EPILOGUE
“I can feel happiness, and now I know that to truly live, you have to pay attention to the little things…”
COLIN ADAMS
The last few years have been full of happiness and achievements.
We now have the newest architect in the family—and she’s an absolute handful!
Kidding aside, Isabelle graduated top of her class, and she poured herself into school these past years. Like I’ve said before, getting good grades alone doesn’t guarantee success—practice is everything.
I promised to support her in whatever she needed, and from what I’ve seen, my wife has a real gift; she expresses herself so well.
As for my life, not much has changed. Well, that’s not quite right—what I mean is I’m still working, still doing my best to give my kids the attention they deserve.
Every day I make a point of showing the woman I chose for this journey how much I love her, and now I’m absolutely certain I made the right choice.
I enrolled Joshua and Hanna in the same school, and right now they’re squabbling over something I can’t quite make out.
“Stop being annoying, Joshua,” Hanna said.
“Oh, come on…”
“What’s up, kids?” I asked.
“He’s jealous of me, Dad,” Hanna said faster than Joshua, flashing a mischievous smile.
“Really?” I raised an eyebrow and turned to Joshua.
“Yeah, right, kiddo. I’ve got better things to do.”
“You’re always watching me at recess. I’m pretty, Joshua, and the boys look at me.”
She’s as pretty as her mother—the way she talks is the same too.
“It’s just that… I notice everything. That’s all. And… uh, I’m tired of this.”
Joshua stomped out of the room a little annoyed.
“You like annoying your brother.”
“I love him, and I know Joshua loves me too, but I do like teasing him. He used to mess with my dolls, and I’m vindictive.”
“You scare me sometimes.”
“I’m a good kid, Dad.” — She hugged me.
As time went on, Hanna got more affectionate with me. Since she didn’t have a present father for a long while, I think she’d missed having a dad figure in her life.
“I know. And in a bit you’ll be chatting with your brother again.”
“Oh, I’m actually going to go bug him a little more right now.”
I laughed.
“Go on then, sweetheart.”
I watched my little girl leave the room with a smile, and it made me so happy—especially after everything that’s happened these last years.
From across the room I saw Isabelle walking toward me, a huge smile lighting up her face.
“Looks like the kids are at it again,” she said after wrapping me in a long hug.
“How’d you figure that out?”
“Joshua came to vent a few minutes ago. Hanna’s been picking on him again.”
Another bond that grew stronger over time was between Joshua and Isabelle.
Back then, he was a little withdrawn, but that’s long gone now.
The two of them get along perfectly—they’re like mother and son.
I don’t know what it is about Isabelle that breaks through people’s walls, but somehow, she always does.
Maybe it’s her… how should I put it… relentless persistence that borders on excessive sometimes.
“Any doubt she’s your daughter? Because I sure don’t,” she teased.
I got a firm smack on my shoulder for that one.
“She definitely takes after you. And not just in the looks department,” I added.
“As long as she doesn’t end up as stubborn as you, I’ll be happy.” She winked, taunting me.
“Don’t start with me.”
“And what are you gonna do about it?”
I’ve changed a lot over the years. Believe it or not, there are days when I chase Isabelle and the kids around the house, threatening to “get” them just to hear them scream and laugh.
We have fun together—like a real family—and I never want to lose that.
For almost a year, after Maddison’s death, I forgot what happiness even felt like.
But now, I get to experience something close to it again.
Jeniffer and I were never as close, but with Isabelle, everything feels effortless.
Sometimes I wonder… why was I given a second chance at life?
Maybe because, for once, I gave God—and myself—a chance. And now, I’m reaping the rewards.
I stepped outside the mansion and fixed my gaze on a single point in the distance.
There are still moments when I like to be alone, just standing there, watching the sky for a while.
This was one of those moments.
I looked up and closed my eyes, certain Maddison was watching me. Our love will never fade. I can still feel her with me—right here, right now.
END