She’s so strong and brave. She’s everything I wish I could have been.
Please live for me. Live the best life you could ever dream of living.
I’m so proud of you. I love you so much.
But I miss your daddy, and it’s time for me to find him. I miss him more than I can explain.
Be brave. Be strong. Love with your whole heart.
When you see a butterfly in the air, think of me.
When you see a star shine brighter, think of me.
I’ll watch over you until your last breath.
Until we meet again, my sweet boy.
Mom.
The words blur as my vision burns. I don’t realize I’m crying until a tear drops onto the page, the ink bleeding as my heart shatters all over again.
This was her goodbye.
And Halle… Halle has one too.
The paper shakes in my grip, my fingers trembling as I fold it carefully, not wanting it to tear. The room spins, Madison fading at the edges of my vision, and I bow my head, resting my forehead against the edge of the bed to stop the spinning.
The hiss of oxygen fills the room.
My pulse races, faster than the steady beep ofthe monitor. I reach for Madi’s hand, sliding my palm beneath hers, turning my head so my eyes lock onto our hands.
“I need you,” I whisper, my voice cracking around the words.
Please, please, please.
Come back to me. Come back to me.
Time stretches. My heartbeat slows. My neck begins to tighten the longer I stay bent here, my cheek pressed into the sheet, damp with silent tears. I know I don’t have much time before Claire comes back to check on me, but I can’t move. My limbs feel heavy.
And then?—
My heart stops.
Her fingers move.
A twitch. So small, I’m almost convinced I didn’t see it.
“Madi?” My voice shakes as I lift my head, eyes locked on her hand. “Baby girl?”
I don’t move.
Don’t breathe.
Terrified that if I do, it won’t happen again.
Her fingers curl.
A half sob, half laugh tears from my throat as I stagger to my feet, my eyes bouncing between her hand and her face, watching, waiting. I rake my hands through my hair as a wave of panic and relief crashes over me, excitement tangling with disbelief.
