She exchanges a look with her husband and leads the children away. The woman smiles, seeming to understand, and takes her hand and the little boy’s. I don’t want to say something and scare the little girl. “What’s the matter with her?” Annie asks. I don’t know why I’m telling these strangers this. “I’m actually here for her benefit,” I say motioning behind me. She’s in the hospital.” I look up to the woman, a confused look on her face. “You do?” she asks, her eyes lighting up. Annie is at that stage where they haven’t yet learned manners,” the man laughs, rolling up his sleeves. She’s a little older than Everleigh, but not by much. “Are you okay, Miss?” the little girl asks, her eyes full of concern. The father races forward and scoops him up, making him laugh harder.

The little boy rushes towards me, giggling. I wipe my eyes, trying to not look like a complete mess. He walks away and I turn back to see the little family on the beach coming towards me. Relief washes over me like the waves on the shore. I grab mine out of my pocket, afraid I’ve missed a call. Just when I start to believe it, something sets us back.Ĭrew’s phone rings and we both jump, my throat squeezing shut. “Everything’s gonna be okay,” he whispers. The connection helps me relax and the tears to scatter across my cheeks. He just holds me, rocking me gently back and forth. Why can’t I have that? What did I do so wrong in my damn life that I can’t have even a bit of that?Ĭrew’s arms come around my waist, his front pressing against my back. They must get out a little too far for the husband’s liking because he stops and says something and they walk towards him laughing. They seem like the perfect little family, the dad tossing a little red football to his son while the mother and daughter hold hands and dip their toes in the water. A couple and their two children are playing by the water. The water is peaceful, rolling gently towards the shore.

I drop Crew’s hand and turn towards the harbor. Kids are laughing and running and I have an iced tea in my free hand while my daughter is sick or sleeping. I feel extremely guilty looking at gold balloons tied to everything that will stand still, creating a festive feeling in the park. “I shouldn’t be here,” I say, batting tears back.

Sacrifice by Adriana Locke