Ellie, a young girl with tangled brown hair and big, searching eyes, sits cross-legged on her bed, clutching a well-loved teddy bear. Her gaze is fixed on the patch of sunlight on the floor as she traces patterns in the dust motes. The room feels both safe and lonely, a world unto itself.
"Mommy, are you watching me from heaven today?"
Grandma June, gentle and silver-haired, stands at the stove, her back straight despite the weight of the morning. She glances over at Ellie, her eyes soft but tinged with sadness. "Come have breakfast, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"
Ellie slides into her chair, hugging her bear tightly. "I dreamed about Mommy again. She was smiling and singing our song."
Ellie wanders among the flowers, her fingers brushing each petal as if searching for a hidden message. Grandma June kneels beside her, pulling a few weeds and watching quietly. "Grandma, do you think Mommy can see the flowers from heaven?"
"I think she sees every flower you pick, every smile you make, and she loves you very much," Grandma June replies, her voice trembling.
Ellie curls up on the couch, flipping through a photo album filled with memories. Each page brings a new wave of longing, but also warmth—a reminder of hugs, laughter, and lullabies. "I wish you could tuck me in tonight, Mommy," she whispers, tears glistening on her cheeks.
Grandma June sits on the edge of Ellie's bed, brushing hair from her forehead. "Would you like to sing your song together tonight?"
"Yes, please, Grandma," Ellie replies, her voice small but hopeful. As they sing, Ellie closes her eyes, imagining her mommy smiling down from the brightest star.
Ellie[/@ch_1] runs toward her mother, arms open wide.]
Her mother, radiant and gentle, kneels to embrace her. Mommy, whose eyes are filled with endless love, whispers softly, "I'm always with you, sweet girl, no matter where I am."
Ellie laughs, feeling light and whole. Even as she awakens, the warmth of her mother's hug lingers, carrying her through the morning and into a new day.
