Megan:
Descending the stairs felt like navigating through hell. The laughter in the dining room seemed to echo the void left by Julie's absence. My husband, daughter, Alex, his brother, and his parents were all gathered. Every chuckle and mirthful exchange served as a stark contrast to the heavy burden I carried. The saying "You only know what you have when you let it go" echoed in my mind.
Taking a seat, I couldn't muster the energy for their light banter. Sara, oblivious to the turmoil, continued cracking jokes. The realization that she had been here, blissfully happy, while my daughter was suffering intensified my anguish. Tears streamed down my face, and a comforting hand landed on my back. It was my husband, and as everyone fell silent, their attention focused on me.
"Hey, what's wrong? Did you and Julie have another fight?" Daniel inquired.
"No, Daniel, it's not a fight. She's gone. I can't believe I let this happen," I confessed, my voice laden with sorrow.