Work Text:
The wooden door creaked as it was pushed open. Glancing around the living room, Lily reminisced when her mother would greet her at the door with a joyful smile on her face. Walking to the dull, quiet kitchen, Lily opened the fridge and grabbed a strawberry lemonade, her mother's favorite. Although they just tasted bitter now. Breathing in, Lily could still smell her mothers vanilla perfume as she danced in the kitchen . Walking to down the hallway, Lily poked her head into the office, spotting her father bent over his computer. Shaking her head, she headed to her room, hoping to finish most of her homework by dinner.
—
"Lily," her father called softly, jolting Lily from her concentration. "Dinner's ready." Sitting down, Lily slowly blinking at her father
"Aren't you going to eat?" She asks.
"No sweetheart, I'm not hungry."
Sadly gazing at her father, Lily pondered if her father and her would ever eat together again. The next morning began with heavy rainfall, matching Lily's mood. Her eye bags were more profound than usual due to the dream she had that night, well he could still see her mothers limp form when she closed her eyes. Reluctantly getting ready for the day, Lily knew it wasn't going to be good. Her bones tired and her mind weak, the dismissal bell finally ring.
"Dad," Lily called, closing the door behind her, "I'm home."
Frowning, she walked into the kitchen wondering where he was. Noticing the sticky note on the fridge, her father had gone on a grocery run. Walking towards her room, she froze. The master bedroom door was open. After her mom passed away father didn't even sleep in there anymore. Why would it be open?
Hand shaking, she push it open all the way. The scent of her mother was stronger here than in any other part of the house. Taking notice of the bare walls, Lily walking to the closet on the other side of the room. Slowly opening the door, memories and echoes of her mother swirled in her mind. Taking one of the sleeves to her face she inhaled the distinct smell of her mother, vanilla and spice. Lily gave a small smile, remembering how much her mother loved wearing sundresses and flower clothing. Brushing her hands across the rest of the clothes, she marveled at all the different colors and fabrics. She laughed softly to herself, realizing how her mother's personality and clothes matched, bright and colorful.
"Lily?" Her father whispered, frozen in the doorway.
"Dad! I-" Lily replied, spinning around. She hadn't heard the front door open.
"What are you doing?" His voice was breaking. "What are you doing in here?"
"I-I was just looking through Mom's clothes. The door was open..."
Her father sighed, " Lily..."
"She always enjoyed peeking out her outfits in the morning. Matching her shoes and jewelry." Lily laughed wetly. "I never truly realized how much flower clothes she owned."
"Lily please." He pleaded.
"What? You know how much she loved going to different events and-"
"Lily!" His voice raised, cutting her off. "That's enough!"
Lily stood motionless, shocked by her father's words and tone.
"If you'd excuse me." She whispered, walking quietly out the room.
—
The next day after school, Lily's mood with sober and quiet. Walking towards her room, she heard noises from her father's office. She hesitated, took a deep breath, and turned.
"Why don't you talk about Mom anymore?" Lily ask quietly standing at his office door. It was quiet for moment.
"Dad?"
Her father's eyes burned with tears as he attempted to finish this sentence he was writing. His pencil snapped as if he was angry.
"Please Lily..." He pleaded once again. "Not now."
" Why not?" Lily demanded, her eyes blazing as her anger grew. "Why not?"
Her father's breath trembled not knowing how to respond he scrambled for words,
"I-I can't. Lily please. I can't."
"Why not? Why not?" Tears formed in her eyes. "Mom does and all of a sudden she never existed!"
"Lily!" Her father gasped in shock.
"No! How dare you! Why are you shutting everyone out? Why are you shutting me out? I'm your daughter!"
"I love her!" He cried out. " I love her, and I love you!" It was silent as they both tried to catch their breath. Her father exhaled as Lily stepped into the room.
"Don't shut me out. Please." Lily pleaded, anger fading.
"Your mother everything. She was selfless and she loved people. Loved you. I-I don't know what to do now." He confessed. " She knew exactly what to do if you cried, how to do your hair, where to look when you lost your uniform. I don't know how to help you become the wonderful woman that your mother knew you would be. I love you so much Lily. I just, I don't want to let you down."
" Dad, I love you too," Lily responded wetly. " You don't have to know all the things that Mom did. And if it's about time I learned to manage things on my own." They both laughed weekly. "Dad, you express your love for me and Mom in different ways. Making our food always coming to my games, and supporting mom when she starts a new project."
"Oh Lily."
" Mom might not be with us anymore and yeah it hurts everyday, but we don't have to be sad alone. She wouldn't have wanted that."
" Come here," Dad said, bringing Lily into a big hug. "I love you kiddo, and your mother loved you too."
"Love you too Dad." Lily said sighing contently in her father's arms.
Enter the next day, Lily wakes up to a clattering noises in the kitchen. Deciding to go investigate, she sees her father putting containers into a basket.
"Dad? What are you doing?" She asked.
"I'm packing!" He responded brightly. "We're going on a picnic. Quickly go get dressed!"
" Oh okay." Bewildered, Lily headed to her room.
—
Driving down the roads, surrounded by looming trees, Lily reflected on how much her life had changed in just a few months. Gasping softly, Lily realized where they were.
"Are we...." Her voice trailed off.
"Yes, yes we are." Her father answered, conviction strong in his voice.
After the parked, Lily closed the door behind her and walked closer to the flowing water.
"This was Mom's favorite spot."
"It sure was" Her father replied cheerfully.
Wandering along the riverbank, feeling the grass and flowers tickling her ankles, Lily let a small smile grace her lips. Spinning in circles, Lily took a deep breath, letting out a big laugh. Her father smiled knowing exactly what she was smelling, her mother's perfume.
—
Later at home that night, Lily made a decision that she knew would alter her relationship with her father.
"Dad." She called, from her room. "I have something to show you."
"Lily? He asked walking down the hall and leaning on her door. "What's up?"
Taking a deep breath, she pulled the canvas from behind her. Hearing the gasp from her father she continued to stare at the floor.
"Lily," His voice wavered. "It's beautiful!"
Looking up, she smiled softly. " I made it with Mom, a couple weeks before she died. It was supposed to be surprise but I wanted to show you. I noticed you took the rest of her paintings off the wall. I hope this would bring you some joy.
"It does, Lily. It really does." Her father smiled, walking up and hugging her.
Lily smiled in her father's arm knowing that they would be okay no matter what happened as long as they were together.
Fin