I stood frozen in place, watching as the video began to play on the massive screen at the Moonlight Fair. The crowd around me hushed, all eyes drawn to the unexpected display. My heart hammered against my ribs as I recognized the fair's entrance gate.
And there she was. My daughter.
Violet stood at the entrance, her small hand clutching Aurelia's. She wore that purple dress I barely remembered giving her, a matching ribbon tied in her dark hair. Her emerald eyes—so like her mother's—were wide with excitement.
"Is Daddy really coming?" Violet's voice rang out through the speakers.
"He promised," Aurelia answered, adjusting Violet's jacket. "Remember what the doctor said about staying warm, even if the sun is out."
Violet nodded solemnly. "I know. My kidneys need extra care." She pronounced 'kidneys' carefully, as if she'd practiced the word. Then her face brightened. "But I'm going to get new ones soon, and then I can run and play like other kids!"
