They stopped at the grave and Deven kneeled to retrieve the previous flower arrangement she had brought, now wilted from the winter chill. The inscription on the stone seared her angst. Loving father, husband, brother and friend. Deven sighed. “Hi Daddy,” she greeted. “I’ve missed you. I brought, Mommy this time. I know you’ve been asking about her.” Deven reached for her mother’s hand and Paul helped guide Iris into a kneeling position beside her. She clutched the bouquet of blue Dahlias and white orchids against the base of the headstone, her hand lingering on the flowers. The gesture had Deven glancing over. A single tear streaked down her mom’s cheek, glistening against her skin like crystal. She remembered. It had been a good day after all.

“I’m sorry,” Iris said, simply. “I love you.”

Deven grabbed her mother’s hand and held it to her breast. “Mommy, there is someone you need to meet.” She rose, lifting Iris up with her, and they turned to the other headstone next to her father. Kennedy Marshall. On Angels wings, you were taken away. But in our hearts, you’ll always stay. It had been only fitting to bury her sister, her REAL, sister next to the rest of her family.

Iris touched the stone, the tears now flowing freely. “My poor baby,” she sobbed, her voice cracking.

Deven knew she needed privacy, so she allowed Paul to take her hand and steer her away. “You’re doing great,” he commended as soon as they were far enough for Iris to properly mourn her daughter.

Deven released a breath. “It’s hard,” she admitted. “This whole thing has been an emotional roller coaster.”

“You should take some time to yourself. Maybe go away for a few days. Your mental health is just as important.”

Deven nodded. “I’m learning that. Maybe I will.” She stopped short of inviting Paul to go with her. Too soon. Maybe one day.

They stood in comfortable silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Then Iris padded over to join them, wiping the tears from her damp face. “Thank you,” she said, pulling Deven in for a hug. “Now I have both of my daughters again.” Deven got lost in the folds of her mother’s coat and warmed at the peace that flowed between them.

“Paul, can you take her back to the car? I just need a minute.”

“Absolutely. Are you going to be okay?”

Deven nodded and watched them leave. She made her way back to Kennedy’s grave and lowered herself to sit Indian-style next to the headstone.