Wingless

Pt. 2

"I looked at that stupid little thing every time I saw it. Almost like it was a reminder. Of hope. Of love. Of everything I'd forgotten I could have again." Aubrianna wiped her tears from her wrinkled cheeks and smiled. She turned and opened her bedside drawer, pulling out the ornament and setting in her daughters hands. She looked it over and handed it back to her mother.
"I still look at it every now and again." She laughed. "It brings back the most painful and beautiful memories I can fathom up."
"When did she give it to you?" Her daughter asked, smiling.
"The day she left."

*****
"We'll meet up once we get settled and talk about the new lives. The better lives." Angelette smiled, her luggage at her feet.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Aubrianna smiled back.

Angelette bent down and pulled out a small bag, handing it to Aubrianna. She looked at the bag, confused. She began to open it, but Angelette stopped her.

"After I leave." She said, her hand laying on top of hers.

*****
"Do you still talk to her?" Her daughter asked, her face full of emotion.
"Not exactly." Aubrianna replied, her eyes filling up. "Life got in the way a couple years ago."
Her daughters eyebrows furrowed, obviously questioning what happened to such a special bond.

"She died about a year and a half ago." Tears fell from Aubrianna's eyes as she held tighter to the ornament. Her wrinkled eyes holding just as much sadness and emptiness as last week when her daughter was told the story. She'd forgotten her age, her name, her family and nearly all the rest of her memories, but she'd never failed to remember to tell that story to every person who walked into her room.