When Ruby’s daughter, Cindy, excitedly started talking about a “friend” named William, Ruby thought it was just a new playmate. But everything changed when Cindy mentioned that this friend shared the same name as Ruby’s father, who had passed away. This revelation sent a chill down Ruby’s spine.

Ruby had always been part of a close-knit family. As an only child, she felt a special bond with her parents. They cheered for her at every field hockey game and attended all her parent-teacher meetings, their smiles brightening her day.

Even when Ruby went off to college, her parents made it a point to visit her often, bringing along delicious homemade meals that made her feel cherished and loved.

But after her father’s death, Ruby’s world turned upside down.

Now, Ruby had her own little family—a loving husband named Dean and their lively six-year-old daughter, Cindy. Since the day her father was buried, Ruby’s mother had changed drastically. Once a vibrant and creative woman, she seemed to lose her spark.

She became quiet and distant, often holding onto Cindy like she was a lifeline, trying to fill the emptiness left by Ruby’s father.

Ruby’s mom frequently took Cindy on fun outings, and while they usually enjoyed themselves, Ruby noticed something strange. After these visits, Cindy would come home in tears, avoiding Ruby as if something was wrong. This made Ruby uneasy. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but her mother’s behavior was worrying.

One sunny afternoon, while mixing batter for cupcakes, Ruby decided to gently ask Cindy about her feelings. “Why do you cry when Grandma brings you back? Did something happen?” she inquired, stirring the sweet mixture.

Cindy paused, her little brow furrowing in thought. “It’s because of Grandma’s friend. He’s always there.”

“Which friend?” Ruby asked, her heart racing. “Grandma usually doesn’t have anyone else with her.”

Cindy’s face lit up with a small smile as she recalled a happy moment. “Grandma asks me to say hi to William before we eat. Who’s William, Mommy?”

The name hit Ruby like a bolt of lightning. William was her father’s name.

Staying calm, Ruby replied, “Oh, that’s okay, sweetie. Let’s finish these cupcakes.” But inside, her mind was racing with worry and confusion.

The very next day, after settling Cindy and Dean in for a cozy movie night, Ruby felt it was time to have a serious conversation with her mom. She needed to uncover the truth behind Cindy’s tears.

When Ruby brought up Cindy’s mention of William, her mom’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m so sorry, Ruby,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to frighten Cindy.”

“Frighten her? What’s really going on, Mom?” Ruby pressed, her concern deepening.

Her mother took Ruby’s hand, her voice shaky and filled with emotion. “I still feel your dad’s presence with me. Talking about him helps me cope with my loneliness. I didn’t realize I was doing it around Cindy. I never meant to confuse or scare her.”

Ruby’s heart ached for her mom. She had also struggled with the loss of her father, but she hadn’t fully understood how deeply it affected her mother.

“I know you miss him,” Ruby said softly, “but Cindy doesn’t understand. She’s just a little girl, and this is confusing for her.”

They spent hours reminiscing about Ruby’s dad, sharing stories over coffee and donuts. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow in the kitchen, Ruby suggested that her mom talk to Cindy about her feelings. “It would help her understand,” Ruby encouraged.

Her mom nodded, realizing that while speaking to her late husband brought her comfort, it was essential to explain things to Cindy in a way that made sense to her.

In the weeks that followed, Ruby’s mom took the time to talk to Cindy about her feelings and memories. She helped Cindy understand that Grandpa William wasn’t a ghost or an imaginary friend, but a beautiful memory they could cherish together. “Remember, sweetheart,” her mom said with a gentle smile, “Grandpa William is always in our hearts.”

Mom even began seeing a therapist to help her work through her grief, which turned out to be a wonderful decision. She felt lighter, and her mood began to improve. Soon, she picked up her paintbrushes again, diving back into her favorite hobby—one that she and Cindy could enjoy together.

Cindy quickly returned to her joyful self, eagerly spending time with Grandma. They painted, baked, and laughed, creating beautiful memories that filled their home with warmth. As a family, they began to heal together. Although Ruby’s mom still talked to her father in private moments, she did it with a sense of peace now.

They were all moving forward, stronger and more connected than ever before.

Ruby felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that while they would always miss William, they had each other to lean on, and together, they could keep his memory alive in their hearts.

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