đŹ PART 2: "Proof sheâs still alive." Eleven years of grief, shattered by one sentence.
The little girl didnât answer.
Not at first.
She just stared at the bride like she was suddenly afraid of saying the wrong thing.

The groom moved closer.
âWhatâs inside?â
The bride snapped the locket shut.
Too fast.
Her hands were trembling now.
âNothing.â
The groom stared at her.
âThat didnât look like nothing.â
The flower girl wiped her face with both hands.
âShe told me youâd be angry.â
The brideâs breath caught.
âWho told you?â
The girl looked toward the hallway behind them.
The wedding guests had gone quiet.
âShe said not to tell anyone until you opened it.â
The bride took one slow step toward her.
âWhere did you see her?â
The girlâs eyes filled again.
âAt the bus station.â
The bride shook her head.
âNo.â
The groom touched her arm.
âWhat is happening?â
She pulled away from him.
âMy mother was buried eleven years ago.â
The little girl looked confused.
Then frightened.
âBut she knew your name.â
The bride froze.
The girl reached into the pocket of her flower dress.
âI have something else.â
Her tiny hand closed around an unseen object.
The bride whispered,
âWhat?â
The girl looked up at her.
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âProof sheâs still alive.â