Life Goes On by Begin Again Through the eyes of a child writing prompt entry |
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Seven-year-old Camille sat beneath the Weeping Willow. A dog's chew toy and a tattered blanket lay nestled in her lap. Salty tears splattered the picture frame as her fingers stroked the image of a dog. She'd spent every waking hour with Mocha, a chocolate lab, until two months ago. A drunk driver lost control of his car, careened into their yard, and killed her best friend. It was Christmas, but it was impossible to celebrate. They'd shared everything. Now, loneliness filled her heart. Opening presents, she expected Mocha to tear at the packages, getting bows stuck to his head, and covering her face with sloppy kisses. It just wasn't the same without him. She'd slipped away from the celebration to sit beside his grave. Hearing footsteps, she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Her mother knelt on the ground beside her, wrapping an arm around Cami's shoulders, offering an understanding hug, as they sat quietly together. Finally, after several minutes, her mother spoke, "We all miss Mocha. He'll always live in your heart, you know." Sniffling, Cami inhaled, slowly letting her breath escape. "I know, Mom, but I just wish he was here." "Well, when Grandma died, your Grandpa told me that she was watching over me. Whenever I needed her, I just had to look for the brightest star. Maybe Mocha is watching over you, too." Camille tilted her head toward the sky. "None of them look bright enough to be Mocha. Maybe it just works for angels like Grandma." "I don't know, but I think if you really love someone, it doesn't matter if they are people or animals. Maybe you just didn't look hard enough or your eyes were blurry." She handed Camille a handkerchief without mentioning her tears. After wiping her eyes, she stood up and looked at the dark blue sky again, spinning around so she could see all the stars. For the first time in days, a smile spread across Camille's face as she pointed at a big star. "There ... there he is, Mom. You were right!" She gleefully jumped up and down, continuing to stare at the twinkling star. Her mom stood, letting her gaze followed Camille's finger. "Oh, that's the brightest star I have ever seen. It must be Mocha." A contented sigh escaped the little girl's lips. "Maybe he's sitting by Grandma's side and they are smiling down at us, Mom." Kissing her daughter's head, she whispered, "I think you're right. He probably has to keep a close eye on Grandma." "He'll do a good job, Mom." "I know he will, sweetheart. I know he will." Quietly, they stared at the sky. "Mrs. Peterson said Misty had puppies. One looks like Mocha." "Really? Just like Mocha?" "She said it must be his gift to you." A tear trickled down her face before asking, "Can we go see him?" Her mom smiled, "They're waiting for us." Camille looked at Mocha's star, "You'll always be the best. Thanks!"
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Begin Again
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