Before Eva knew it, the day had arrived.
She dressed in a simple yet elegant white one-piece dress. Her hair fell naturally over her shoulders, and she slipped into her trusted pair of sneakers — the ones that always gave her comfort, no matter the occasion.
As she sat on the sofa, her mom walked in and paused at the sight of her. A proud smile spread across her face. "You look beautiful," she said softly, her eyes glistening with affection.
But then her gaze shifted downward, landing on the sneakers. Her smile faltered into a faint chuckle. "Those old shoes again?" she asked, shaking her head gently.
Eva groaned. "Mom, not again... It's just an outfit trial. I'm not going to wear this while going — I still have six hours to change."
"Wait here," her mom insisted. "I'll grab the heels. They'll look perfect with that dress!"
Eva lowered her eyes, rubbing her hands together shyly. "They're comfortable, Mom… and besides, they were given to me by Daddy."
Her mother walked over and sat beside her, holding Eva's hand gently. "I know, sweetheart. It's just… today feels so big, so new, that I wanted everything about you to shine. But then again…" she squeezed Eva's hand tenderly, "…maybe it's those sneakers that show who you truly are — someone simple, grounded, and real. And that's exactly what makes you special."
Eva smiled faintly, her throat tightening with emotion. She leaned against her mom's shoulder, breathing in the familiar warmth.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn't heavy — it was filled with love, with everything they couldn't quite put into words.
Ava's voice broke the quiet, soft and curious. "Where's Daddy?"
Her mother smiled gently, a touch of excitement in her eyes. "He had some urgent work, but he should be coming in a few minutes."
Eva nodded, hugging herself slightly as anticipation fluttered in her chest. Today was the start of something new — and even though she felt nervous, she also felt ready, bolstered by the warmth and support of her family.
"Oh, okay. Now let me take a picture of you so I can show Daddy, alright?" her mom said with a playful smile.
"But I want to show him how I really look," Eva protested softly.
"I understand," her mom replied, brushing a strand of hair behind Eva's ear, "but he might be running late. Besides, you still have to change — this way, he'll see a picture of you, and you won't be late."
Eva hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay… let's click the pictures."
They began taking photos, her mom adjusting her posture here and there, laughing softly at Eva's shy smiles. Just as they were finishing, the phone rang.
"Look at your pictures, and then go get changed. It must be your daddy calling," her mom said gently.
Eva set the phone aside for a moment, her eyes lingering on the photos. She smiled faintly, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Each picture captured not just her face, but the warmth and love of home surrounding her.
Taking a deep breath, she stood up from the couch, ready to get changed and face the big day ahead.
Moments later, Eva heard a thud — a sound that made her heart skip a beat. She turned sharply and saw her mother collapsed on the floor, her phone slipping from her hand.
"Mom?!" Eva shouted, rushing to her side. Her mother's breathing was uneven, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to speak.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Eva pleaded, her voice shaking. "Please... breathe!"
Grabbing the phone, Eva's trembling fingers pressed it to her ear. "Hello? What's going on?" she asked desperately.
A voice on the other end hesitated, then spoke. "I'm so sorry... your father... he's... he's gone."
The words struck Eva like a punch to the chest. The phone slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor. Her whole body shook, tears spilling down her face as her mind refused to accept what she had just heard.
Her mother's breathing grew weaker. Realizing this, Eva snapped out of her daze and shook her mom gently. "Mom! Please wake up!" she begged. When there was no response, she grabbed her phone with trembling hands and called an ambulance.
The minutes felt like hours, but finally, the ambulance arrived. Paramedics rushed in, carefully lifting her mother onto a stretcher. Eva followed close behind, her heart racing, her mind spinning.
As the ambulance sped toward the hospital, Eva sat quietly beside her mother, holding her hand tightly — as if her grip alone could keep her from slipping away.
As they reached the hospital, Ava's mother was rushed to the emergency ward while a doctor instructed Ava to wait outside. She felt terrified and heartbroken, but somehow she managed to pull herself together. She knew she couldn't break down now — she had to do what was needed.
With trembling hands, Ava dialed the number that had given her the davastating news. Her uncle Walter answered.
"Uncle Walter... where's Dad? What happened?" she asked, her voice shaky but firm.
"I know it's hard, Ava, but you need to stay calm," he began.
"I know," she interrupted. "Just... please, tell me what happened."
Walter sighed heavily. "Kevin was on his way home to see you off to college, but he got a work call. He went to handle it, but hours passed, and when he wasn't answering his phone, we went looking for him... We found him there." Walter paused, voice breaking. "He... he was hit on the head. He didn't make it."
Ava's face stiffened. Her eyes glistened, yet she refused to let the tears fall. "Where is he now?" she asked.
"He's at JS Hospital," Walter replied.
"I'm here too," Ava said. "Where exactly?"
Walter gave her the location, but before she could leave, the doctor returned.
"Your mother is stable," the doctor informed her. "She was fainted due to shock, but she's out of danger now."
Ava closed her eyes for a moment, finally taking a breath. "Can I see her?" she asked.
"She's sleeping right now because of the medication," the doctor replied. "You can visit her in about 20 minutes."
Ava nodded, then, with quiet resolve, added, "My father's body… it's here. I need to see him first."
The doctor froze, shocked. "What…?"
"My father… he's no more," Ava continued, her voice heavy. "My mother found out and couldn't handle it. I just learned myself, and he's in this hospital. I need to see him."
The doctor, still processing her words, asked gently, "What is your father's name?"
As Ava spoke his name, the doctor immediately called for a nurse. "Has someone with this name been brought in?" she asked urgently. The nurse nodded in confirmation.
The doctor's face softened with sympathy. "I'll have a nurse watch over your mother. Don't worry."
Ava whispered a shaky thank you before hurrying to the mortuary.
Uncle Walter stood outside the room, blocking the entrance. "Ava," he said gently, "maybe you shouldn't—"
But Ava didn't stop. She pushed past him and stepped inside.
The cold room smelled sterile, yet somehow heavy with grief. Her father lay on the table, his face bruised, his head bandaged where the fatal wound had struck. Ava's breath caught in her throat. She staggered closer, her legs barely holding her up.
"Daddy…" she whispered, her voice breaking. The tears she had fought so hard to hold back came rushing out. She buried her face in her hands, her sobs echoing in the quiet room.
The doctor who had treated her mother entered quietly, speaking in hushed tones to Uncle Walter. "The body needs to be cremated soon due to medical concerns," the doctor explained.
Ava overheard and stood up, wiping her tears. Carefully, she pulled the cloth back over her father's face. Her voice was soft but firm. "My mom needs to see him... one last time."
The doctor hesitated. "I understand," he said gently, "but she's just had a big shock. It may be too much for her."
Uncle Walter agreed, but Ava shook her head. "I'll talk to her," she insisted.
The doctor reluctantly allowed it.
Ava walked back to her mother's room. As she opened the door, she found her mother awake — eyes red, cheeks damp with tears.
"Mom..." Ava whispered as she rushed to her side, wrapping her arms around her. "Calm down... please."
Her mother's breathing steadied, and she finally asked, "Baby, are you okay?"
Hearing those words broke Ava all over again, but she forced herself to stay strong. "I'm okay, Mom," she said, hiding her pain behind a fragile smile.
"I just... I forgot everything else when I heard the news," her mother cried. "I didn't even think about what you were going through."
"It's okay," Ava assured her. "But... Mom, they want to cremate Dad soon. Are you sure you can see him?"
Her mother wiped her eyes. "Don't worry," she said firmly. "I'll be strong... just like you."
"Are you really sure?" Ava asked again, her voice softer this time.
"100 %."
"Daddy..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Her eyes welled up, but she blinked back the tears.
Not now. Not yet.
Instead, she just stood there — silently staring at the photo — letting memories flood her mind, feeling like if she stayed there long enough... maybe, just maybe, she'd feel close to him again.
As soon as Ava closed the door behind her, her mother sat on the bed, clutching the small bag Walter had given her. She stared at it for a moment, unsure if she was ready to open it. But curiosity — and something deeper — urged her to look inside.
Slowly, she reached in and pulled out a small gift box with a letter resting on top. Her fingers trembled as she unfolded the letter, her eyes widening when she realized it was addressed to Ava.
For a few seconds, she just stared at the closed door, her heart heavy. Then she took a deep breath and began to read:
"Hey kid,
Dad here. I just wanted to say how proud I am of you.
It's your first day, and I know you're probably feeling nervous about stepping into a whole new world. But I know you — and I know you're going to be just fine. You know why? Because you're one of the kindest souls I've ever known. People are drawn to you because you're so genuine, and honestly... why wouldn't they be? You're smart, talented, and you've got this beautiful way of making others feel special.
So don't be scared, okay?
I can't believe how fast you've grown up. Feels like just yesterday I was holding your tiny hand, walking you to school. Time flies... but baby, let me tell you something — not a single day has passed where your mom and I haven't loved you with all our hearts. Not one. And that won't change — not even when we're gone.
Even if you can't see me, I'll always be with you. Always proud of you. Always loving you.
Don't miss a single day of your college life, okay? Enjoy it — make friends, create memories, and maybe... find someone who loves you for the amazing person you are. But hey... just remember, no matter what — I'll always be the one who loves you the most.
(And don't tell your mom I said that... you know how she gets. If she finds out, she'll burn the food for the next three days — and you know I can't eat that! Haha.)
Wherever you are, my blessings are with you.
Love you always,
Daddy❤️
By the time Ava's mother finished reading, her face was streaked with tears. She clutched the letter tightly to her chest, her body shaking as she cried — not just from sadness, but from love... from the warmth her husband had left behind in those words.
After a few moments, she carefully folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope.
With a deep breath, she whispered, "I'll make sure she reads this...."
Then, still holding the letter close, she closed her eyes — feeling, if only for a moment, like her husband was right there beside her.
Ava's mother knew what her husband would have wanted — for their daughter to follow her dreams and make the most of the opportunity he'd been so proud of. Determined to fulfill his wish, she made her decision.
The next day, Ava's mother's friends arrived. As they entered the room, they hugged her tightly, offering words of comfort. Tears flowed freely, each of them letting the grief spill out. Ava couldn't bear to watch; she quietly walked to her room, leaving them to cry until they felt a little lighter.
One of them finally spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "What are you going to do next?"
Another chimed in, "Don't think you're alone. We're here, and we'll stay with you."
Ava's mother took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with tears. She shared the letter, explained what had happened, and revealed that she had made a decision but needed their support. The friends smiled, nodding in agreement, and left, leaving a quiet strength in the room.
A few minutes later, Ava called her mom for dinner. They sat at the dining table in silence, the heaviness of the day pressing down on them.
Breaking the quiet, her mother spoke softly, glancing at Ava from the corner of her eye.
"So… when's your Orientation day?" she asked, taking a small bite. "Since you missed the N2MY event, you'll need to speak with the dean."
Before she could finish, Ava cut in firmly. "Mom, there's no need for that. I've decided I won't go to Greystone. I'll apply to a college nearby instead. That way, I can stay home with you… and don't worry about my fees — I'm confident I'll get a full scholarship."
Her mother put down her spoon, her expression serious. "And what made you think that's the right decision?"
"No need to apply anywhere else — I've decided, Eva. Greystone it is, and that's final."
"But Mom, I need to stay beside you," Ava argued.
"I've already decided, and I'm not changing my mind," her mother replied, her voice firm. "Until you live under my roof, I decide what's best for you — and I've decided you're going to Greystone. No arguments."
"Why are you doing this?" Ava shot back, her voice rising.
"Doing what?" her mother asked calmly.
"Thinking about your future? Since when is that wrong?"
"It's not that," Ava said, her frustration turning to sadness. "I don't want to leave you alone. If I go to Greystone, I'll have to stay in the hostel. I can't take care of you if I'm not here."
Her mother's face softened. "And who said you have to take care of me? Ava, I'm proud that you want to be here for me… but I can't let you give up your future because of that. I've decided to keep running the café with Uncle Walter's help. And you know my two friends — they're living alone too. I've asked them to move in with me so I'll always have company."
She smiled faintly, trying to reassure her daughter. "Everything's sorted, sweetheart. You don't have to worry."
"But—"
"No 'buts,' Ava," her mother interrupted, her tone firm yet warm. "I won't listen to you this time. After you finish dinner, freshen up… and there's a bag in your room."
She paused, her voice softening further, as if trying to shield Ava from the weight of the day.
"When you feel ready... open it. I think it will help you clear your mind."
Ava sighed and nodded. "Hmm... okay."
After finishing her dinner, Ava went to her room, feeling a mix of emotions. She freshened up and then sat on her study table, her eyes landing on the letter her mom had mentioned. Hesitantly, she picked it up, and as soon as she saw the familiar handwriting with "Ava" written at the top, she couldn't hold back her tears.
The emotions she had been bottling up finally broke free. She sat there crying, clutching the letter tightly before finally gathering the strength to read it. Each word felt like her dad was speaking directly to her — his pride, his love, and his belief in her echoed in her mind. Once she finished reading, she closed her eyes and pictured him — his warm smile, his comforting voice — everything that once made her feel safe.
Wiping her tears, Ava turned her attention to the small gift beside the letter. Taking a deep breath, she opened it and found a silver shell pendant with an heart in it and also along with a small photo frame. The frame held a picture of her dad and mom together, smiling happily. Seeing that image made her break down again, but this time it wasn't just sadness — it was a mixture of love, longing, and strength.
With trembling hands, she put on the pendant, feeling a sense of comfort as it rested against her chest. She knew what she had to do. Gaining some courage, Ava carefully placed the letter in a safe spot, kissed it gently, and rushed downstairs.
Her mother was in the living room when Ava approached her with a determined face and a firm voice. "I'm ready, Mom," she said with conviction. "I'll join the college."
Her mom's eyes filled with tears, this time not out of sadness but pride. Smiling through the emotion, she hugged Ava tightly, holding her as if she never wanted to let go.
The next day, Ava called the dean to explain everything that had happened. The dean listened patiently, understanding her situation. With a sympathetic tone, he assured her, "Don't worry, Ava. The Orientation day is two days from now. Be there, and I'll assign someone to help you with your hostel arrangements and other things."
After the call, Ava shared the conversation with her mom. Her mom smiled softly and said, "Alright then, let's go book your tickets. If you want to get there in time, you'll have to leave tomorrow, so get some rest."
Hearing that, Ava's face fell — the thought of leaving hit her hard. Her mom noticed the sudden change in her expression and gently placed a hand on her cheeks. "Don't worry," she said softly. "Everything will be okay. This is just a tough phase, but you have your whole life ahead of you."
Ava tried to smile but couldn't hide her concern. "Are you sure you'll be okay?" she asked.
Her mom nodded reassuringly. "Of course. It'll take some time, but I'll manage. I have my two bestfriends and Uncle Walter with me. You don't need to worry about me."
Hearing that gave Ava some comfort, and she managed a small smile.
The night passed quietly, and the next morning arrived sooner than expected. Her mom's friends came over to help with moving arrangements. As Ava stepped out of the house, she turned back, half-expecting her mom to break down. But to her surprise, her mom stood strong, smiling warmly. That strength gave Ava the reassurance she needed — knowing her mom was holding it together made it easier for her to leave with a hopeful heart.