That evening, after dinner and a long bath full of bubbles and giggles, Emily tucked Mia into bed. The little girl held her favorite stuffed bunny, a gift from her dad on her last birthday with him.
“Mommy,” Mia whispered as Emily pulled the quilt up to her chin. “Can you tell me the story about how you and Daddy met again?”
Emily smiled, her heart warm at the thought of her husband. “Of course, my love.” She sat on the edge of the bed, her voice soft and soothing. “I met your daddy at a park, not too far from here. I was sitting on a bench, reading a book, when a soccer ball came flying my way and landed right in my lap!”
Mia giggled. “Daddy kicked it, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he did,” Emily replied, laughing softly. “He ran over, all flustered, apologizing a hundred times. But when I looked up, I couldn’t even be mad. He had the kindest smile.”
“Did he say sorry with ice cream?” Mia guessed, her eyes sparkling.
Emily chuckled. “He did, actually. He offered to buy me ice cream to make up for it. And from that day on, we were best friends. He made me laugh like no one else, just like you do.”
Mia snuggled deeper under the covers, a dreamy expression on her face. “I think Daddy wanted us to have a rainbow today because he misses us too.”
Emily kissed her forehead, her voice tender. “I think so too, sweetheart. And every time you see a rainbow, just remember that he’s sending you a hug from up there.”
Satisfied, Mia yawned and closed her eyes. “I love you, Mommy.”
“I love you more, Mia,” Emily whispered, switching off the bedside lamp. She lingered by the doorway for a moment, watching her little girl drift off to sleep, her small face peaceful and content.
That night, Emily sat by the window in the living room, a cup of tea warming her hands. She gazed at the stars, feeling a quiet sense of comfort. Life wasn’t always easy, but moments like today reminded her of the strength she and Mia shared. They were a team, bound by love and memories that would never fade.
In the quiet of the night, a shooting star streaked across the sky, leaving a trail of light. Emily smiled to herself, a feeling of peace washing over her.
“Thank you,” she whispered into the darkness, knowing that somehow, somewhere, he could hear her.
And with that, Emily felt ready for another day, filled with more laughter, love, and little moments of magic with her sweet Mia.
