After Daughter's Loss, Divorce

It was the day of Seraphina’s funeral.

Adrian said he couldn’t attend because of work commitments. Instead, he sent over a small Victorian-style dress, the one Seraphina had been longing for. I remembered how excitedly Seraphina had told Adrian that Thanksgiving was coming up, and she wished for that very dress. Adrian had promised her he would buy it before Thanksgiving. But he hadn’t.

Thanksgiving had long since passed, and the dress never made it into her hands.

I took the dress and quietly asked, “Seraphina loved this dress for so long, why didn’t she get it for her birthday?”

Adrian paused before replying, “I forgot.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly. Seraphina cherished that gift so much, how could she not have reminded him? The truth was, even if Seraphina had mentioned it, Adrian probably didn’t care enough to pay attention.

I carried the dress over to Seraphina’s gravestone, gently placing it down. “Seraphina, it’s Mommy who let you down.”

I crouched down, my fingers tracing the youthful features of Seraphina’s face in the photograph. She was smiling so joyfully, her eyes curving like crescent moons. Yet, I had failed to keep that happiness alive.

I recalled the last time I tried to celebrate Seraphina’s birthday, buying a doll that matched the style of the dress. Seraphina was quick; she immediately recognized the doll and its connection to the dress she wanted. Clutching the doll with her eyes sparkling, she asked, “Mom, did Dad send this to me through you?”

I nodded, “Yes, your dad is busy with work, so Mom brought it for you.”

Seraphina hugged the doll tightly and said, “Thank you, Mommy!”

I stroked her hair. She was so understanding; she surely must have known the gift was from me. But she chose to pretend otherwise, just to protect my feelings.

My darling daughter…

The tears flowed, unstoppable.