I sat beside my mother.
“Mom, have you thought about what happens next? Who’s going to raise Lily?”
She looked at me.
“I have. And that’s why I need to ask you something.”
My heart started racing again.
“What?”
“Sarah, I know I won’t be able to stay by her side for many more years. But you can. You can tell her about Emily, show her the photographs, and love her the way I would.”
I remained silent for a long time.
Then I picked up Lily.
Her tiny fingers wrapped around mine.
At that moment, I realized that no matter how frightening, unusual, and unbelievable this entire situation was, this little girl was already part of our family.
I kissed her forehead.
“I’ll take care of her, Mom.”
My mother closed her eyes.
A peaceful expression appeared on her face, one I hadn’t seen since Emily’s death.
