Page 117 of The Girl I Once Loved

Daisy smiles, but there's a hint of sadness behind it. "It won't be the same, though."

I sigh, feeling the weight of the impending distance. "I know, but we'll make it work. And just think, when I come back, we'll have even more stories to share."

Daisy chuckles, the sound tinged with nostalgia. "Yeah, you're right. We'll have a lot to catch up on."

As the hours tick away, we continue to reminisce, sharing our dreams and aspirations.

"When you come back, you’re going to be a star, Sky," Daisy shrieks proudly.

I put my hand on her mouth. “Don’t jinx me.”

She shakes her head and grabs my hand. “You know, growing up, I used to envy you.”

“What?” I ask, completely flabbergasted. “Why?”

“You’re so fucking talented. The sky’s always been the limit for you.”

I go to tell her she’s talented too, but then she’s the one putting her hand on my mouth.

“I have my strengths. But not like you. And that’s okay. I just wanted you to know—you’ve always inspired me. I’m so freaking proud that you finally decided to show the world how special you are.”

A hitched sob comes out of my mouth, because my sister is just so damn wonderful.

I’m going to miss her so much.

“I always envied you too,” I tell her. “Of your ability to live so freely, so unapologetically. I’ve tried to channel you all these years when I needed to be brave. Because you were the first person to teach me how to do it.”

There are tears in Daisy’s eyes now too, and we hold onto each other’s hands tightly.

Eventually, fatigue begins to overtake us, and our conversation lulls into comfortable silence. We lie side by side, gazing at the ceiling, lost in our own thoughts.

Before drifting off to sleep, I whisper, "I love you, Daisy. You mean the world to me."

Daisy turns to me with a soft smile. "I love you too, Skylar. Always have, always will. You’re my person."

And with those words, we settle into a peaceful sleep.

The night is a poignant reminder of the unbreakable connection between us, a bond that can withstand any distance or time apart.

* * *

The air is cool and crisp as Noah and I make our way through the quiet cemetery. The soft crunch of fallen leaves beneath our feet is the only sound in this serene place. We pass by rows of gravestones, each one a silent testament to lives once lived.

I can't help but feel a heavy weight in my chest as we approach the familiar grave, the headstone adorned with a simple inscription—Annabelle Fontaine, Loving Mother and Wife.

Noah's hand finds mine, and he gives it a gentle squeeze, as if sensing the turmoil of emotions within me. We stand together in front of the grave, lost in our thoughts, neither of us speaking a word. The wind rustles through the trees, and I shiver, feeling a chill down to my bones.

Noah clears his throat, breaking the silence. "Hey, Mom," he begins, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness and tenderness. "It's been a while. I...I just wanted to say I won’t be able to visit for a while. But I wanted you to know…I’m finally…happy. Just like you wanted for me.”

He glances over at me, emotion in his eyes, and I feel the weight of his words.

I swallow hard, my own emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "Hi," I say softly, addressing the woman whose memory is etched in this place. "I just want you to know I’ll take care of him, just like you would've wanted. I promise."

Noah's grip on my hand tightens, and he nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yeah," he murmurs. "Mom…she will."

I blink back my own tears, feeling a deep sense of gratitude towards this woman I never met. Because she gave me the greatest man I’ll ever know.

We stand there for what feels like an eternity, sharing our thoughts and feelings with the woman who can no longer respond. It's a bittersweet moment, a goodbye that's much harder than I thought it would be. Noah's shoulders slump, and I wrap my arms around him, offering what little comfort I can.

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