~* My Sea Angel- Epilouge *~

Years later....1

Her face was the same.  Youthful and full of light, but her body had aged over the years.  Her heart had never mended and everyday she missed him still. 2

She sat on the railing of the beach-house, weathered by the years, staring out onto the waves.3

"Mom?" a voice emerged from the silence.4

She turned to face her daughter.  The woman's black hair was whisking in the sea air and her deep brown eyes held concern.5

"What are you doing?"6

"Just saying goodbye to my memories." she whispered, looking down at the worn picture that had sat on her night table all these years.7

"To Drew?"8

"Along with other things..."9

"I wish I would have knew him."10

"He died long before I adopted you, Marie."11

"He still seemed like a wonderful man."12

"Oh, he was.  He was my wonderful sea angel."13

Marie walked to the old woman and held her tightly.  "I know you're holding on, Mom.  I know your sickness is hurting you.  I just want you to know it's okay to let go.  I'm grown-up enough to know that I'll be okay.  You can go to Drew."14

The woman stared into her daughter's eyes.  She knew this day would come eventually.  But she also knew that she couldn't leave just yet.  As much as she wanted to, there was still life to live.15

"I'm glad to know that Marie, but I'll be around for a couple more memories."16

Marie smiled and hugged her mother tight.  "Good."17

With tired eyes, she headed for the door.  18

"I'll be home soon, I'm just going out to the cemetery." she told Marie.19

Marie just looked at her and smiled.  She knew her mother would never return home, but it was okay.  Everything was.  All her affairs were in order, and everything was just great.20

"I love you, Mom."21

"I love you too, my dear Marie."22

She slowly crept to her car and drove cautiously to the cemetery where she was so familiar.23

The iron gates squeaked their hello under the old woman's push and gave way semi-easily.24

She sat down next to the weathered grave site. Her flowers were still alive and they gave a nice aroma to the dead air.25

"I love you, " she whispered slowly, taking slow breaths.  Her time was now, her place, here.26

She slowly closed her eyes and faded into the waves in the arms of her sea angel.27