Daughter of a Witch

Never Leaving Again

Four Times Rio Returned Without Agatha and the One Time She Didn't

The First Time

The fields were endless, a lavender sea swaying gently under the golden sun. Sunflowers stood tall, their faces turned toward the light. The scene was beautiful and breathtaking, but it did nothing to soothe Rio's chest ache.

She found them by the cabin, the place she had built for them in this world between worlds. Nicky was playing, chasing butterflies that sparkled like stars. Y/n sat nearby, watching her brother with a bright smile that was painfully reminiscent of her Mama.

Nicky's face lit up when he saw Rio. He ran to her, wrapping his little arms around her waist. "Mami!" he exclaimed, his voice sweet and full of innocence. "Is Mamá with you this time?"

Rio's heart shattered. She sank to her knees, pulling him close. "No, mi amor... not yet."

Nicky's face fell, his lip trembling. "But... I miss her."

"I know," Rio whispered, her fingers brushing his curls. "I miss her too."

She looked up and found Y/n standing a few feet away, her eyes searching. Hope flickered and died in those familiar brown eyes, but she hid it well, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her face. "It's okay, Mami," Y/n said softly, always the strong one. "We'll wait."

Rio's chest tightened. Her daughter had been waiting for so long. She wanted to reach out, pull Y/n close, and promise Agatha would come soon. But the words caught in her throat, weighed down by the truth she couldn't change.

They spent the afternoon together, the way they always did. Rio played with Nicky in the fields, his laughter a sweet, aching reminder of the life he never got to finish. Y/n joined them, her smile warm but her eyes distant. Rio watched her carefully, her heart breaking for the daughter who was too strong, too good at hiding her pain.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Rio knew she had to leave. She hugged Nicky tight, kissed his forehead, and promised to return soon. He clung to her, his tiny hands desperate to keep her there. But he let go, brave even when it hurt.

Y/n walked her to the edge of the field, her steps slow and hesitant. She looked at Rio, her eyes searching one last time. "Tell her... tell her we're waiting."

Rio's voice broke. "I will."

The Second Time

Nicky ran to her when she appeared, his laughter echoing through the field. "Mami!" He hugged her tightly before pulling back, eyes wide with hope. "Did you bring Mama?"

Rio's throat tightened. "No, Nicky... not this time."

Tears filled his eyes. "But... you said she'd come."

"I know, baby," Rio whispered, guilt twisting in her stomach. "She wants to be here. She loves you so much."

Nicky sniffled, nodding as he tried to be brave. "Okay... I'll wait."

Her heart broke all over again. She wanted to scream, to tear the sky apart and demand to know why her children were here, waiting endlessly for a mother who couldn't reach them.

She looked up to find Y/n standing by the cabin door, watching quietly. She was older than Nicky, more understanding, fifteen, and beautiful, so much like her mother. Y/n's eyes flicked behind Rio, searching for someone who wasn't there.

When she found nothing, Y/n smiled, soft and bittersweet. "Next time," she said, her voice steady. "She'll come next time."

Rio wanted to believe her.