Whispers In The Wind

A small breeze whistled gently through the quiet churchyard at Green Meadow, weaving itself in and around the various sized stones that marked the end of a life, a small description to sum up an entire existence.

At a mere five years old, Angel was quite at a loss as to what a graveyard was. As to what all the funny shaped boulders meant, but it had gradually grown on her that it was something her father both disliked and favoured. She knew exactly when he wanted to go, and on a few occasions, about twice a year he would spend hours sitting at one particular headstone making sure Angel was held closely to him as he sobbed silently.

Up until this point in her lifetime, it hadn't occurred to Angel why her father was so intimate with this spot. Why not another stone? She had thought. Why not the one with the pretty flowers and the lady statue? Had crossed her mind many a time. It was only when she'd overheard a conversation containing the words "Angel's mum" and "Leah" that her nature struck a more curious note.

This particular morning seemed rather empty to Angel. Her father noticed it too. As they walked through the churchyard hand in hand, not saying a word, unlike their usual routine of Angel giggling incessantly as Danny spoke and teased simplistically, but enchantment to a five year old.

"Daddy," She spoke up, eyes wide looking up at Danny, still walking. "Is mummy here?"

Danny looked down at his daughter. His heart raced frantically at the mention of the subject of 'mummy'.

"Daddy?" Angel questioned when he didn't answer as quickly as she wanted him to. He still said nothing and began to walk again, his pace increased this time. Angel had to run to keep up with her fathers much longer legs and brief jogging. "I heard you and Aunty Vicky talking about mummy."

"Mummy's everywhere." Danny whispered, almost trying to assure himself as well as his own daughter in the matter.

Their walk came to a halt in front of the same grave as usual. Danny sat on the bench opposite beckoning Angel to sit on his lap. She clambered upon him, ready to listen to whatever he now had to say.

"Your mum, was so beautiful, Angel." He sighed, stroking at his daughters long brown locks, twizzling the curls with his fingers. "You were a blessing, sweetheart."

"Where is she?" Angel asked inquisitively, looking around to hopefully catch a glimpse of the mother she'd never seen to her knowledge.

"Before you were born, Angel, we knew mummy was very ill. And the people in the sky knew they had to take mummy away. But they knew she didn't want to leave me alone." Danny smiled, tears now cascading effortlessly down his cheeks.

"So what did the sky people do?" Angel asked.

"They sent us the most beautiful thing in the world. Mummy found out she was going to have a baby. But not just any baby, our very own little Angel." He said. "After we had our Angel, mummy knew she didn't have long left with us. The sky people needed her help. They came down from the sky and whisked her away."

"But Daddy, weren't you lonely?" Angel questioned.

"No Sweetheart, I had you with me." Danny whispered.

"Don't you miss Mummy?" She continued.

"Everyday. But when I feel sad I know I have my Angel with me." He spoke. Angel leapt up throwing her arms around him.

"How do I tell mummy something?" She asked.

"You whisper into the wind and the sky people will take it up to mummy." Danny replied as he stood up, Angel in his arms. She was silent again as he carried her out of the church gates. He sighed feeling a huge weight lift from his shoulder. No more sound was made from Angel, Danny thought she was asleep, until her heard a small whisper. "I love you, mummy."