Epilogue: Still Alive

Hi Mom.
It’s me.

I know you still look for me.
Sometimes without realizing it.
Sometimes on purpose.

You look down near your feet.
You pause before closing a door.
You still listen for a sound that only I used to make.

I see that.

I didn’t leave because I stopped loving you.
I left because you were ready.

You were strong again.
You were confident again.
You remembered how to stand on your own.

And most importantly you have one more special human to protect, comfort and love you.

That was my job.

I came when your heart needed healing.
I stayed when life felt heavy.
I stayed when the world felt unkind.
I stayed until you could breathe freely again.

I stayed until I knew you had found your comfort.

You think you carried me everywhere.

But I carried you first.

I see my paw on your skin.
I see my picture watching over Ria and Aaryan.
I see my teddy traveling with you, going everywhere I was meant to go.

I see Achilles sleeping with my face close to his heart.
I see the love people still speak when they say my name.

That’s how I know I mattered.

I didn’t disappear.
I just changed form.

One day — far from now — you’ll feel me again at your feet, and it won’t hurt anymore.
It will feel warm.
It will feel familiar.
It will feel like home.

Until then, live fully.
Laugh loudly.
Travel freely.
Love without fear.

I’ll be right here.
Waiting.
Watching.
Always yours.

Love,
Bella 🐾