I pressed play on the video again, turning up the volume slightly. The tablet rested on my lap as I leaned closer to Aurelia's still form.
"Mommy says I'm strong like her," Violet's sweet voice filled the quiet hospital room. "Even when my kidneys hurt really bad, I try to be brave."
I watched Aurelia's face intently for any reaction. Her breathing remained steady, mechanical.
The video continued, Violet's emerald eyes—so like her mother's—shining with childlike wisdom. "I made this for my mommy," she held up a colorful drawing. "It's us in heaven together if I have to go there first. But I told her I don't want her to come too soon because she has lots of important things to do here first."
My wolf stirred anxiously as Violet's voice grew softer.
"I love you more than all the stars, Mommy. You're the best mommy in the whole wide world. And I'll always be your brave little wolf, even if I'm watching from heaven."
A single tear slipped from beneath Aurelia's closed eyelid.
