Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 91 ~ Are you proud?

ATHEN

"Hi mum, Dad."

The words leave my mouth barely above a whisper as I crouch beside the two headstones, brushing away the dried leaves clinging to their bases.

I was given a leave day so I could visit my parents' grave. for their memorial I came here every year and sadly this is the first time I've visited with good news.

Tears blur my vision as I trace my fingers over the engraved names

Elena and Marcus Dawson

My parents.

My everything.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice cracking like brittle glass. "I should've come sooner."

The guilt coils tighter in my chest, like a vice. Last year, I couldn't bring myself to step foot here.

I was drowning in pain, in fear, in the crushing weight of being told I had killed my

own son.

but how can

hear Dad's voice in my head, stern but kind, telling me to stand tall. I could see Mum's soft smile, always believing in me even

But they aren't here.

I'm so alone.

slightly, rustling the trees as if they're responding. My arms wrap

I scrubbed in today," I say, forcing a small smile as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "It

voice cracks at the end, and I bite my lip, shaking my head with a soft laugh. "You'd be proud," I add, staring at the names carved in stone. "I know you would." "I just wish you were here to hug me." I choke. "I wish I could come home and tell you everything. I wish I wasn't always walking around pretending I'm

cheek, then another. I don't bother wiping them away. They fall freely

you. God, I miss you both

me, soft like fingers through hair, and for a second, almost believe it's my mum's hand on my shoulder. Or Dad standing beside me, arms crossed,

I so much as grazed my knee," I say, my voice trembling. "And now...

me, watery and broken. My knees press into the cold grass

under me. My fingers trace the letters of their names like I'm trying

"I miss you."

when he cooked.

over, warm

press a hand to my mouth to muffle the sob, curling into myself slightly. "Sometimes, I do all these incredible things, and I look around, waiting for someone to tell. But you're not

see me. Wherever you

my eyes for a moment, letting the

So, there is no need to worry about