Disclaimer: Blah blah blah. I don't own a thing here. Sarah, Jareth, Karen, and all things Labyrinth belong to Jim Henson. The song A Dozen Red Roses belongs to Tammy Graham.
It was the happiest day of Sarah's life. Her wedding day. Today, Sarah would become Jareth's wife and Queen. Her step-mother, Karen, helped arrange her hair and put on the veil, and Sarah smiled. Everything was almost perfect. The only thing missing was her father, but he couldn't be there. Robert Williams had died of cancer shortly after Sarah had returned from the labyrinth nine years ago. The only good thing to come of that was that Sarah had only had two people to turn to, and her bonds with Karen and Jareth had both strengthened.
A dozen red roses in a simple bouquet
Arrived at the church on her wedding day
The bridesmaids gathered 'round her
The last details done
But a dozen red roses
Who could they be from?
Sarah remembered how in those last days of her father's life, she had finally called Karen 'Mom.' Karen had been there for her, unlike Linda, who didn't seem to care at all anymore. But now it was time for everyone to take their places, and Sarah was left alone in the room for a few moments. Looking at the table, Sarah saw a small bouquet. One dozen red roses, her favorite flowers. But who were they from?
The moment was close now
The church filled with light
She stood like a picture in a glow of white
All her friends waited
The music softly played
Yet she reached for the roses
On the table where they lay
Reaching for the flowers, Sarah saw a small envelop with them, and picked it up. Opening it, she pulled out a note. Now she would know who had sent them so she could write out her thank you note to the appropriate person. She couldn't believe what she read.
Then from the roses
She picked up an envelope
Her hand was guided by her heart
And for every rose
A single teardrop fell
As she lifted her veil and slowly read the card
Sarah couldn't stop herself from crying for a moment. Her father had known he was about to die, wouldn't last much longer. And he had made sure she would remember him on this, her most special of days. Outside, she could hear the music playing. It was almost time for her to make her entrance, but she finished reading the card.
You're in your room sleeping
As I write these words
You won't read them
'Til years from now
God will call me home soon
I'll miss your wedding day
So your mom will keep this note to send
With the rose bouquet
So take one of these roses
To hold in your hand
And I will be beside you
As always
Love, Dad
Sarah smiled. She would do better than taking one of the roses. Instead, she took all twelve, combining them with the other flowers in her bouquet. Pulling her veil back down over her face, she headed out as the bridal march began, smiling even larger than already was, knowing her father was with always.
