Chapter 3

My mom seemed like she wanted to say something, but Gabriel, clearly fed up, flagged down the waiter and had her shown out.

I watched as my mom was tossed out as if she were out of her mind.

In the biting winter cold, she made her way home alone, her footsteps crunching on the snow-covered ground.

Once home, she busied herself with cooking a big dinner at the dining table. She set two places, though she sat there alone.

She spoke aloud to the empty room, "Tiana, I saw Gabriel today. He's very busy; it's not that he doesn't want to come and see you."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I will make sure your wishes come true. Tomorrow, I will go find Gabriel again."

I couldn't hold back the tears. Raised by my single mom, I was her only child.

Since my death, she couldn't cope with the loss, developing an overwhelming denial that made her believe I was only ill, not gone.

Every day, she made two meals and kept my room tidy. She lived in a dream world where I might come back.

These days continued in a loop, year after year, for five years.

Memories might fade, but love endures.

Though my mom forgot many things, she never forgot to love me.

And yet, in my final moments, all I could think about was Gabriel.