Chapter 2: The Eternal Slumber

Bright sunlight shone through my bedroom window when I opened my eyes. The sweet chirping of the birds told me that it was morning the next day.

I hurried downstairs and found Dad in the dining table having breakfast.

Good morning, Dad!
Cassie! You’re up early.
I just missed eating my breakfast beside you.
Oh did you? By the way, I have something for you, princess. Come here.
What is it?
Close your eyes first, pumpkin.

I shut them tight and when I open them a little while after, a present wrapped in silver foil with a pink ribbon on it was seen before me.

A present? For me?

I eagerly opened the small gift. A big smile was formed upon my lips when I saw what’s inside. A pink dress with a black belt just above the waistline was neatly folded in the package.

I love it Dad! Thank you!
Anything for you, hunny.
Where’s Mom? I would like to show this to her!
I think she’s outside. By the garden.

With that, I jogged to the front of the house and let my eyes scanned our garden place. There. I saw Mom by the roses.

Mom!
Sweetheart, what are you doing here this early?
Dad brought me a present! Look!
Oh, this would look great on you. It matches your hazel eyes, Cassie.
You think so, Mom?

Suddenly, Mom started sobbing.

You know I’ll always love you Cassie, and that I’ll never leave you right?
Of course, Mom. Why are you crying?
I sure wish I can see you smiling while wearing that dress. You mean so much to me. I wish I could stay with you forever.
What are you talking about Mom? Are you gonna leave me again?
Please tell Mom that you won’t hate anyone or do something that will ruin your life.
Why Mom? I don’t understand.

My head was spinning. I don’t have a single idea what my mother was talking about. She then handed me a rose.

You are as beautiful as that rose, Cassie. You, you have a wonderful life ahead of you. Keep going sweetheart. I love you.

She then embraced me as if she’s never gonna let me go. What’s going on? I remained imprisoned in my mother’s weak arm. When I look up, her eyes were close.

Mom?

Then it struck me. Her heartbeat suddenly stopped. She’s not breathing. My Mom’s not breathing!

Mom! No! You promised! You said, you said, you would never leave me! No! I don’t want to be alone again!

I can’t see clearly. Tears were blocking my eyesight as I shook my mother’s lifeless body. It’s no use I know. She would never wake up again.