"Nothing." I was exhausted and didn't want to talk anymore. "Just tell Mom I'll help with the funeral arrangements if she needs me."

With that, I started to leave.

"Sophie!" Benjamin shouted after me.

I ignored him and picked up my pace. I had to get home. I needed a quiet place to let it all out.

When I got home, Oliver wasn't there.

I called Logan, even though I knew he probably didn't want to be disturbed. Maybe it was out of spite, but I called anyway.

Logan answered quickly.

"Where's Oliver?" I asked.

"At my mother's."

Having gotten my answer, I hung up and went straight to my room.

Today, I couldn't face anyone else who despised me. As for Oliver, I'd pick him up tomorrow.

In my bedroom, I curled up alone on my bed. It was so quiet I could hear my own breathing.

That's when I really realized just how alone I was. No one was there to comfort me, no one who cared.

Except for Oliver, nobody in this world loved me.

The tears started falling again.

I knew I should stop crying, but I couldn't help it.

I couldn't help but think that if I hadn't been so stubborn back then, maybe I'd be happier now.

But what's done is done. No one can go back to the past.

*****

For three whole days, I stayed in my house. Logan called several times, but I didn't answer.

He was with Rachel now, and maybe they'd even moved in together. I didn't want to hear any of that.

My phone buzzed—a text from Mom.

It said: Your father's burial is today.

At the hospital, I couldn't say goodbye. Today was my chance to see him one last time.

I splashed cold water on my face, waited until I looked somewhat presentable, then put on a black dress and left.

Oliver was already waiting at the door.

I crouched down, looking at his teary eyes. "What's wrong, baby?"

"Mom, I miss Grandpa so much," Oliver got choked up. "We were supposed to go fishing this Saturday."

Seeing my son in so much pain nearly broke my heart.

Richard might have been a terrible father to me, but he was an amazing grandfather to my son.

I held Oliver tight in my arms, softly comforting him. "I know you miss him, honey, but he's in a better place now, and he'll always be watching over you from heaven."

Oliver looked at me, trying to understand.

I smiled as I stroked his hair. "He'll live forever in your heart."

Oliver touched his chest with his eyes still red.

Still stroking his hair, I continued, "And you know, he probably wouldn't want to see you cry. So how about we remember all the good times we had with him, okay?"

I had few happy memories with my father, but Oliver had many. I needed to help him hold onto those memories.

"Mm-hm!" Oliver nodded firmly.

I stood up and took his little hand. "Now, let's go say our final goodbye to him."

"Okay, mom."