Harriet stood in front of the familiar tombstone, her hands buried in her pockets as she looked down at the name engraved there.
"Hey," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible. "Sophie." A bittersweet smile spread across her lips, and she let out a small chuckle. "Guess this is it," she said, crouching down. "I've found someone new. She's wonderful, beautiful... after years of keeping myself trapped in the past, I finally found someone." Her words held a hint of laughter, though it was tinged with sadness.
"I found her, Sophie," Harriet murmured, swallowing hard. "I'm happy now. Her name's Zoey FosterâMom's secretary. She's my girlfriend," she added, biting her lip.
Harriet brushed away a few stray blades of grass from the grave, her hand lingering there for a moment. "I know I don't visit you as often now," she admitted quietly. "But I promise I'll still come by, just... not like before. I have things to focus on now, things that make me better for myself, for Zoey... and even for you. I should've done this a long time ago, right?"
Standing up, she stretched her arms and looked to the sky. "You're doing alright up there, right, Sophie?" she asked, closing her eyes as a gentle breeze swept over her. "I'm doing alright down here too," she murmured, laughing softly.
She looked down again, her eyes misty. "Sophie... I'm officially letting you go. I want to start fresh with ZoeyâI don't want to lose her. I'll take care of her. I promise." Her voice trembled slightly, but she took a steadying breath. "I'm letting you go, Sophie. I'll bring Zoey by one day. I want you to see how amazing she is." She felt lighter, a weight she had carried for years finally lifted. "Goodbye for now," she said, stepping back to leaveâwhen she spotted a familiar figure a few steps away.
Clearing her throat, Harriet respectfully inclined her head. "Auntie Vivian," she greeted, recognizing Sophie's mother.
"You still visit Sophie?" Vivian asked, stepping closer to the grave. Harriet nodded, feeling a wave of uncertainty.
Vivian turned to her. "You don't have to be so formal, Harriet. I'm not her father, and besides, we're finalizing the divorce," she said with a casual shrug. Harriet had known, of courseâSienna had mentioned it.
"I'm sorry, Auntie Vivian," Harriet said softly, bowing her head. She understood that Sophie's family was still processing their loss.
Vivian placed a gentle hand on Harriet's shoulder. "I heard you talking to herâfinally letting her go, right?"
Harriet bit her lip. "Yes... I just couldn't find a reason to before. But nowâ"
"Now you have a reason," Vivian finished for her, a soft smile in her eyes. "It's nice to see you're doing better, Harriet. It's been so long since I last saw you... was it at the Pinnacle Summit?"
"Yes, Auntie," Harriet replied, rubbing the back of her neck.
Vivian nodded, looking thoughtfully at the tombstone. "There's something we never told anyone," she said.
Harriet tilted her head, waiting. "When Sophie arrived at the hospital... she was already brain dead," Vivian began. "We made the decision to donate her organsâthe ones still viable after the accident. That way, pieces of her could live on."
Harriet listened, a quiet realization dawning on her as her heart began to pound.
Vivian hesitated. "We donated her heart, Harriet. There was a young girl who needed it... her parents died from the same accident that you were in."
Harriet took a shaky step back. "You don't mean..." She glanced at the tombstone beside Sophie's, a thought striking her like lightning. Zoey, her mind whispered.
Vivian nodded. "I've wanted to tell you, but if you're ready to know... Sophie's heart was donated to someone named Zoey Foster," she said, noticing Harriet's eyes welling with tears.
"Auntie," Harriet said, wiping her eyes before bowing deeply. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Thank you for giving Sophie's heart to Zoey," Harriet managed, straightening but still blinking away tears.
Vivian looked at her, puzzled. Harriet cleared her throat. "Auntie... the heart recipient, Zoey Foster... she's my girlfriend," Harriet admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Vivian's eyes widened, glancing between Sophie's grave and Harriet. A soft, amazed laugh escaped her. "What are the odds? Small world, indeed," she murmured, a smile spreading across her face.
Harriet peeked into Zoey's office, a smile tugging at her lips as she caught Zoey focused intently on her computer screen. She knocked softly before stepping inside, catching Zoey's attention. Zoey glanced up, tilting her head with a smile.
"Wow, you look happy, Doc," Zoey said, leaning back in her swivel chair. Harriet chuckled as she walked over to Zoey's desk.
"I have something for you," Harriet said, grinning with one hand hidden behind her back. Zoey craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse, chuckling in anticipation.
"What is it this time?" Zoey asked, meeting Harriet's warm hazel gaze.
With a flourish, Harriet revealed a bouquet of pink and yellow tulips. "Tadah!" she said proudly. Zoey's eyes widened in surprise.
"What's the occasion, Doc?" Zoey asked, taking the bouquet and inhaling the delicate scent of the flowers.
"No occasion," Harriet replied, her smile softening. "I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate youâfor being here, for being alive, and for being with me."
Zoey paused, clicking her tongue and smirking. "Are you sure about that? You're not secretly hoping to start something here in my office, right?"
Harriet scoffed, but her grin was playful. "That hadn't crossed my mind... but since you're already suggesting it, I might just consider."
Zoey laughed, pointing at the security camera in the corner. "Nope, hard pass. I don't want to end up as office scandal footage."
Harriet laughed, settling into the chair across from Zoey. She watched as Zoey placed the flowers in an empty vase on her desk. "Now I finally have a reason to put this vase to use," Zoey said with a smile. "Thanks for the sweet surprise."
Harriet exhaled a contented sigh, her eyes sparkling. "How about making it official? Will you be my wife?"
Zoey looked up, laughing. "Even if I wanted to, I have a lot on my plate right now, you know what I mean?"
"Ah, yes, all your plans," Harriet said with a nod, though her smile remained bright.
Zoey raised an eyebrow, studying her. "You didn't do anything reckless, right? Because I'm starting to get suspicious about all this extra sweetness."
Harriet shrugged. "Nope, I've been a 'good girl,' as you always say. I just wanted to give you flowers to appreciate you... for everything you've overcome and, of course, for giving me a chance."
As Harriet looked at Zoey, her heart raced. She thought to herself, What are the odds that we'd cross paths? I never knew Sophie's parents had donated her organs, but because of that, I met you, Zoey. And now, I get to have you by my side.
"Can I get a hug?" Harriet asked, standing up and extending her arms.
Zoey chuckled, stepping forward to embrace her, resting her head on Harriet's chest. Harriet kissed the top of Zoey's head. "I'm so grateful for you, Zoey. I love you," she murmured, holding her close.
Zoey chuckled, rubbing Harriet's back. "You're being unusually sweet and clingy," she teased, still nestled against Harriet.
"You're supposed to say 'I love you' back," Harriet said, sounding like a kid demanding affection.
Zoey sighed playfully. "Even if I didn't say it, you know exactly how much you mean to me, Harriet. But if words aren't enough..." Zoey rose onto her tiptoes, giving Harriet a soft kiss on the lips.
"I love you," Harriet whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to Zoey's forehead.
Zoey smiled, pinching Harriet's nose. "I know. And I love you even more," she replied, pulling away. "Now, let me get back to work. I've got tasks to finish."
"Another late night?" Harriet asked, crossing her arms as she dropped into the chair. "Maybe I should have a talk with Mom or Riley about your workload. I need my girlfriend time, too!"
Zoey laughed, settling back into her chair. "Another overtime, but don't worry. Since you're here, I'll make sure I finish soon," she said with a wink.
"Well, if you promise a hot scene later, I'll wait however long you need," Harriet replied, licking her lips with a teasing smile.
"Harriet!" Zoey hissed, laughing at her antics. "Quit being such a tease," she said, turning back to her computer.
Thank you, Sophie, Harriet thought to herself, for the gift of Zoey's life. I swear, I'll cherish herâfor you and for her. She smiled as she watched Zoey. I can't wait until the day I can finally call her my wife.