It had always just been daddy, mommy, Maya, and me.

Then it was just daddy, maya, and me.

We’ve talked an awful lot about death. Maya and I. We never thought we would get the opportunity to experience it together. The click of the motel lock as daddy laughed with his new lady friend kept fading in and out of my memory. The gap between my eyebrows disappeared just thinking about it, and I could tell Maya felt the same. The seagull motel has the most beautiful view. A cliffside, looking over the angry waves of RockRhode beach. Now Maya and I stand hand in hand together at its edge, lifting our chins to take in the salty, ocean breeze. I close my eyes, and imagine glorious white wings emerging from my dress, I imagine them to look just like mamas. When my eyes flutter open I don’t have to look. I know they’re there. I look over to Maya and she nods her head at me. Her wings haven’t popped out yet, or maybe I’m just not allowed to see them. I squeeze her hand and she squeezes back, all of our love leaking into each others hearts, splashing together like the ocean. I take a step forward...

and then we jump.