“Is that body really Riley?”
She looked at Taylor.
Taylor inhaled and choked out, “Yes. That’s
Riley.”
Mom dropped the microphone, there was a
ringing sound through the speaker.
She stumbled towards the table.
“Riley, my daughter…”
She looked at my face, trembling.
When she took the sheet off my body she
saw the scars and tried to stay on her feet.
L
Taylor helped her.
Mom caressed my face.
“I made your favorite dumplings and froze them waiting for you to get home.”
“Did you mean to hurt me? I’m sorry that I
didn’t understand.”
“Don’t be angry. Lets go home with me!”
Everyone was crying.
The emcee started forward, and Taylor held
up her hand.
“She needs some time.”
Mom was gone.
L
“Riley, you silly girl.
“”
“Why wouldn’t you let me spend time with
you?”
“It’s my fault. I should have asked.”
“Why didn’t I go find you?”
She cried.
Taylor took her to rest and offered tissues.
When Mom was ready, Taylor spoke.
“I made the call three days ago. I didn’t want
you to have a misunderstanding about her.”
“But I told Riley I would keep it a secret.‘
99
<
“She deserves to be honored, so I needed to
let you know her story.”
Mom raised her head.
“Was she in a lot of pain?”
Taylor shook her head.
Taylor pulled out my phone and showed her
one of my videos.
“Here is what she wanted you to see if you
heard.”
Mom looked at the video.
“Mom, when you watch this, I’m gone.”
“I was afraid that you wouldn’t find out what
you did.”
“I want you to try, and I want you to help the
next family that I couldn’t.”
“Say hi to Emma. Thank you for saving me.”
“Live to be happy and never mourn me.”
“I will always be your daughter.”
Mom closed her eyes and cried as she held it
to her chest.
“I will always be your mother.”
Taylor stared at Mom.
Taylor had an answer to More
L
Taylor had an answer to Mom.
“Here is what it is. You may think it is
surprising, but it is hopeful.”
“The misunderstanding is over. There were no mistakes made with your parenting.”
“This isn’t your battle, she is fighting next to
you as you are moving forward with leukemia
research.”
Mom looked at Taylor.
“Thank you.”
The end of the conference was amazing.
Mom’s talent as a doctor had the best results
The next day I had a documentary released
online.
So many people were talking about the tragedy.
After the documentary, Mom started writing about her experience.
[May 4th, 2024: Riley has gone missing. The
tests are bad.]
[May 8th, 2024: I have called her so many
times. We love you no matter what.]
[June 4th, 2024: Riley sent money. I know
that she’s just a kid.]
[June 10th, 2024: Someone is going to pay
<
for Riley’s treatments, why does she shut me
out?]
[July 4th, 2024: I miss my daughter, please answer.]
[September 1st, 2024: Riley went to the fair for her birthday, I love her.]
[October 6th, 2024: I saw someone that
looked just like her, no, I am just dreaming.]
[December 12th, 2024: Today has been
awful.]
[February 14th, 2025: I want her to be jealous
of this picture but she still doesn’t know.]
[February 28th, 2025: Someone’s eyes are just like her but it just my imagination.]
[March 28th, 2025: Riley called me today and I said the worst things.]
[April 1st, 2025: Riley is the best, love you forever.]
The top of my resting place was filled with
snacks and presents.
These people watched my last film.
They were sorry for everything I went through.
They were jealous of the memories made.
If I was alive I would be laughing.
Mom and Emma came to see me.
Emma set down three sticks of incense and
flowers.
“I love you. I will take care of her for you.‘
“I hope we can see you soon.”
Mom pointed at my headstone.
“You were always silly. When you see your
dad, don’t complain.
Her eyes filled with tears.
“Okay to cry one last time?”
On April 3rd, 2025 a present was placed at
the door.
A note rested on top.
Mom read:
“I didn’t die. I traveled to another world.”
“I am okay here.”
“Please live to be happy!”
The End.
