Chapter 6
Southview Cemetery was brutally cold–even with two thick parkas layered over my shivering frame.]
The cemetery caretaker explained that most plots contained victims from that catastrophic earthquake. Many remains had been buried hastily, their identities impossible to determine from their broken bodies.]
My gaze drifted across the sea of flowers dotting the hillside. In my feverish state, I could almost see a gentle couple waving to me from between the gravestones.[]
We visited the memorial artifact repository next.]
The room housed personal belongings recovered from victims–some claimed by relatives, many still waiting for recognition after all these years.[]
Mae carefully extracted an old digital camera from one of the plastic bins.]
“Look at this–there’s a name label stuck to the bottom. Laura.“[]
My birth mother, Laura
I powered on the camera with trembling fingers, and suddenly they were alive again on the small LCD screen.[]
The footage began at 6 AM on that fateful day]
I saw a woman whose face bore a striking resemblance to mine–same cheekbones, same slightly crooked smile. Her voice was soft, musical.[]
Young Rosalie appeared in the frame.[]
My mother cradled her, gentle and infinitely patient: “Morning, sleepyhead! Today we’re going to that place you’ve been talking about. Look, Daddy bought you this special little backpack, and I made this jade pendant for you myself. Do you like it?“]
Rosalie rubbed her eyes drowsily, glancing at the backpack and pendant with minimal interest before asking, “Are they worth anything?“]
Mom kissed her check tenderly: “Sweetie, many things in this world can’t be measured by money. Mommy and Daddy’s love for you is endless!“[]
Rosalie’s lips turned downward slightly, but she remained silent.[]
The footage continued, showing their vacation journey.[]
Rosalie never had to walk–she was either perched on her father’s shoulders or carried in her mother’s arms. Whatever food she pointed at, immediately appeared in her hands.
Dad frequently said the same phrase: “Does my little princess have any other wishes? Daddy will make them come true!“]
Rosalie said she wanted lots and lots of money.]
Then added: “Mommy, if I became an orphan, could I live in a mansion?“]
In her childish innocence, she believed orphanages were grand mansions where children lived in luxury.]
Mom reassured her with heartbreaking tenderness: “We’ll never let you become an orphan, sweetheart.“[]
They were gentler than I could have ever imagined.]
They sang lullabies before bedtime, and patiently helped their reluctant daughter with morning rituals like brushing teeth and washing her face.[]
The final clips showed Mom getting up early, recording her husband and daughter as usual.]
Then came the violent shaking. The camera tumbled sideways.]
Both parents instantly shielded Rosalie with their bodies.
She remained untouched in the tiny space created by their protective embrace.[]
My mother’s fading voice was captured by the microphone: “Baby girl, Mommy and Daddy can’t watch you grow up. We’re so sorry. Live well for us. Go to college. Do what makes you happy. Find someone who loves you. You’ll pass away peacefully in a comfortable bed when you’re a hundred years old–not here like us.”
Dad made no sound]
But his broad shoulders held firm against the collapsing wall A metal rod had pierced his throat, his blood staining Rosalie’s face crimson.[]
Mae covered the screen, preventing me from seeing more {}
A violent coughing fit seized me. She frantically grabbed my medication[]
Take these They’ll help with the pain.”
Dary Crate Road Over Love Now They Cry at My GRAVE
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Chapter 6
She looked awful crying–face blotchy, snot mixing with tears, some even smearing onto my jacket.]
I gently pushed her hand away, shaking my head. “No more pills. Just do one last thing for me?“]
This made her cry even harder.]
I turned toward the hillside covered in flowers. “After I’m gone, scatter my ashes here. I don’t want my parents to wait for me too long.“]
“Meeting you has been one of the best parts of this life. If we get another chance, let’s work together again.”
“Mae, I can’t see you anymore.“]]
My voice sounded distant even to my own ears, like whispers carried away by the wind. I’m not sure if she understood.[]
Darkness consumed my vision, with only Mae’s amplified sobbing reaching my ears.]
Then, even the sobbing faded to nothing.]
They Chose Blood Over Love Now Thury Cry at My GRAVE
