Chapter 25:?FINAL GOODBYE
"I will miss you, Mom and Dad."
I dried the tears that had fallen to my cheeks as I? knelt on the ground where Mom's ashes lay underneath the surface of the earth. I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat and did my best no to wail like a child.
Don't cry Phoenix, my inner self tries to console me as I? test how long will I bear the pain without bursting into tears.
My fingers placed the bouquet of freshly-picked flowers in front of the tombstone, while my eyes traced the letters carved deep into its body. I still can't believe that the only ally I have all these years passed away. I have to face the cruelty of the world on my own now.
It was already difficult facing life's trials even with mom by my side.? She was my savior who constantly eases my burden with her loving presence. Now that she's gone, I wonder how difficult life could get. I now brace myself for the hardship that awaits my path.
"I brought your favorite flowers Mom." I finally found the strength to speak. My voice cracked at first but I managed to pull myself together. "Amelie, my? good landlady was so kind and picked me some white roses in her garden, and look how healthy and lovely they are Mom."
Images of her lovely face way back in her youth days appeared in my thoughts, I nearly burst into tears. She was the most beautiful woman for me like no other. The warmth of her love overwhelmed my heart. I shall never forget her memories. I will try my best to be as good as her to my future children.
The wind blew past me making the scent of roses scatter in the air until it permeated my nostrils, and I took a deep breath to fill my chest with its wondrous scent
How I wish mom was here to see the flower I brought her. Surely, she would appreciate its pure white petals—as pure as her heart. If God would grant me a single wish today, it was for my mom to be here so she could smell the scent of her favorite flower and carry the memories of its fragrance in her journey to the afterlife.
I forced a smile upon my lips and swallowed the lump on my throat. At least mom was not alone. Dad and mom are happily together now. I reminded myself. Somehow the image of my father holding my mother's dainty fingers sent me a wave of comfort. I found solace from the image in my mind which I pictured them together.
The grave lying next to mom belongs to my father's grave, his ashes lay underneath the now grassy earth. Their ashes are now buried close to each other, and I knew deep down in my heart their souls could finally rest peacefully. At least they have each other now, they will never be sad and lonely anymore.
"It's going to rain soon Mom and Dad. I need to go now. I promise to keep the two of you both in my heart and prayers. I love you."
I got up and quickly turned away. Tears were streaming down my cheek making my vision blurry as I slowly made my way outside the cemetery. The resolve I possess in front of my parent's grave crumbled into dust and flown by the wind passing by.
It's so difficult to be strong when I am now alone to face all my problems. Yet, I never stopped dreaming and I never ceased hoping that destiny has a good future in store for me. That belief alone is enough for me to push my way through the dark tunnel until I saw the light at its end.
At the gates, a tall man was standing as if waiting for someone. His back was turned in my direction and his arm was casually resting into the gate, obviously impatient as his rubber shoes tapped the arid ground.
He was tall and muscular. He wore a simple grey shirt at the top and denim jeans at the bottom. The man reminded me of Ace. I shook my head at the idea that it was him. For sure my husband would never attempt to see me again after I threatened him yesterday.
I was so sure it was not him. And then he turned at me as if he sensed my arrival. I caught my heart in my throat and I gasped in horror. I nearly ran back to the cemetery in shock.
The devil himself, the subject of my thoughts was waiting for me.
"Phoenix, I'm not here to cause trouble. I came here to finalize our divorce. I have now the papers for you to sign."