During the funeral, a raven landed on the girl’s coffin. A second later, everyone present went SPEAK…

“She’ll be just like you,” Owen said with a grin. “Smart and strong. I’ll always protect her.”

Emily’s heart swelled with pride and love. Owen was more than a husband—he was her rock, her best friend. He was there through every moment.

One night, when Lily spiked a fever, Emily’s panic surged. Her chest tightened, but Owen took charge. “We’re going to the hospital, don’t worry,” he said firmly. He cared for Lily and kept Emily calm. When Lily recovered and they returned home, Emily’s gratitude overflowed. “You’re the best husband and father,” she said, hugging him. “I’m so glad you’re ours.”

Owen held her tightly. “We’re a family, Emily. I love you both.”

Time flew, and Lily grew into a curious toddler, chattering in full sentences that amazed her parents. They couldn’t believe how quickly she was developing. Today was a big day—Lily’s first day at preschool.

That morning, as they got her ready, Emily noticed Lily studying herself in the mirror, wide-eyed. “You’re beautiful, like a princess,” Emily said, zipping up Lily’s backpack. Lily turned, beaming, but a flicker of worry crossed her face. “Mommy, I’ll miss you,” she whispered, grabbing Emily’s hand.

Emily’s heart ached. Her little girl was growing up, starting a new chapter that required a bit of distance. “You’ll come home and tell us all about it,” Emily said, hiding her sadness. Owen, sensing her unease, wrapped an arm around her. “You’ve got this, Lily. You’re a smart girl.”

As they left the house, Lily clung to Emily’s hand. “Mommy, I’ll be good, I promise,” she said, as if reassuring herself and her parents. Owen chuckled, kneeling to hug her. “Of course you will, you’re amazing, Lily,” he said, standing and sliding behind the wheel.

The drive to preschool passed quickly, but tension hung in the air. At the school, Lily sat in the car, clutching her backpack. “Here we are,” Owen said, glancing at Emily with a small smile, though his eyes betrayed his nerves. “Ready?”

Emily nodded, squeezing his hand. “Yeah, we’re all ready.”

At the entrance, Lily glanced back at her parents. “I’ll miss you,” she said softly, then turned toward a group of kids playing in the sandbox. Emily and Owen watched her tiny figure, so small yet growing more independent by the second.

Outside the preschool, Emily’s hand trembled. The world felt unpredictable, as if life itself was testing her. Owen noticed and took her hand. “Hey, it’ll be fine,” he said, breathing deeply to calm her.

“Yeah,” Emily smiled, “did you see her? She just walked right over to those kids. She’ll be okay, I know it.”..