Loss.
Richard and Emily first met during their Sixth Form years. He noticed her in the bustling hallway one break time. Unlike the other girls, who laughed boisterously, goofed around, and cheekily asked each other for cigarettes, Emily kept to herself, concealing her extraordinary violet eyes beneath a sweep of thick, dark lashes.
Class, we have a new pupil todayEmily Sheffield, announced Mrs. Morgan, their form tutor, introducing her to the group.
For a fleeting moment, Emilys gaze met Richards, and in that instant, he felt utterly captivated. He had to win her heart, and after months of effort, he did. By the time the leavers ball came around, Richard and Emily walked in hand in hand. From that night, they were inseparable.
Each time Richard gazed into Emilys gentle, sea-blue eyes, he felt that without her, hed be like a fish cast up on landgasping and lost.
The years sped by. After university, they both found jobs and soon married. The couple began to dream of having a child, but despite their longing and many attempts, Emily struggled to conceive. After several difficult years, they decided to try IVF.
This time, hope bore fruit. Nine months later, their joy overflowed with the birth of a daughter. They named her Grace. But their delight was short-lived: Emily was diagnosed with cancer.
As if fate delighted in cruelty, Grace grew and blossomed, becoming more like her mother every day, while Emily withered, growing paler, a shadow of the lively woman she once was.
When Grace turned five, her mother slipped away from the world.
Emilys passing nearly broke Richard. Overwhelmed by grief, guilt, and helpless fury, he sought solace in drink. Glass after glass, he tried to drown his pain, the shame, andmost unbearable of allthe small, silent voice inside that blamed their daughter. After all, IVF had triggered the disease that stole Emily away.
Why did Mummy have to go? Grace often wondered, Was it because I was naughty she got ill? I dont think Daddy loves me either she mused, peering at her pale reflection in a smudged mirror. Hes so angry now so different
An irritated muttering and the clatter of plates drifted from the kitchen, mingling with the acrid scent of alcohol.
Hell start shouting and get angry again, Grace thought, trembling. Pulling on a thin raincoat, she slipped from the flat like a little mouse, quietly leaving through the unlocked door, I wont get in Daddys way anymore
Autumn had cast its leaden sky over London. The days rapidly shrank, shadows gathering, as a biting wind struck her cheeks. Most passersby hurried to escape the drizzle, oblivious to the small, sorrow-laden child walking through the city and into nowhere.
Grace wandered the twisting footpaths, desperate to ignore the rumbling in her tummy. Twenty paces ahead, a tall man in a long coat appeared, his face half-hidden by a high collar. When Grace turned toward the old city park, the stranger quietly followed.
Why are you looking at me like that again? Richard slurred, staring at the photo frame where Emilys sky-blue eyes met his, You left me He clutched his head, roughly tugging at his unwashed, matted hair.
A sudden draught lifted the staleness in the room. Richard glanced up, licking his dry lips. Standing before him was his late wife.
***
The park was nearly empty. Shivering, Grace made her way to an ornate bench beneath a sputtering lamp post, uncertain and exhausted. From the gloom, the tall stranger emerged. The suddenness made Grace cry out.
Dont be frightened; I promise youre safe, his voice gentle, nothing like her fathers gruffness. His words wrapped softly around her, calm and comforting.
Yes Grace bit her lip to try and steady herself.
The strangers eyes travelled over her, appraising, and then he smiled, extending a hand, Paul Harrison
Everything felt like a fog. Richard could barely trust his senses.
Emily He flung himself towards her, only to tumble straight through the ghostly shape and gash his eyebrow on the corner of the coffee table.
Richard, she began softly, her lips curving in that sad, familiar smile, I never wanted to leave youeither of you. It just happened. No ones to blame, least of all Grace.
Clutching his wounded brow, Richard found himself frozen before her ethereal figure.
Our daughter is the living memory of our love, Emily continued. I cant be saved, but she still has you. Shes lost her mother. Dont let her lose her father, too. Dont lose her
Hearing his wifes voice, Richard felt something inside finally break open, pouring out months of bitterness and pain. Tears blurred his vision. He sobbedfor the first time in an age.
Ill always be with you bothalways love you both. But hurry. Grace is in danger! Emilys voice sharpened with alarm.
Richard leapt for the door, barely pausing to grab his trainers.
Our park whispered Emily as he glanced backbut the flat was empty once again.
Sweat beaded Richards browhe hadnt exerted himself in months. His heart pounded furiously as he sprinted through the London night.
On a bench beneath a one-eyed lamp, a tall man chatted away to a small girl. Passers-by saw nothing strangejust a father and daughter, so it seemed. When Grace began to relax, the man offered her a sweet. She popped the treat into her mouth without hesitation.
Youre shaking, said Paul Harrison. Lets get you some tea and biscuits to warm you up. He reached for her hand.
Grace couldnt remember the last time her father held her hand. He doesnt seem dangerous she thought, watching his gentle smile. Still, as she nodded her head, the world seemed to tilt, her legs felt rubbery, and she nearly collapsed. Paul caught her, steady and prepared. As he did, a little pink unicorn keyring slipped from Graces pocket, unnoticed.
Richard had already torn through half the park, hope and terror spinning inside. Sweat and tears washed out all the alcohol and self-pity. In his mind, the church bells of catastrophe rang louder and louder.
Another bench. Deserted, cold, and slick with rainbut there, on the grey asphalt, was a bright pink spot: Graces unicorn keyring.
A dogs bark echoed nearby, making Richards heart stop. He dashed toward the sound.
Get this mad mutt off me! bellowed the tall man in the coat, struggling as the little girl hung limply over his shoulder.
A short young woman fought to restrain a massive Rottweiler. I dont know whats got into himhes never behaved like this before! Archie! she cried, pulling the lead with all her strength. But the dog was relentless.
A furious yell interrupted the chaos, Let her go, you bastard! From around the corner, Richard chargednot the broken shell hed been, but a father ablaze with rage and fear. Paul Harrison barely had time to look up in shock.
At that moment, Archie broke free.
***
Grace awoke in hospital after a night of IV drips to clear her system. The sweet she’d eaten wasnt what it seemed. Paul Harrison, battered by both Archie and Richard, was brought in as wellbut under police watch. Her supposed rescuer was a convict, already known for harming children in unspeakable ways. No one dared imagine what his intentions were. Amazingly, Grace herself would never know.
The Rottweilers owner, Helen, would become a regular at the hospital, and later, at Richard and Graces home. She explained that, walking Archie that evening, shed bumped into a woman with piercing blue eyes. The stranger stroked Archie and whispered something softly; instantly, the Rottweiler bolted, dragging her straight to Graceand her would-be abductor.
Graces hospital stay was brief. After her checks, she was allowed home. Richard, sobered by trauma and love, never touched a drop of drink again, determined to be the devoted, loving father Grace needed. Helen became a fast friend, always welcome in their flat. She recognised Emilys radiant smile and those unforgettable blue eyes in a photo, but kept her realisation to herself.
Come on, princessour guests have arrived! called Richard one sunny morning, as colourful balloons drifted across the ceiling. Helen appeared at the door.
Today was Graces sixth birthday, and by every measure it was her happiest yet. In a cloud of pink tulle, she twirled into the room. Hiding something behind her back, Helen grinned mischievously.
Happy birthday, sunshine! Ive got a little surprise for you, she said.
Grace clapped, bouncing with anticipationuntil Helens surprise gave a happy bark.
Meet Bruce In Helens arms squirmed a chubby Rottweiler puppy.
At last, Emilys spirit could rest peacefully, trusting her beloveds would be alright. A gentle breeze brushed the faces of those gathered in the flat. Graces mum began her long, bright journey upwards, soaring towards the sky.
