208 Mama and Papa

Adeline opened her eyes to pure light. She squinted and placed a hand over her vision in hopes of dimming it. Soon, she was able to see properly and realized she was seated in a meadow of red roses. She tried standing up, but found her legs bounded by thornless rose vines. What did this mean?

"Adeline?" A familiar voice called out in confusion.

The voice alone caused a tear to trickle from Adeline's eyes. It landed upon a small bud, and instantly, it bloomed into a red rose. She shakily lifted her head as the air left her lungs.

"Papa," Adeline whispered, her eyes watering as she realized where they were. Was this Heaven? Did she die during childbirth? The last thing she remembered was Elias holding her children, a soft expression on his face. That scene was enough for her to have a satisfying death.

"Mama," Adeline muttered, upon seeing the familiar blond hair of her mother standing beside her father.