AN: Chapter by AnImaginary Mann.


"This is so unfair! If daddy were here I wouldn't have to sit on the stool."

Jacob, the husband to whom I dedicate less grief than I should. Lost in combat over eighteen months ago, there is little to no chance of finding him alive. Some nights I pray for a body, just so we can truly move on with our lives. Poor Alice is the one who misses him the most, but I just wish she would stop mentioning him. I know it's selfish and unfair, but I can't stand the pain of losing my best friend, the one who stood by me in my time of need.

"Honey, we've been through this..."

"Yes, but you are wrong. I still dream of him! I know daddy is coming back!"

"No, he isn't. Stop being such a little brat! You are upsetting mom!" Oh, Rose... sweet, overprotective Rose. I know her intentions are pure, but still...

"Rose, don't say these things to your sister. She is little, in time..."

"Mom, she is eight – old enough to understand that dad is lost to us."

"No, mommy... Tell her..."

My poor little angel is sobbing, her broken little face asking for a confirmation I cannot give.

"We can always hope, baby. We can always pray."