Ending with Forever by Lan LLP

happened to me. Curious to see if my farewell note for my mom is still on my bed, I peel back a pink and white quilt she made for me for my fifth birthday. It is—along with another note with my name written in cursive. I recognize the handwriting. It’s my mom’s.
    Lily,
    I miss you already. After you left, I came in here and sat for hours, remembering twenty-two years of your life with me. Tears came and went and then came back again, but you weren’t here to wipe them away for me like you often did . You healed my broken heart with your love and understanding. Even at a very young age you were already giving me more than I deserved. No child should ever have to make that kind of sacrifice, but you did wholeheartedly, and I love you for it. I’m sorry it’s taken me this many years to tell you this.
    I’m very proud of the beautiful and intelligent young woman you’ve become. I want for you to find happiness first and then success. Without happiness, success is empty and unachievable. I want to protect your heart like you’ve done for me. Until you find that someone who loves you more than himself, you should never give your heart to just anyone. I feel helpless that you’re miles away as I sit in your room, imparting words that I should’ve shared with you when you were still here with me. I love you, Lily. I miss you.
    Love, Mom
    If I wasn’t already a hysterical mess, I am now as I wipe away tears streaking down my chin with the back of my hand. I reread her letter at least four more times, imagining her sitting here alone on my bed crying her eyes out for hours. Her sadness is palpable as it leaps off the paper, tugging at my heart. I know what it’s like to love a child, even one that I’ve never held in my arms and then have to let her or him go. It’s a pain you can’t express in words, just in silent tears. I have to stop crying. I’ve been an emotional wreck since I stepped up to my mom’s front door. Folding her note into a perfect square, I flip the wishing jar open and toss it in. My mom wishes for me to find happiness. I already have. The hard part is proving it to her.
     

Chapter 8
Lillian Ly
    “ D r. Tanner, how are you?” I ask when he opens the door to let me in. I was too antsy to wait until rehearsal dinner to see Emi. It’s still hours away, so I decided to sneak in a quick visit on my way to the fabric store for thread.
    “Lillian, it’s good to see you, dear.” His burly arms wrap around me, offering me one of his papa bear hugs. I welcome his affection. Dr. Tanner is a bighearted man who’s loved and respected by many of his patients, including my mother. He’s the kind of doctor who’d give you the shirt off his back and never think twice about it.
    “Same here, Dr. Tanner.”
    Emi’s father is a tall, stout man with a healthy midsection. As long as I’ve known him, he’s had a small spiral bald spot on the back of his head that’s now fully matured to the front. Emi was blessed with his grayish blue eyes and full lips. This is why my nickname for Emi is Lips. She has the sexiest pair in Indiana, and I have yet to hear anyone challenge me on that claim.
    “You look different,” he mentions. “But still lovely as ever,” he adds.
    Being an internist, Dr. Tanner has a critical eye for details. Nothing gets past him which is why he’s the best doctor in town. I’m surprised my mom didn’t notice my dark hair. She’s also very perceptive. Maybe she was too busy being happy that nothing else mattered to her at the time.
    “Thanks. I had my hair dyed black to see if I’d like it.”
    “Oh…Okay. I think I like it,” he compliments, but I’m not convinced. “How’s your mom doing? I haven’t heard from her for a few weeks.”
    “Good. You know my mom. She likes to keep busy,” I answer. “How’s work? I miss volunteering at your office.”
    “Hectic. As you already know, this is prime cold and flu season. We miss having you around, kiddo. The ladies at