When Ruby’s little girl, Cindy, started talking about a “friend” named William, Ruby thought it was just a kid from school. But when Cindy said this friend shared the same name as Ruby’s father—who had sadly passed away—it changed everything.
Ruby had always been close to her family. As an only child, she felt a special bond with her mom and dad. They were her biggest fans, cheering her on at every field hockey game and attending all her parent-teacher meetings.
Even when Ruby went off to college, her parents would visit often, bringing delicious homemade meals that filled her heart with warmth and love.
But everything changed when her father died. Ruby’s world turned upside down.
Now, Ruby had her own family. She was married to a wonderful man named Dean, and they had a sweet six-year-old daughter, Cindy. Since Ruby’s father passed away, her mom seemed like a different person.
Once a vibrant and creative woman, she became quiet and distant, as if she had lost her spark the day they buried Ruby’s dad. She clung to Cindy as if the little girl could fill the big emptiness in her heart.
Ruby’s mom often took Cindy on fun outings, and while they usually had a great time, Ruby began to notice something strange. After these visits, Cindy would come home with tears in her eyes and avoid Ruby, which made Ruby feel uneasy. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but something was definitely off.
One sunny afternoon, while mixing up a batch of cupcakes, Ruby decided to gently ask Cindy what was going on. “Why do you cry when Grandma brings you back? Did something happen?” she inquired, stirring the batter with care.
Cindy paused, her little brow furrowing in thought. “It’s because of Grandma’s friend. He’s always there,” she replied, her voice soft.
“What friend?” Ruby asked, surprised. “Grandma usually doesn’t have anyone else with her.”
Cindy’s face lit up with a small smile as she remembered a happy moment. “Grandma asks me to say hi to William before we eat. Who’s William, Mommy?”
The name hit Ruby like a bolt of lightning. William was her father’s name.
Keeping her voice steady, Ruby replied, “Oh, that’s okay, sweetie. Let’s finish these cupcakes.” But inside, her heart raced with worry and confusion.
The very next day, after leaving Cindy and Dean to enjoy some movies, Ruby knew it was time to have a serious talk with her mom. She needed to figure out what was happening.
When Ruby brought up Cindy’s talk about William, her mom’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry, Ruby,” she said quietly, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to frighten Cindy.”
“Frighten her? What’s going on, Mom?” Ruby asked, her concern growing deeper.
Her mother took Ruby’s hand, her voice shaky. “I still feel your dad’s presence. Talking about him helps me cope with the loneliness. I didn’t realize I was doing it around Cindy. I didn’t mean to confuse or scare her.”
Ruby’s heart ached for her mom. She had been struggling with the loss of her dad too, but she hadn’t understood how deeply it affected her mother. “I know you miss him,” Ruby said softly, “but Cindy doesn’t understand. She’s just a little girl, and this is confusing for her.”
They spent hours reminiscing about Ruby’s dad, sharing laughter and tears over coffee and donuts. In the end, Ruby suggested her mom explain things to Cindy in a way she could understand.
Her mom agreed, realizing that while talking to her dad brought her comfort, Cindy wasn’t ready to grasp it all yet.
In the weeks that followed, Ruby’s mom took the time to speak with Cindy about her feelings. She helped her understand that Grandpa William wasn’t a ghost or an imaginary friend, but a special memory they could cherish together.
To help herself heal, Ruby’s mom even started seeing a therapist. This made a big difference in her life. Her mood began to brighten, and she picked up her paintbrushes again—a hobby that she and Cindy loved to share.
Cindy quickly returned to enjoying her time with Grandma. They painted, laughed, and created beautiful memories together. As a family, they found healing and strength in one another. Though Ruby’s mom still talked to her father, she did it in private now, keeping those cherished moments close to her heart.
“We’re moving forward, stronger than before,” Ruby thought as she watched her mother and daughter bond. It was a new beginning for them all, filled with love and hope.
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