Epilogue (Six Years Later)
…
It was March 4th. And just as she had every year before, Sam made her way through the cemetery towards the grave marked with her deceased son's name.
As Sam stared down at the gravestone, she felt a tear trickle down her face. No matter how many years it had been, she would never be able to get over to seeing Conner's name there.
Sam sat down at the base of the grave. It wasn't an easy task, seeing as she was currently eight months pregnant.
"Hi Conner," Sam whispered once she was situated. "How have you been, sweetie?"
She reached into her bag and pulled out a large conch shell. "When Freddie, Lauren and I went to the beach over the summer, I found this and it reminded me of the one you found that one time Aunt Carly and I took you to the beach here. I thought I'd come and leave it for you."
She placed the shell on top of the gravestone.
"I feel like so much has happened since I was here last year," Sam continued. "Me and Freddie had our two-year anniversary a few weeks ago. I can't believe we've been married for that long already…Crazy, huh? Oh and Lauren's learning Spanish now. She's learning it in school so all day I listen to her and Freddie going on about something that I have no idea about. You know, I never really understood how Freddie got so good at Spanish…I need to teach Lauren Italian, though, so I can have a turn to bug Freddie."
She gave a small smile. "I remember you had a few words down. You could say 'dog', 'house' and 'mom'."
She wiped her eyes.
"Oh," she continued, feeling a few light kicks against her abdomen. "And I guess there's the biggest thing that happened since I was last here…Freddie and I are going to have a baby together."
She placed a hand on her stomach. "She would've been your little sister," Sam said softly. "And I know you would've been a great big brother. We're naming her Heather. Heather Kay Benson. She's gonna be here in a couple of weeks now. I can't wait to bring her here to meet you next year."
She let out a small sob. "I wish you were here with me still, honey. I know I say it every time I come here, but I still mean it. I'll never stop wishing things could've been different."
She pulled a tissue from her pocket and cleaned her face. "I love you so much, Conner. No matter how much time passes, no matter what else happens…you're always going to be my baby. I just want you to know that."
Sam felt a gentle hand on her shoulder and she turned around to see Freddie and Lauren, who was now twelve years old.
"Hey," Sam said. "I didn't hear you guys coming over."
Ever since Freddie and Sam had become a couple six years ago, he had always accompanied Sam on this trip. He would give her some time to herself before joining her, however.
This was Lauren's first year joining them. Normally she stayed at a friend's house, but this year she had asked if she could come along.
"We stopped and picked up some flowers," Freddie said. "Lauren thought they'd look nice out here."
Sam smiled at her stepdaughter as Lauren handed her a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers.
"Thank you," she said as she placed the flowers next to the seashell. "I'm really glad you came with us this time, Lauren."
"I'm glad I came too," Lauren replied.
The family sat in the cemetery for over an hour. Sam found it more comforting and less depressing to be there with Lauren and Freddie than to simply sit alone.
When it came time to leave, Freddie helped Sam up to her feet.
"Bye, Conner," Freddie said. "We'll see you again next year with your new baby sister."
"It was nice finally coming out here," Lauren said. "Um, bye Conner."
"We'll wait for you in the car," Freddie told Sam.
"Alright," Sam nodded as Freddie and his daughter headed towards the kissing gates.
Sam sighed as she took one last deep breath.
"I'll see you next year, Conner," she whispered. "But I'll think about you everyday."
And with that she turned around and went after Freddie and Lauren.
….
AN- That's it; the story's officially done! Thanks so much for everybody who read/supported it :) The sequel will be up tomorrow!