Fate's second chance

rt. He stood at the graveside, his frame rigid, dressed in a black suit that seemed to weigh more than just fabric

n her face. Her bright blue eyes, once full of life and laughter, now seemed dull and lifeless. Her should

ungs with the undeniable reality of loss. Barbara's small hands tre

and love. A part of Barbara had been buried alongside her mother, and de

g Alex's arm. Her voice was fragile, like it might shatter at any moment. "She al

ife the day Barbara clocked five, a bittersweet moment that had changed his life forever. Now, all that remained were fleeti

away the tears on Barbara's face. Alex gently wrapp

do," he whispered, trying to

, her eyes red-rimmed. "

ife, had been his rock, his partner in every

would make the finality of death more real. Barbara's small frame l

said softly, opening

anced at her from time to time, guilt creeping into his heart. He knew he hadn't been there for her as much as he should've been, especially after he

the silence. "I'm sorry I wasn't there m

ly above a whisper. "I know you did your best. You we

ge to break the weight of the day. He knew today was especially hard for Barbara, an

ok.Barbara wiped her tear-streaked face and gave him a weak smile. "Dad, you don't have

, ruffling her hair. "No promises."In the kitchen, Alex tied an apron around his waist, determination filling his chest. Cooking w

d with the rich scent of garlic and spices as he poured all his effort into the dish,

she took her first bite. "This is actually good," Barbara said, a hint of surprise in her voice.Alex grinned.

of all days, he didn't want to leave Barbara, but duty called. He

of all days, he didn't want to leave Barbara, but duty called. He

, his voice strain

e stakeholders. We need you here immediatel

sked, his tone firm but

ing anxious, and we need your expertise to ca

e worse," Alex muttere

al. The future of the company han

refuse. As the company director

t there," Alex said

he news to Barbara. Before he could even speak, Barba

don't you?" Alex

voice filled with a mix of guilt a

s okay, Dad. You should go. Just... brin

ain, hit Alex hard. He leaned ov

back soon, I promise. Try

her eyes welli

e you,

you too,

gnawed at him, but he couldn

usual, his mind consumed by thoughts of Bar

puffy from lack of sleep. Her mother had been unconscious for days, and no m

for any sign of movement. The machines surrounding the bed bee

had been cooking dinner when Hannah heard a loud thud from the kitch

es still h