A soft knock startles me out of my reverie. Quickly wiping away a few stray tears, I clear my throat, straightening my posture and turning to the door. “Come in.”

Vera tentatively steps into my room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She leans against it. For a moment we just stare at each other.

Slowly, she steps forward until she’s right in front of me. Her soft hand touches my cheek as she kneels down before me, our eyes never breaking contact.

“Oh, Rose… my beautiful Rose…” She sighs. “I still love you, my precious one.”