Chapter 19 - The Final FarewellOn the anniversary of Emily’s passing, the three of us walked up the grassy hill overlooking the ocean where we had scattered her favorite flowers.
Lily held a bouquet of white lilies, while Owen carried a small wooden sailboat he had carved with my help. We stood in silence as the wind carried the scent of salt and sweet blossoms.
"We are safe now, Mom," Lily whispered into the breeze, letting the white petals fall from her hands into the ocean below. "Daddy took care of everything. You don't have to worry about us anymore."
Owen placed his wooden boat on the tide, watching it float smoothly over the waves into the open horizon. I wrapped my arms around both of my children, feeling the steady warmth of their heartbeats against mine.
