rico could be there, holding their babies and sharing this special moment with them.

The house was filled with Christmas lights and decorations. Claudine had even put up the Christmas tree that she and Rico had used before. As she placed each ornament on the tree, she remembered the times they spent together, smiling at the memories while holding back tears. She could almost hear Rico’s voice, see his smile as they decorated the tree together.

On Christmas Eve, Claudine sat by the tree, holding Richo in one arm and Ricodine in the other. The babies were calm, their tiny faces glowing in the soft light of the tree. Claudine kissed their little foreheads, whispering softly to them about their dad. "Your dad would’ve loved to be here," she said, her voice tender. "He loved Christmas so much."

She looked out the window, staring at the stars twinkling in the dark sky. A part of her wished Rico was watching over them, and deep down, she believed he was. Even though he wasn’t physically there, Claudine felt his presence in her heart, guiding her through this difficult time.

That night, Claudine found herself walking down memory lane. She thought about the first Christmas she and Rico had spent together. He had surprised her with a thoughtful gift, something simple but filled with love. It wasn’t about the material things—they both knew that. It was about the time they spent together, the laughter they shared, and the promises they made to each other.

As midnight struck, Claudine took a deep breath, feeling a mix of emotions. She was surrounded by family, her twins sleeping peacefully in her arms, but she still missed Rico so much. The pain of his absence hadn’t faded. It was always there, lingering in the background, reminding her of the love they had shared.

Despite the sadness, Claudine reminded herself of the blessings in front of her. Her twins, Richo and Ricodine, were a part of Rico that lived on. Every time she looked at them, she saw Rico in their faces. Richo had the same dimples as his father, and Ricodine, with her soft smile, reminded Claudine of both her and Rico. It gave her comfort knowing that a piece of him was still with her.

As Christmas Day dawned, Claudine decided to focus on the joy of the present moment. She dressed the twins in little Christmas outfits that Rico’s family had gifted them. The house was filled with the sound of laughter and music as family members came over to celebrate with them. There were smiles, gifts, and endless pictures taken of the twins, everyone fussing over how adorable they looked.

Claudine smiled through it all, her heart both full and aching. She couldn’t stop thinking about how Rico would have loved to see their babies being spoiled by their family, how he would have laughed and joked with everyone, filling the room with his presence.