As she had done every year on this date for the last eight years, Anna placed the cupcake on the picnic table in their backyard, stuck a candle in the middle of it, and lit the candle. “Happy birthday, my darling Billy,” she said and then started to sob.
Michael walked out to where Anna was sitting, put his hands on her shoulders, and said, “Why do you torture yourself like this, Anna? He’s gone.”
“He would have been nine today,” Anna said.
“I know,” Michael said, “had he survived.”
“He has survived, Michael,” Anna said, “in my heart and soul, where he’ll be forever one.”
Written for this week’s What Do You See? prompt from Sadje. Photo credit: Angéle Kemp at Unsplash.
This, That, and the Other 
Well, that’s heartbreaking and made me cry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😢 I know. It was difficult for me write, but that’s what came to mind when I saw the photo.
LikeLike
Sad story Fandango.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Made me cry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so sad Fandango. Thanks for joining in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is sad, but that’s what came to mind when I saw the photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a very common story in the US. My wife lost one, my daughter-in-law two, in one case clearly due to physician incompetence (delaying a C-section to play golf). We have the worst record among developed countries for mortality to mothers and newborns.
The post is beautiful and the emotions true to life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry. That must have been devastating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. I wasn’t part of my wife’s life when that happened to her, but was around for the two grandchildren. For the mothers especially, it never goes away. Unfortunately, can’t sue military doctors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A mother can never forget! Beautifully expressed, Fandango.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A touching story.
My heart goes out to all parents who have lost their child, no matter what age.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. It must be devastating.
LikeLike
Wow…what a yank at the heartstrings! Very well written about an all too often scenario.
LikeLiked by 1 person