24. Notes
The crayon was pink this time, the same girl's favorite color. She scribbled on the piece of paper, making sure her father couldn't see what it said. What was nonsense to someone, meant something to her. Draco was understanding that she wanted to keep that between her and her mother and he respectfully looked away, taking the folded piece of paper when she was done and slipping it into the envelope.
"Are you ready?" he asked, standing up and taking both envelopes -his and her's- in one hand. She nodded, standing up from the small picnic table. She gathered her crayons and paper, putting them in her small bag and letting Draco help her put it on. She was already so independent, just like her mother.
The walk to the grave marker was quiet. Her little palm in his was a reminder that, though he had lost much, he had gained more. He had gained everything through this little girl. She was his whole life now, helping ease the pain of his lost love.
The stone was small, square. The script on the front was delicate, swirling. It simple read,
Ginny Malfoy
Beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend.
The small girl reached up for her envelope and Draco handed it to her. She kneeled in the ground, placing a small palm lovingly on the writing. "I miss you, Mommy." she whispered. She had meant it to be low, not reaching her father's ears, but he had heard it nonetheless.
She opened up the metal box on the side of the grave marker; Draco had had it attached when his little girl decided to start writing her mother. She kissed the note, placing it on top of the others, and closed the lid again.
Standing up, she looked to Draco. "I'll leave you alone." she said, her white dress swirling as she took a few steps, turning her back to him. He had to smile. Four years old, but her maturity astounded him.
He kneeled, reading the words for what felt like the millionth time. "I miss you, love. Every day, I miss you." he whispered, the tears coming again. He opened the box, kissing it just like his daughter had kissed hers, and added his lovingly to the top. "I forgave you before you ever hurt me. I'm so sorry I never told you that. I'm sorry I let it get so far."