Escape

Chapter 15

The Tribute : Riley Elizabeth Adams died of a rare cancer that spread through her body taking her life but Riley never once showed that she was hurting. She never once said that it was unfair. She just kept reminding me that I shouldn't take the little things in life for granted. The moments I spend with my family, the afternoon breeze, the sunset, just the little things in life. She died at the age of 34 but I wouldn't say she didn't live life to the fullest because she did. She lived without regrets and isn't that the true meaning of living! When Riley died she took a part of me with her. She might be gone physically but I know she's here with me in spirit. Riley saved me. She saved my life and the memories we made will last forever.

I stepped off the podium and walked towards her casket. She lay there with a smile on her face. This was the last time I was going to see her. I held her lifeless hand. Even in death she was still as beautiful as she was when she was alive. 

There were many wreaths and flowers, cards and candles with pictures of her everywhere. Riley would have loved it. The church was packed with people. All of different races and religions and it was mind blowing. Some even spoke different languages but what they all had in common was that Riley had made an impact in their life. Some had unbelievable stories to tell of Riley but I knew that they were all true because I knew Riley. She was and still is my other half and I missed her.

My little girl came running to me. I lifted her off the floor and held her in my arms crying. She turned to me, "Mommy, what's wrong?", I tried to be strong but all the memories came rushing back all at once. The tears kept coming. Little Riley turned to the casket, "Mommy look! Aunt Riley is sleeping", she said pointing at Riley. "I know baby", I said with shaking hands trying not to drop her. "Mommy, when is she going to wake up? I want us to go and play at home". 

Those words were the hardest words I ever had to hear. My little three year old daughter did not understand the concept of death. She was too young to but I didn't want to lie to her because she would expect Riley to walk through the door with that familiar voice and smile and tell her stories and they would play. I couldn't. I couldn't lie to her. "Baby, Riley is dead. She's never coming back", I said with tears rolling down my cheek. Little Riley smiled, "She is mommy. She's here right now. In here", she placed her little hand on my chest gesturing to my heart. My little three year old daughter who hasn't attended school yet and is now learning her alphabet and numbers is now giving me the most important advice ever. 

They closed her casket. That was the last time I was going to see her. My best friend. The person I shared all my secrets with was now taking all my secrets with her to the grave. The rain began to fall. Everyone was dressed in black. Tissues in hand. Her body now in the ground. The tombstone read  D.O.B- 25th. August, 2003   D.O.D-16th.May, 2037   Riley Elizabeth Adams   You will be missed   R.I.P.  I placed a rose by her tombstone and I walked to my car. 

My husband had left early to take little Riley home. I was in the car alone. The windows were wined up and the car was silent. I allowed the silence to take over. I felt empty inside. The raindrops were hitting the window screen like bullets now. The place was getting dark. I felt weak. As I fumbled for my car keys in my purse i found something. It was a note. It read...     

Dear Liv, 

Your friend Riley requested that you come to retrieve her valuables at her old house. The house that you guys grew up in. The house Riley moved into when you guys first met. I know it is kind of sudden and I'm sorry I could not give you this letter face-to-face but I hope that you  would be able to take what was left for you. I was a friend of Riley, she told me to deliver this to you. Riley spoke very fondly of you. I hope you continue to be that amazing person Riley believed in. 

                                                                                                          Anonymous.

How did this get into my purse? I haven't been in my old neighborhood for years! What did Riley leave there for me? Why did she want me to have her valuables? It didn't add up.