In the photograph, Emily was smiling while hugging her mother.
And on the paper, written in her daughter’s handwriting, were these words:
“Mom, if one day I’m no longer by your side, promise me you’ll keep living, laughing, and making new friends. I’ll always be with you.”
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Linda cried as though fifteen years of buried grief were finally pouring out of her heart.
I placed my hand on her shoulder.
“Your daughter was a very wise young woman.”
She smiled through her tears.
“Yes. She was a much better person than I am.”
I opened my handbag, took out a tissue, and handed it to her.
Then I picked up the pink sock.
“I bought this for my granddaughter,” I said. “But now I’d like you to have it.”
Linda looked at me in surprise.
“Why?”
“As a reminder that sometimes even the most embarrassing and uncomfortable moment can become the beginning of a new friendship.”