13th Jan 2025
The hospital room was quiet and still. Anna sat by her father, holding his hand. "Do you remember when you taught me to ride a bike?" she asked with a shaky voice. Her father's eyes twinkled, and he smiled softly. "You fell a lot, but you always got back up," he whispered. Anna nodded, feeling both happy and sad. "That's because you wouldn’t let me quit!" Tears started to flow down her cheeks.
Anna felt her heart racing. Her father squeezed her hand one last time. "Never quit, Anna. Never." His voice faded and the room became silent. She sat there, feeling the weight of goodbye. She wanted to cry, but she remembered his words. "I will be strong! Just like you taught me!" she whispered to him. Anna smiled through her tears, her heart filled with love, knowing she would carry his spirit with her always.
The days that followed were hard for Anna. She missed her father's warm hugs and his gentle voice. But every time she felt like she couldn't keep going, she remembered his words. 'Never quit, Anna. Never,' she repeated to herself each morning, feeling his love wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.
One sunny afternoon, Anna took out her bike. Her heart pounded with the memory of learning to ride, her father's laughter echoing in her ears. She wobbled a little at first, just like when she was little. But then she steadied herself, smiling as she felt the rush of wind on her face. 'I did it, Dad!' she cheered to the sky, knowing he was cheering right back.
Every ride became a journey with her father. She pedaled through the park, past the big oak tree where they used to have picnics. Her brave heart swelled with pride, just like he always said it would. Anna knew that her father was part of her every step of the way, and she would carry his courage and love in her heart forever.
